Vipers release the Kraken at Claresholm meet

It was a small but solid contingent that made its way  this past weekend from the Taber Viper Swim Club to the Claresholm Kraken meet.

“We took 15 swimmers to the meet. It was the smallest we’ve had so far, we brought 33 to Brooks and 16 to Pincher Creek,” said Caitlyn Nichols, head coach of the Taber Viper Swim Club. “But, for individual performances, we had a lot of personal bests. It was a really good meet, we got a lot of compliments for our swimmers.”

Chance Cook was the lone aggregate medal winner for the Vipers, taking gold for 11-and-12-year-old boys. He finished first in 50-metre breaststroke (43.90), 100-metre freestyle (1:10.87), 50-metre freestyle (31.27), and a second in 100-metre backstroke (1:26.09).

Emily Carver’s top finish was seventh in nine-and-10-year-old girls 25-metre fly (30.72). Rebecca Carver finished fifth in both seven-and-eight-year-old-girls 25-metre breaststroke (42.66) and 50-metre backstroke (1:11.04).

Jenna Clarke was first in 200-metre IM (4:10.99) for 13-and-14-year-old girls.  In the same age category, Jordyn Clarke took fourth in 100-metre breaststroke (2:05.21).

Ainsley Duell clocked in fourth for 25-metre breaststroke (41.41) for seven-and-eight-year-old girls.

Ciaida Lomibao had a few top-five finishes for 13-and-14-year-old girls with a second in 100-metre breaststroke (1:51.55), a third in 50-metre fly (44.65) and a fourth in 50-metre breaststroke (49.70).

Cyrus Lomibao took second in 50-metre fly (34.19) and thirds in both 50-metre backstroke (37.90) and 50-metre freestyle (29.91).

Melissa Moedt’s top finish was ninth in 11-and-12-year-old girls 100-metre freestyle (1:46.01).

Lauren Pack was fourth in both 50-metre freestyle (41.78) and 25-metre backstroke (23.48) and fifth in 25-metre fly (25.31) for nine-and-10-year-old girls. In the same age category, Tayla Silver and three third-place finishes which included 25-metre backstroke (22.87), 50-metre freestyle (41.56) and 25-metre fly (22.00) while taking fifth in 25-metre breaststroke (27.61).

For 11-and-12-year-old girls, Rachel Pack was fourth for 50-metre fly (52.43) and fifth in 100-metre breaststroke (2:13.64). Kali Pelletier was fifth for 50-metre breaststroke (53.13).

Kahil Wright was fifth in both 25-metre backstroke (32.99) and 50-metre backstroke (1:13.82) for seven-and-eight-year-old boys. For girls in the age category, Jolene Wurz was third for 25-metre backstroke (29.87) and fourth for 50-metre backstroke (1:08.10).

“From the first couple of practices until now, I can see definite improvement from all the swimmers. It’s definitely showing up at meets with personal bests and trying new things,” said Nichols of the 49 Vipers registered as full-time swimmers.

The Vipers now prepare to host its home meet this Friday night and Saturday at the Taber Aquafun Centre.

“I’ll have numbers confirmed Tuesday after practice when I take the sign-up sheet down. But, so far there are a lot going,” said Nichols.