Neptunes continue to improve, register Silver in Trail
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The Nelson Neptunes won the Silver medal for the second time this Kootenay Summer Swim Association season during a recent meet in Trail.
Grand Forks Piranhas once again edged out the Neptunes as teams competed at the Trail Stingrays Invitational Meet.
“Overall the Neptunes continued to improve, swimming just over 50 percent of the races in a best time,” said Nelson head coach Jacob Verhesen.
“In addition, there were significantly less disqualifications, meaning that swimmers are improving across all facets of swimming including the technical aspects.”
Nelson also took the silver medal in the team standings at the season-opener last month at the NDCC Pool.
Verhesen said the Neptunes managed to place eight swimmers on the podium, including first-timers Marshall Scanlon in Division one and Matis Lamontange Division five boys.
Other podium swimmers were Keira Badry in Division one girls; Kallie Badry in Division three girls; Lachlan Bibby-Fox in Division three boys; Madeline Holitzki in Division five girls and coaches Verhesen and Sam Matthew in Division eight.
Verhesen was impressed with the enthusiasm of the swimmers.
“It was truly incredible to see swimmers cheering each other on regardless of age or ability,” he said.
“More than once the entire pool was filled with deafening cheers from parents and swimmers alike, supporting friends, rivals and teammates.”
Nelson had 17 rookie swimmers at the meet, which led to the impressive finish.
The Neptunes have a weekend to train before returning the pool June 23-24 in Creston.
Upcoming meets in Revelstoke, Kimberley, Castlegar and Colville, Wash., conclude the regular season before Kootenay Regionals August 4-5 in Trail.
The top swimmers advance to the BC Summer Swim Association Provincial Championships August 13-19 in Surrey.
