BLUES SWIMMERS OFF TO THE RACES IN 2009
The defending OUA champions Blues men's squad defeated the Gryphons 104-43, while 2008 OUA champs women's team beat their counterparts 96-56.
"It's always tough to get back into racing after the exams and Holiday break plus a training camp, but I thought the team responded pretty well afternoon," said Varsity Blues swimming head coach Byron MacDonald.
The men's team saw the return of national champion Marco Monaco to the competition pool, following knee surgery. Rounding back into form, the Oakville native won both of his races this afternoon after missing every meet this fall.
"Marco's contribution to this team is huge both in the water and out. It was great to see him return to the line-up tonight," said MacDonald.
Team co-captain Cam Cummings won all three of his races despite feeling the effects of a long and gruelling training camp.
"I'm so tired from the camp but I know it will pay off at the end of the year."
The Blues held their annual holiday camp in Florida prior to Christmas this year for the first time since the team began holding training camps in the sunshine state.
"It was great," said assistant coach Linda Kiefer. "We would love to do it every year but the fall exam schedule has to permit it. I am sure we are in better shape right now more than ever."
On the women's ledger, rookie Andrea Jurenovskis continued to impress. She won all three of her races, breaking two of three meet records. Heather Maitland was another triple winner - a rising distance specialist on the national stage.
Sasha Theron stepped up in distance to the 200m butterfly from her usual shorter distances and was very impressive, setting a new meet record with a time of 2:18.
Source: Varsity Blues Athletics