Vikes Get Wet

by Rich Cole
Full article appeared in the UVic Student Newspaper The Martlet

What did you do for reading break? A little traveling? Maybe you even managed to study a little bit between naps? While most were sleeping it off, the Vikes Varsity swim team defended their hometown pride.

After some early season meets, the team returned home to school the 17 other clubs that participated in the Pacific Cup at Commonwealth Place. Joining their Victoria affiliate Pacific Coast Swimming, the Vikes guarded their home waters and took first place.

"I was really impressed with the performance," said coach Peter Vizsolyi. "All the Varsity swimmers did really well." The racing action included some great wins from current Vike and Commonwealth Games team member Danielle Bell, and a five-event sweep from the promising Jessie Jacks.

The participation of Vikes international long distance swimmers David Creel and Karley Stutzel was another of the event's highlights.

"The distance swimmers were really great at the meet," said Vizsolyi. After returning from the World Open Water Championships in Egypt, followed by a World Cup event where Stutzel placed fourth in the women's and Creel placed eighth in the mens, the duo showed no signs of fatigue, winning the longer Pacific Cup events.

From early weekday practices to race-filled weekends, the Vikes are gearing up for a great season. Six UVic swimmers, plus two more Varsity team alumni, are bound for Nationals in Edmonton next week.