The Yorkton Aquabatix Synchronized Swim Club held their year-end celebration and water show at the Gallagher Centre on Saturday, Apr. 8.
The showcase gave members of the club the opportunity to present what they鈥檝e been working on since October, when the season started, to their friends and families here in Yorkton. For swimmers in the recreational program, it was their only time to perform this season.
Heidi Watrych is the president and head coach of the Aquabatix club. She said this year, athletes in the club went above and beyond for a successful and wonderful year.
She mentioned a few of the kids who had a great season.
Zoe Pfeifer, a 13-15 soloist, came in second at most championships.
鈥淪he did an exceptional job at representing our club,鈥� added Watrych.
Watrych also mentioned Brielle Kitchen, another 13-15 soloist. Kitchen came in third place at most competitions, beating athletes who have been competing in that age group mucher longer than she has.
Lilah Werle swam in the 8-and-under division, and pulled off first in every competition this year in figures, and first in solo throughout the year.
The club鈥檚 novice duet consisted of Jillian Kohlert and Skylar Mutrie. They had a good season, placing in second throughout the year, and then took home the gold medal at provincials.
The 10-and-under duet, Jordanna Watrych and Emma Werle, also took home a gold medal from provincials. They came in second place at most other competitions throughout the year.
The team, made up of athletes aged 13-15, placed fourth at provincials. They were competing in a division of 8 teams.
鈥淚t鈥檚 very competitive at the 13-15 age level,鈥� said Watrych. 鈥淲ith eight teams competing against them from some bigger cities, it鈥檚 a wonderful accomplishment to take fourth.鈥�
Larry Kitchen, the vice president of the Yorkton Aquabatix Synchronized Swim Club, added 鈥渙ur small group does have its advantages. The kids are almost getting a one-to-one or one-to-two ratio from coaches. We have to be very proud of what our coaches have accomplished with the kids.鈥�
Some clubs from larger cities have the opportunity to spend more time in the pool to train on a weekly basis.
However, Yorkton鈥檚 club is limited when it comes to pool time, with the oldest athletes only getting about 5 陆 hours per week.
鈥淭his makes us even more proud of our athletes,鈥� said Watrych. 鈥淪ome clubs swim 20-30 hours per week.鈥�
While this season started in October due to pool closures at the Gallagher Centre, Watrych said she鈥檚 hoping to start things earlier next season.
