The Varsity Blues men’s swimming team dominated, while the women fell just short of the title at the 2012 Tihanyil division swimming championships this weekend (Nov. 17-18) at the University of Guelph.
U of T’s men finished with 1108 points, ahead of McMaster (887) and Guelph (667). The Marauders women squeaked out a 1006-974 win over the Blues, with the Gryphons women also placing third. Rounding out the six-team meet were Laurier, Laurentian and York, who finished 4-5-6 in both men’s and women’s competitions.
"The men may have dominated some of the events but they need to step it up to a much higher notch if they hope to win the national title at the end of the season," said Varsity Blues head coach Byron MacDonald. "On the women’s side, we just came across a more prepared and rested team and they beat us flat out."
Both Jeremie Holdom and Zack Chetrat were double gold medalists for the men. Holdom won the 200 and 400 IM, while Chetrat came away with the 100 butterfly and 200 freestyle titles.
“Zack swam a lifetime best of 53.28 in the 100 fly win, which is quite impressive this early in the season. He also did it less than five minutes after he won the 200 freestyle," said MacDonald.
"Jeremie's 400IM is a country-leading swim time and shows that he has found new focus and drive this year since his upset gold medal national title last year," said assistant coach Linda Kiefer.
On the women’s side, the Blues were bolstered by Vanessa Treasure, Andrea Jurenovskis and Margot Cunningham. Treasure won three races in the 400 IM, 200 butterfly and 200 breaststroke, while Jurenovskis cruised to victories in the 50 and 100 backstroke events. Cunningham picked up a pair of gold medals in the 200 back and 200 IM events.
"Margot came back this fall fitter and with a great mindset," said MacDonald. "She is already ahead of last year even though she recently missed two weeks of training because she was in Australia at the world lifesaving championships competing for Canada."
Full Results
The Blues host the University Cup this Thursday, November 22 at 330 p.m. at Varsity Pool.
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