Titans Odyssey

Riding the Winter Divisional Wave into March

Ah, brave souls of the Titans Community, gather 'round and take notice of the tale of our recent escapades into the realm of swimming excellence! We charged into March with the victorious echoes of February still resounding in our ears. Our February began with the Titans Medley Add-Up, where some of our Titans, like the triumphant Kaelen Emmerson (9), proudly raised their aggregate wrestling belts high over their heads. This momentum carried us to last weekend's Swim BC Vancouver and Fraser Winter Divisionals in Surrey, marking yet another chapter in our extraordinary swim season.

Summoning the essence of Oceanus, the mighty titan of the sea, we embarked on our Winter Divisional mission, determined to create a spectacle of waves in the once-serene waters of the Surrey Leisure Centre. With unwavering resolve, our Titans plunged headfirst into the fray, prepared to challenge any opponent at any moment – in stark contrast to John Cena, you can certainly see us Titans!

Our Titans stood tall, embodying the noble virtues that define our essence: Growth, Boldness, Integrity, Community, and Compassion. With each stroke, we carved our path through the currents, fearless in our pursuit to be the best we could be. Needless to say, we emerged glorious! From the dawn of Friday to the twilight of Sunday, our Titans showcased their prowess with 8 new qualifiers, 40 personal bests, and 4 podium finishes.

 Highlights from the past weekend show our swimmers who rose to the challenge, seized the moment, and continue to set the bar high!

Angie Kozeratskyi (13), whose lightning-fast swims not only secured her a bronze in the 50 fly in 'outside smoke' fashion from lane 1 but also earned her 2 silvers, one in the 50 breast and the other in the 50 freestyle, granting her a ticket to the Provincials in all three events.

Brooklyn Tetzlaff (15), whose impressive 50 fly left everyone in awe, secured her a Gold and a coveted spot at the Provincials.

Sunny Sandu (16), whose expedited efforts in 50 breaststroke sent him to Provincials, Harriett Biagini (11), at her first Divisionals displayed a fierce relay lead-off on the 15 and over freestyle relay earned her a Divisional standard in the 50 free, and Pavlo Dolzhenko (15) and Julia Longmuir (14), whose blazing 100 frees brought glory to our ranks, teetering on the brink of qualification for provincials earned them the swimmer of their respected sessions.

Let's not overlook the extraordinary performances of our other Titans! Each and every one of our Titans played a crucial role in our success at Divisionals. It was a particularly special moment for 7 swimmers who competed at their first championship meet. These young athletes showcased their talent and gained invaluable experience and growth in the sport.

Take, for example, Ben Chen (11), who debuted at Divisionals and left his mark by clinching a valiant fourth place in the 50 free. He came oh-so-close to a provincial qualifying time, missing it by a mere 0.3 seconds! And then there's Charlotte Beatty (12), who blazed through the water in the 200 back during her inaugural Divisionals appearance. She did it in style by shaving a whopping 2.64 seconds off her previous best time in the event. But wait, there's more! Let's not forget about the Titans who achieved divisional standards this weekend. Marcus Colgiu (11) in the 50 Back, Lincoln Jarvis (12) in the 100 free, Anthony Maliwat (12) in the 200 breaststroke, and Shelby Tetzlaff (12) in the 50 Free.

Furthermore, much respect should be paid to our seasoned veteran, Mariella Missori (18), whose leadership and determination shone brightly throughout the weekend. We couldn't be prouder of everyone's efforts!

As we bask in the glow of victory, let us not grow complacent, for greater challenges lie ahead. March beckons us with the promise of new conquests, including Provincials (March 7th-10th), Chena & Gators LMR (March 16th-17th), Western Canadian Nationals (March 21st-24th), training camp, and then a much-deserved break. With glowing hearts, unyielding spirits, and united by a common purpose, we shall face these trials head-on, emerging victorious once more, for we are the Ridge Meadows Swim Club, home of the Titans!