Titans Odyssey: Triumphs, Swagger, and Trials Dreams
Our Odyssey Continues
Ridge Meadows Swim Club, gather 'round for a saga of epic proportions! With an unwavering resolve, the Titans stormed back into the aquatic arena, unleashing an unparalleled display of zeal and might. In recent weeks, these Titans showcased a fervour that echoed across the lower mainland, conquering new challenges with an enthusiasm that knew no bounds, securing triumph after triumph.
On November 25th and 26th, the Titans displayed their mettle with resounding victories at our Home Meet, particularly our younger squad, who shone brightly. New LMR qualifiers emerged, including Dayton Perry (10), Kate Mak (11), and Maggie Escaravage (12), alongside the triumphant ascent of Divisional Qualifiers Charlotte Beatty (11) and Pavlo Dolzhenko (16). The saga continued with Kalin Onda (14) fearlessly conquering the 100 Butterfly and Shelby Tetzlaff (11) revealing her prowess in the 400 Individual Medley, both swimming in these events for the first time. Elijah Aguilar's (9) swift 100 I.M. and Hannah Maingot's (11) breathtaking 8-second drop in the 100 Freestyle added to the heroics.
Beyond the aquatic realm, the club's growth was on display. A colossal shoutout to the parent volunteers, the unsung heroes orchestrating and elevating our home meet. Their commitment, from operating the time system to officiating and hosting, epitomizes the true Titans spirit. We had parents take on challenges and learn more about the sport, like running the time system, officiating, and partaking in hosting a swim meet for the very first time. Heartfelt gratitude to our parent community – their dedication made our home meet the success it was.
Fast forward to December 9th and 10th, when the younger Titans competed in the Chilliwack Spartans Santa LMR, achieving previous bests and bravely attempting new swims like some of our 12 and under, trying the 100 fly for the first time. Safe to say, they did not disappoint. Nevertheless, Isabella Hutchinson (14) stole the spotlight, earning her divisional cut in the 50 free with a blazing time of 30.61. While a 2-hour drive westward from Chilliwack, the National Development squad was putting on a show in the UBC Aquatic Centre's aquatic colosseum.
The National Development squad celebrated their hard work at the VPSC Fall Invitational from December 8 to the 10th. Where teams across the lower mainland witnessed the prowess of our top squad, not only did our N.D. Titans secured top 20 finishes but broke ground, attaining national time standards like Senior Trials that booked Daniel Hai and Keenan Gander a golden ticket to compete in the 2024 Canadian Olympic Swimming Trials in Montréal this May!
Daniel Hai (17) exploded onto the scene with a sensational triumph in the 200m Breast. Igniting the pool with a blistering time of 2:26.51, he thundered into the ranks, seizing a commanding 3rd overall. But that was just the beginning of Daniel's electrifying performance, dominating the competition and landing solidly in the top 10 across multiple events. Keenan Gander (17) unleashed a torrent of excellence, clinching his second trial cut in the fiercely contested 200 back with a lightning-fast 2:11.59, securing a stellar 2nd place. Gander elevated his game further in the marquee event, the 400 I.M., surging to another 2nd-place finish and leaving a trail of awe in the wake of his top-10 performances.
Meanwhile, the young blood Kirin Bullock (14) claimed multiple western cuts during the weekend in the 100 Fly, 800m and 1500m freestyle, joining his 400m Freestyle he got at the Surrey Knights invitational. With each stroke, Bullock is inching closer to his Canadian Junior National time standards adding an air of anticipation to his ascent. Brooklyn Tetzlaff (14), added new times to our record boards obtaining club records in the 50 back and 50 free. While Ryan Leslie (16) danced on the precipice of triumph, edging ever closer to her coveted trials cut in the dynamic 50 back, securing an impressive 6th place and landing in the top 20 across multiple events. Fueled by a relentless pursuit of happiness, the entire National Development Squad set the stage ablaze with their top 20 performances.
My friends, this is the thrilling narrative of rising stars and demonstrates our program's development. In the true spirit of Titans swagger, we shall illuminate the spirit of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Let the echoes of our triumph resonate across the swimming community in B.C. – for the Titans are poised to etch their mark in the tapestry of 2024! Believe, Titans, believe – this is a tale for the ages!
As December unfolds, our Titans prepare for a relentless series of meets, culminating in a grand crescendo on December 14th - 17th with the NRST Ugly Sweater Invitational in Nanaimo and the Richmond Rapids' Fast Swim Classic. Then, on December 22nd, our Time Travelling Titans embark on our Final Fast Friday of 2023, where we travel back to 2004 and compete in the Athens Olympics.