By Erika Gilbeuena
For the Stettler Independent
On April 30, 2024, the Stettler Tsunamis Swim Club gathered at the Stettler Recreation Centre (SRC) for their Short Course Season wind-up and awards ceremony. This annual event served as a platform to recognize the achievements and dedication of the club’s swimmers, board members and coaching staff.
Over 20 family members joined head coach Jarek Bursik and assistant coaches Jane Finsley and Aislyn Holland as they guided the group through a recap of the highlights and successes of the 2023- 2024 season. The event commenced with a pizza and dessert party for the swimmers and their families.
The coaches awarded each category male and female from the junior, intermediate, and senior levels the Coach’s Choice and the “Most Improved” award.
In the “Best Overall Swimmer” awards, Grady McGougan from Drumheller earned the nod for the male category while Kyra Halverson got the spot for the female category.
The swim club previously held a swim meet on April 6, 2024, which highlighted promising youth athletes. One of them was a nine-year-old swimmer who joined the swim meet for the first time and landed third place.
“I am proud and thankful to my coaches for guiding me,” said Maliyah.
It has been noted that the Stettler Swim Club has produced notable alumni who made a mark in provincial competitions, one of whom was Elizabeth Morton who scored gold at the Northern Alberta Long Course Swimming Provincials in 2018.
“We’ve seen an exponential amount of growth in the last three years,” said assistant coach Jane Finsley.
The coaches expressed their gratitude to families who come and participate in every event that the swim club organizes.
Head Coach Bursik added that he appreciated “everyone working behind the scenes of the club.”
The Club now turns its attention to getting ready for the 2024/25 season kick-off, which starts in September.
