Swimmers celebrate final event of 2016 with strong performances

*Original story on govikesgo.com

VICTORIA - A number of University of Victoria Vikes registered impressive performances over the weekend, as UVic closed out the calendar year at the PCS Christmas Cracker at Commonwealth Place.

RESULTS

Rookie Bailey Espersen continued his rapid improvement, qualifying for the U Sports Championships in the heats of the 200-metre Breaststroke before scratching for finals in order to study for exams. Taylor Snowden-Richardson also hit the U Sports qualifying time in the 400- and 800-metre Freestyle, registering personal bests in both races. 
 
A handful of rookies also put together big swims that have them very close to the qualifying standards.

Jake Beyak dropped 10 seconds from his best time in the 1500-metre Freestyle while Thomas van Maren dropped two seconds in the 200-metre Individual Medley and six seconds in the 400-metre Individual Medley to nearly qualify in both events. Jeremy Lynn also took two seconds off of his best 200-metre Freestyle to get closer to the standard.
 
Sebastien Michaud and Brandon Bronson made steps towards re-qualifying for U Sports.  Michaud was on track in the 200-metre Individual Medley but fell off pace at the end of the race.

Also registering best times over the weekend were Kaitlin Gervais (400- and 800-metre Freestyle), Brett Zollen (100-metre Breaststroke), Victoria Mock (200-metre Butterfly), Buzz Mallender (200-metre Individual Medley and 400-metre Freestyle), Allison Hampton (200-metre Backstroke, 100-metre Freestyle and 100-metre Butterfly), Tabitha Craig (50-, 100- and 200-metre Butterfly), Juliana Bartemucci (400-metre Freestyle) and Justin Howe (400-metre Freestyle). 

Jon McKay and Eric Hedlin both had strong seasonal best performances in the 1500-metre Freestyle. 

Next up for the Vikes are the VIR Championships in Comox, B.C. The event will take place from January 13-15 in the New Year.