Silver Sharks swim team looking forward to new season
By Janet Kanters, Editor
Like every other sports team in the area, the Strathmore Silver Sharks swim club’s 2019-20 season was abruptly ended earlier this year.
But the team is looking forward to a new season while continuing to celebrate its athletes’ positive results in 2019-20.
“We have been working with Swim Canada, Swim Alberta, Alberta Health Services, local government and our local facility to determine the best way to return to our sport safely,” said Jennifer Mertz, head coach of the Strathmore Silver Sharks Swim Club (SSSSC). “Currently we are working on registration for next season. We will be working with all the groups mentioned above to align our program with all proper safety measures in an effort to bring our ‘swimming family’ back together for the beginning of October.”
After the club wrapped up its season, it was able to celebrate its top 50 athletes provincially and nationally. “We have athletes who wrapped up their ‘short course’ season in the top 50 in the whole province in their age group,” noted Mertz. “After compiling all of the results we learned we have 31 athletes in the top 50 in the province in at least one event and one athlete who is Top 50 in Canada – Megan Mertz.”
Mertz explained that the “short course” season refers to competitions that take place in a 25 metre (m) pool. A little over halfway through our season, they transitioned into a “long course” season which refers to competitions in a 50 m pool.
“When we were shut down in March (dates coincided with the school shut down, last practice was March 14), we were about to head into our short course provincial competitions,” said Mertz. “Today, like everyone else globally, we are doing our very best to stay active and connected.”
The swim club has 31 athletes in the top 50 in the province in at least one event, including Asher Jensen, Jonas Peterson, Olivia Fahl, Rhysian Wilkinson, Sydnee Skiftun, Harvey Kavanagh, Abigail Alexander, Lara Kiteley, Paige Flaws, Ali Kardas, Cale Yorston, Charlie Yorston, Cole Sparrow, Miya Hansen, Camryn Elder, Addi Robison, Ella Peterson, Jack Cook, Jack Yorston, Will Karkut, Mia Grant, Boston Marshman, Effram Hook, Sydney Getzinger, Josh Kennedy, Ty Nott, Megan Mertz, Martina Sidorenko, Anna Wegner, Erik Meyer and Katie Drover.
“Compiling this list reminded us how many goals are on pause, but also how much we have accomplished already,” said Mertz. “Being an athlete requires determination, dedication and a constant re-evaluation. Now is time to use these results as fuel to get motivated for as soon as we can get back in the water.”