By Emily Senger
Talent
The swimmers have long been some of the University of Calgary’s top-performing athletes. This year, Chad Hankewich landed the gold in the 100-metre freestyle as well as three silver medals at nationals and was runner up for U of C Male Athlete of the Year. Katelyn Murdoch was named Canadian Interuniversity Sport Swimming Rookie of the Year and was a runner up for U of C Rookie of the Year. Laura Grant brought gold, silver and bronze medals home from nationals and was a runner up for U of C Female Athlete of the Year.
Effort
Some folks swim laps to work out. Others go to the gym. The swimmers do both, and do both harder than you do. Their dedication to training allows them to bring home as many golds as they do at CIS Championships and go on to win Olympic medals–as many U of C Alumni have.
Coaching
Head coach Mike Blondal has led the Dinos swimmers to so many successes. The men’s team has won three national championships and been second on eight occasions during Blondal’s years coaching the team. The women’s team has also seen some national seconds and Canada West wins.
Achievement
While placing second to the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds in both the men and women’s categories at both the CW and CIS Championships is as frustrating as trying to drown a fish, second isn’t all bad. In fact, I didn’t see many other Dinos squads place second at nationals.
Overall: A-
Animal: Marlin. The world’s second-fastest fish. Nuff said.