With seven of ten OUA schools represented in the pool on Sunday (Jan. 19), the University of Toronto Varsity Blues swimming team continued their busy schedule as host of the U of T Invitational at the Athletic Centre - Varsity Pool.

The open invitational event, which included club swimmers outside of just OUA institutions, is a unique meet as it is not scored. This allows swimmers to race without the fear of attaining or losing valuable team points. 

"The whole purpose of the Sunday invitational was to get the athletes used to two meets with multiple efforts in a weekend; as opposed to just the one dual meet," said Varsity Blues assistant head coach Linda Kierfer. "The championships (OUA and U SPORTS) are three-day events with prelims and finals each day, so the swimmers need this rehearsal." 

With some swimmers racing in new events with the lower stakes, the Blues saw some surprising results. Backstroke specialist Andrew Herman won the 400m IM, while Varsity Blues team co-captain and freestyle speedster Teagan Vander Leek picked up a victory in the 200 IM. Vander Leek's great time opened the door to challenge for a Top 8 finish at the national championships in the "off" event for the Blues veteran. Additionally, Aiden Harris impressed with a win in the 100m butterfly.

"Aiden is one of our hidden gems," said Varsity Blues head coach Byron MacDonald. "His improvement in the sprint 50m and 100m fly this year is remarkable and we envision a strong national presence for him."

Other U of T winners at the meet included Sydney Stewart in the 100m freestyle, Angel Yao in the 400m freestyle, Albert Bouley in the 50m butterfly, Nina Mollin in the 100m breaststroke, and Quinn Matteis in the 200m freestyle.

Next up for the Blues, they will once again take part in an open invitational as Varsity Pool welcomes competitors for the annual Toronto Grand Prix. The meet begins Friday (Jan. 24) night at 4:30 p.m. and continues the next day at 10 a.m. This will serve as the final tune-up ahead of the OUA Swimming Championships from Feb. 7-9 at the Markham Pan Am Centre.