13-14 Girls and Chris Courtis Highlight a Day of Stingray Domination

Not sure how to accurately describe Stingray's first night of competition at the Pete Ribbins Memorial Swim Meet.

How about ...... WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!!!!! YEAH BABY!

First things first though... earlier this morning Chris Courtis competed in the Canadian Interuniversity Championship (collegiate national championship). Christopher swam another personal best in the 50 backstroke (26.54) once again qualifying for the next level of competition, Canadian Nationals, held in April. Nationals is contested in LCM. Courtis is edging dangerously closer to becoming the first swimmer to break one of the team records held by a Stingray Olympian. The time to beat at Nationals is 27.70. We'll be rooting for you Chris

Then in the evening the good times kept rolling for Stingray as it hosted the opening night of the Pete Ribbins Memorial. Swimmers raced lights out (figuratively and literally) winning every event they contested. Ella Plunkett and Stef Boothe started off the action by going 1-2 in the first heat of the 800's, finishing like monsters at the end of the distance swim.

Jonathan Key and Sam Bailey kept their hot streaks alive by powering through 800's close behind Cole Morgan, who placed first for 13-14 Boys. And in the final heat of the 800's, Matthew Courtis led the way from start to finish, clocking in at 8:48, placing first overall.

But the real highlight of the night was the 13-14 girls Open Water Trial in the 1500. Katie Klein, Ashley Theaker and Catriona Macrae stormed to a 1-2-3 finish and staked their claim to the three spots in the CARIFTA Open Water event (subject to selection), held at the end of competition in Jamaica. Midway through the race the power dropped out at the stadium but the swimmers kept charging forward, all three girls building their lead with every lap, cheered on by wild Stingray supporters, who only got louder as the music blanked out.

In the most exciting finish this coach has maybe ever seen for a 1500 Free, Katie and Ashley traded leads throughout the race and sprinted to a photo finish. Klein touched first in a time of 19:30.5 (unofficial) while Theaker clocked a 19:31.2 (unofficial). Macrae, coming off being forced out of training for 10 days, had a strong finish and collected third place in 19:44.

Proud parents, proud coach.... proud to be a part of this team tonight.

Get ready for a RED WAVE tomorrow!!!!