Under the guidance of coaches Drew Kuhnert, Kyle Brush, Tristan Steven and Megan Rousseau, Blue Devils swimmers continue to prepare for the Vancouver Island Championships, scheduled for Aug. 2-4 at Saanich’s Commonwealth Pool.
Battling rain and cool temperatures at Campbell River Salmon King’s outdoor swim meet, the Blue Devils swam impressively. Top six finishes were had by Jace McDowell (Div. 1 - 6th 100 IM, 6th 50 free, 5th 50 fly, 5th 50 back, 5th 50 breast, and 6th 100 free); Abby McDowell (Div. 3 – 6th 100 IM, 4th 50 free, 5th 100 free), Zoe McDougall (Div. 4 – 2nd 200 IM, 4th 50 free, 6th 50 fly, 2nd 100 back, 1st 100 breast, 2nd 100 free); Evan Barker (Div. 4 – 3rd 100 free, 4th 50 fly, 4th 50 free); Douglas Lightfoot (Div 4. – 6th 50 free, 6th 100 back, 6th 100 free); Megan Rousseau (Div. 6 – 4th 200 IM, 6th 50 free, 5th 100 fly, 1st 100 back, 4th 100 breast, 2nd 100 free); Sydney Kuhnert (Div. 6 – 6th 100 breast); Amelia Helpard (Div. 6 – 4th 100 back), Kyla deWitt (Div. 6 – 6th 100 fly).
Also swimming well, taking off many seconds, were Eli Blasco, Stephen Henly, Alex Paul, Cole Barker, Isabella Anderson, Jaida Blasco, Lauren Blasco, Emma Rudolph and Jessica Novecosky.
With a small, but mighty, contingent the Blue Devils also participated in the Sidney Piranhas Invitational, this time trying to stay cool given the record heat. Losing the most time, and swimming four best times, was Isabella Anderson, who took off a total of 16 seconds over the weekend, with a second place finish in 50 breast.
Emma Rudolph also took off a combined 14 seconds, with best times in four events and a tgird place finish in the 100 free. Abby McDowell placed sec on in the 50 free with a best time.
Zoe McDougall had strong swims with a second in 200 IM, third in 100 back, first in 100 breast and first in 100 free, inching ever closer to provincial qualifying times and club records. Jessica Novecosky, Myia Dunn and Jace McDowell rounded out the team and also put in strong swims.
One of B.C.’s oldest swim clubs, the Blue Devils Swim Club has provided thousands of Comox Valley youth with fitness, friendship, competition and enjoyment since 1948. The Blue Devils cater to all swimmers, providing excellent coaching and enabling every swimmer to develop to the full potential of their individual interest.
For more information, visit www.bluedevilsswimclub.com.
Blue Devils Swim Club