It’s quite normal for a team to travel around a bit before competing at a provincial championship.
That wasn’t the case for the Prince Albert Pikes, as their first out of town meet of the season came this past weekend as they travel to Saskatoon to take part in the Sadie Caulder Knight Provincial Synchronized Swimming Championship.
“It was definitely unusual for us as we usually have a couple of events away from home under our belts,” Pikes head coach Katherine Johnson said.
“With that said, for this being our team’s first big show of the year, they did really well alongside some of the top teams in the province.”
The novice and masters teams led the way for the Pikes as they each won the gold medals in their respective team events.
“Our novice girls had the best presentation that we have seen from them all year,” Johnson said. “In artistic swimming, you gets marks for your artistic impression and that involves your posture and how you present yourself during a show, and our girls did an amazing job of that.
“The masters team is definitely a fan favourite at the provincials. They work so hard during the year and all eight swimmers did an incredible job in Saskatoon.”
Olivia Schlamp picked up a third place finish in the novice figures event, which also saw Abbey Roos finish in sixth spot.
Ana Rodea finished in sixth place in the Ages 11-12 solo finals and the team of Anna Liedtke and Reyanna Horner has a sixth place result in the Ages 13-15 duet final.
Before they prepare to compete at the Western Canadian Championships in Regina from May 2-5, the Pikes will be hosting their annual water show at Marion Aquatics at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.
In a new addition to the show, the club will be welcoming members of the Prince Albert Police Service, Prince Albert Fire Department, the Prince Albert Mintos and faculty from Carlton Comprehensive High School to take part in a workout with the Pikes.
“We’re really excited about having them come out and join us,” Johnson said. “There’s so much more to artistic swimming than just the graceful and sparkly swimsuits and this will show just how athletic you have to be out in the water.”
Addition to the show is $5, or $2 if a donation is made to the Prince Albert Food Bank.
