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Cochrane Water Ninjas finish second in provincials

The Cochrane Water Ninjas Junior Lifeguard Swim team took part in the 2019 Lifesaving Society Alberta & NWT Pool Championships April 5 to 7 in Spruce Grove. "It was great.
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The Cochrane Water Ninjas placed second in provincials.

The Cochrane Water Ninjas Junior Lifeguard Swim team took part in the 2019 Lifesaving Society Alberta & NWT Pool Championships April 5 to 7 in Spruce Grove.

"It was great. There were so many kids on the pool deck and overall it was a great event," said head coach of the Ninjas Marlee Palmer. "The kids did amazing ... that's all I can say. They did a fantastic job."

The Water Ninjas had great individual and team results, taking 46 athletes to the event where they finished in second place out of 16 teams. As for individuals, Blaise Anton finished in first place for "Manikin Tow with Fins" while Max Kruger placed first in eight events and Alana Martens finished third in the 100 obstacle in her first year competing.

Palmer said it was tough to highlight a standout performance due to the fact that the club had such a great showing at the event.

"I think because we had so many swimmers and we did so well in so many events, that there wasn't just one (standout performance). It's even tough for me to highlight one ... if I had to chose, I guess I'd go with Max (Kruger) finishing first in all eight of his events, I think that's awesome," Palmer said.

"That was only his second year competing so in two years for him to get first in all his events is a great achievements. Alana (Martens) placing third in her first year competing was another highlight, it's hard to pull a couple people out because there were so many personal bests, top three finishes and even top ten finishes."

While provincials are just one event of many throughout the year, Palmer hopes that people see the success of the club and helps them attract new members who might be interested.

"I hope it garners some new members ... just mainly hoping that it highlights the fact that lifesaving is a sport in Alberta and even in Canada," Palmer said. "If it doesn't attract more people to join the team, at least it gives people the awareness of knowing it's a legitimate sport while giving their kids something else to try other than just swimming or lessons. It's another aquatic opportunity for them."

Graduating athletes Brady Church, Eric Swedlo and Levi Schmidtke all finished with personal best times in their last competition while Amy Swedlo and Matt Johnston finished with provincial records in the 30-years-and-older category. Abigail Owen rounded out the individual results by smashing club records in the nine and under category.

With the trio of graduating athletes leaving the club, Palmer touched on what they've meant to the clubs growth throughout the years.

"So Brady has been our junior coach for this year, so that alone has shown a lot of growth. He and Levi have been with us since the club's first year so they've been able to see the growth from 10 people to 68 has been huge," Palmer said.

"For them to be the leaders of the team along with Eric who came in a few years ago, it'll be a hard loss for us but we'll have people step up and take their place."

Next up for the group is they will be heading to Nationals in Markham, Ontario on June 1 and 2.


Troy Durrell

About the Author: Troy Durrell

Troy is the Sports and Entertainment Reporter for the Cochrane Eagle.
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