The Acadia swim team ended their COVID-19 2020-21 season on a high note this past weekend with a three-session virtual meet at the Acadia Pool with the full intention of posting some top times versus AUS opponents.
Returning to an empty pool in September, the Axemen and Axewomen faced an uphill climb in returning to form, entering the pool in early November amid the pandemic.
"I've been amazed at the fact the team has been able to race this fast", noted swimmer turned coach Guy Harrison-Murray following the team's last virtual event. "Getting life-time personal bests, breaking Acadia and AUS records in a year where we missed our 'base training' period (September & October) which is usually crucial to building fitness. Despite the setback, we built on that throughout the year. This year has been a testament to the resilience of the team."
This past week's virtual meet delivered results that both coach Jennifer Ingham and Harrison-Murray were pleased with despite the season's awkwardness and lack of AUS competition.
"I would say the team exceeded our expectations with the results at this meet and the season overall. With the late start and the lack of competition, they all worked hard in practice and were focused on the team improving and building into next season. The leadership of several athletes, not only from the captains, was crucial to our success," said Ingham.
On the opening session on Thursday, second year Axeman Gordon Shortt replaced his time on the Acadia record board with a 28.63 time in the 50m breaststroke, breaking his past record of 28.71 set last season.
Notable performances came from AUS rookies of the year last season, Maddie Murray and Dean Sangster, who each provided great contributions to the end result.
Murray lead the women's side with strong swims in all her events, just missing the Acadia record of 2:36.55 head by Hannah Dorion in the 200m breaststroke.
Rookie Axewoman Kassidy Hamilton was strong in the sprint butterfly and backstroke and would have been expected to have reached the podium at the AUS Championships.
Third year swimmer Cali Bruce had strong swims in the backstroke, as well as graduating Axewoman Mary Beth Brown, who dominated the sprint freestyle events.
On the men's side, the Axemen continued to impress, with many strong performances.
As noted earlier, Gordon Shortt broke his own varsity record in the 50m breaststroke, while second year Axeman Dean Sangster just missed his varsity record in the 50m backstroke. Second year Axeman Shane Kenny also missed out on breaking his own record in the 50m butterfly. After battling a few injuries, Reilly Baker impressed the coaches in his specialty, the sprint freestyle.
Graduating swimmer Ben Henger had strong performances in sprint backstroke and butterfly, ending a very successful career at Acadia. Graduating athlete Benito DiNizio impressed the coaches with his steady improvement and leadership all year, as well as Josh Nowlan, who finally got to swim some sprints after a successful career swimming the difficult distance events.
"I think Guy would agree, the coaches are happy with the overall performances and look forward to the culture created in the last few years building into next season," noted interim coach Ingham.
In the coming week, results from this past virtual meet will be posted among other U SPORTS participants, giving the Axemen and Axewomen and idea where they stand among their AUS opponents and nationally this past shortened and virtual season.
Aside: We send a graduating farewell to Mary Beth Brown, Benito DiNizo, Bailey Dowell, Guy Harrison-Murray, Ben Henger, Hannah Keay, Natalie Mason, Josh Nowlan, Molly Parker, Brett Russell, and Sami Williams. Thank you for all you have done to make Acadia Swimming one of the strongest programs in the AUS.