Local swimmers surging through regionals at John Rhodes

Never mess with the finest!

It’s not just their slogan, but a concept that swimmers from the Sault Surge Aquatic Team (SSAT) are sending to their rivals at this year’s Dave Kensit Regional Championships.

The once-a-year event is remaining hosted in Sault Ste. Marie this weekend at the John Rhodes Community Centre Pool, which has brought in 12 golf equipment from across northern Ontario.

Showcasing more than 250 swimmers between the ages of 8 and 17, groups are competing for the coveted regional championship banner.

SSAT and its 38 swimmers enter the final working day of competitiveness in 2nd put, sitting down 50 factors at the rear of Sudbury Laurentian as of 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Head coach Nancy Day couldn’t be prouder.

“These little ones swim their hearts out,” she claims. “They’re awesome young children. I’m truly proud of them.”

“We have great athletes here. They practise early in the early morning ahead of likely to faculty, and then they come back soon after school to exercise much more.”

“Some of them are even in the middle of writing exams. I’m just so happy.”

SSAT veteran swimmer Will Bantam has had a prosperous weekend entering Sunday, earning a gold in the 200-metre relay and a silver in the 400-metre freestyle swim.

A member of SSAT for 8 a long time, Bantam credits his group for generating a optimistic environment at the pool.

“It’s a really supportive team listed here,” he suggests. “It’s like a family members. When we apply in the morning, everyone’s content and definitely into it. Everyone’s there for every other and cheering every single other on.”

Bantam will be graduating from St. Mary’s School this 12 months and hopes to get into McMaster University.

“I’m doing the job in direction of swimming on their college staff,” he suggests. “I set about 11 hrs a 7 days into swimming, additionally dryland training on Fridays. I appreciate it.”

Meanwhile, 12-year-old swimmer Oliver Bennetto has been with SSAT given that he turned eight.

Heading into the final day of level of competition, Bennetto has currently racked up five medals: two golds, one silver, and two bronze.

“The hard get the job done has paid off a whole lot,” he claims. “If you set in more than enough perform, you can qualify.”

“Meets like this are genuinely pleasurable. You get to see everyone and race. I’d love to get a scholarship down the street.”

SooToday will publish the final results of the regional championships when they become out there later this afternoon.