The Red Deer Catalina Swim Club recognized some of their top performances of the season in style this weekend.
On top of celebrating a number of swimmers at their annual awards banquet, the club also had Olympians Jon Cleveland and Mark Versfeld on hand to speak with the group of swimmers.
As for the club, they honoured Kyla Leibel, who won silver and bronze at the Pan Am Games this past year. They also celebrated a double provincial championship medium team win, a first for the club. During the 2018-19 season, swimmers at the club set 40 new team records.
Individually, three Catalina collected major awards. Justin Valentine won the Bonanza Cup for his years of outstanding leadership and sportsmanship. The Bryce Iliscupidez Memorial Award went to Kaymin Graham for his great attendance, positive attitude, who is accepting of new challenges and shows great leadership. Owen Halford won the Art Mellom Memorial Award for his commitment, dedication and perseverance.
The Catalina also recognized swimmers in each age category for most improved, best work ethic and best race of the year.
Most improved Award: Davis Hansen (Jr. Development), Emmy Flynn (Development), Makena Victor (Jr. Provincial), Abbigail Bahler (Provincial), Jaden Debruijn (Performance), Brooklyn Wiens (High Performance)
Best Work Ethic Award: Gian Quirino (Jr. Development), Logan Milman (Development), Piper Hilderbrandt (Jr. Provincial), Kaymin Graham (Provincial), Isaac Bahler (Performance), Jayden Vale (High Performance)
Best Race Award: Ben Bahler (Jr. Development), Addison Pruden (Development), James Cho (Jr. Provincial), Madison Wiens (Provincial), Owen Halford (Performance), Ocean Roos (High Performance).
Email sports tips to Byron Hackett
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