PCS Sweep Open Water Awards

Edmonton - The best and brightest of Canada's swimming world were honored during the final day of competition at the 2002 Canadian Open Swimming Championships and PCS was front and center. The 2001 - 2002 Canadian Long Distance Swimmer and Coach of the Year awards were all awarded to swimmers from Victoria's Pacific Coast Swimming. Winning the female Long Distance Swimmer of the Year was Karley Stutzel while her PCS teammate Dave Creel won the men's award. PCS Head Coach, Ron Jacks, was named Canada's Long Distance Coach of the Year.

Stutzel won the national award for the third straight year showing once again that she is Canada's top female open water swimmer. The award was given to Karley based on her 11th place finish in the 10 km event from the World Championships in Egypt this past September. Stutzel had a busy summer in the ocean's around the world as she won the Canadian 5km and 10km titles as well as a 4th place finish in the 10km race at the Alexandria World Cup stop.

Creel claimed his first Canadian Long Distance Swimmer of the Year award for his 13th place finish in the 10km event at the World Championships. Creel, who won both the 5km and 10km National Championships this past summer, also placed 8th at the Open Water World Cup stop in Alexandria.

Long time national team coach Ron Jacks won the Canadian Long Distance Coach of the Year Award for his work with both Karley and Dave. Ron accompanied his two swimmers to Egypt for the World Championships as Canada's Head Coach.

Both Dave and Karley are currently in training after returning from the Canadian Open in Edmonton on the weekend and have their sights set on the CIS Championship right here in Victoria this February. The two athletes are also the favorites for selection to the 2003 World Championships in Barcelona, Spain in the open water category.

Congratulations Dave, Karley and Ron!!!