Piranhas compete in short course provincials

Six swimmers from the Port aux Basques Piranhas swim club attended the provincial short course championships in Deer Lake on the weekend of March 13.

The six qualified for provincials at various swim meets over the past season.

Over 150 swimmers competing in age categories 12-and-under, 13-14 and 15 and over competed at the Hodder Memorial Recreation Complex. Each swimmer was allowed to compete in six swims over the three-day event.

Mitchell Hardy swam in three finals and finished sixth in the 100-metre and 200-meter breaststroke, and fifth in the 50-metre breaststroke.

Rory O'Brien finished sixth in the 100-metre backstroke and sixth in the 100-metre individual medley.

Marcus Carter finished fourth in the 50-metre breaststroke.

Kathleen Carter finished sixth in the 100-metre individual medley and fifth in the 50-metre breaststroke.

Although Rebecca Carter and Brandon Kettle did not make any finals, they finished respectably in all their races according to coach Bill Carter. All local swimmers are among the top 10 in the province in most of their swims.

"Given that Rebecca, Brandon, Kathleen, Rory Mitchell and Marcus swim about four to five hours a week compared to 15 plus hours of some clubs, we competed very well and our club is very proud of these swimmers," said Carter.