By Andrew Ross
Talent: A
As Blondal mentioned earlier this season the women’s team has developed and the Dinos are a stronger all-around team because of it. This year was the first year they had a full roster attending the CIS Championship. With 18 women and 19 men qualified, the team made some difficult decisions and shaved the men’s team by one.
Effort: B+
This Dinos squad did a wonderful job of representing the University of Calgary across Canada. They’ve given up nights out at the bar to spend their days in the pool, and many restful sleeps to compete weekend after weekend.
Coaching: A
The Dinos have the good fortune of a strong coaching staff. Head Coach Mike Blondal has been a part of the U of C Swim Club since 1994, and as the 2001 Canadian Intercollegiate Sport Male Coach of the Year, he is the driving force behind the Dinos consistent performances in the pool. Assistant Coach Bill Humby has also played a major role with the Dinos. Both coaches have experience on provincial, national and international levels, which is an asset to any team.
Achievement: A-
This year’s CIS championship in Vancouver left the Dinos with a commendable second place finish; they lost to their long time rivals the University of British Columbia. Evidently, the Dinos have a very strong base of swimmers. This leaves the team sitting pretty for next season when they can "deepen their bench" and hopefully see some higher placings.
Overall: A-
Overall the team has continued to be a contender in the national championship. Swimming, as a sport, tends to see some of the top universities share the wealth of talent in Canada.When one team has a strong "starting line up" swimmers flock to other teams looking for recognition and leadership roles. Hopefully, over the next few seasons, the Dinos will have their turn again. Watch out UBC, the Dinos are practising hard…
Pro Wrestler this team reminds me of: Chyna. Although primarily a masculine force, the Dinos, like Chyna, are experiencing development in their "female" department. The only difference? The Dinos did this without a Playboy spread.