LETHBRIDGE - As Pronghorn Swim dives into the new season, the team faced formidable competition right out of the gate. On October 26, the Horns began their campaign in Calgary, AB, taking on the University of Calgary Dinos and the UBC Thunderbirds—two of the top teams in Canada.
Head coach, Peter Schori expressed enthusiasm about the team's preparation, saying, "Starting the season racing against some of the top teams in Canada is a big challenge for us, but it pushes us to get ready fast and bring our best right from the start."
Leading the charge was Delaney Lehman, who had a stellar start with a win in the 50-meter freestyle and a second-place finish in the 50-meter backstroke. Lehman not only secured her spot at the top but also shattered her own previous record, proving that she's more than ready to lead her team this year.
Rookie Amelie Gouttin made an impressive debut, swimming alongside veterans Makena Wood and Sophie MacLean. Together, they posted the second-best time in the Horns' history for the 200-meter freestyle relay, a promising sign of the depth and talent on the squad. For Gouttin, it was a remarkable first swim, especially as she lined up against Olympic medalist and Canadian record holder Kayla Sanchez.
Ryenne Katterhagen also made headlines, racing a strong 200-meter individual medley and finishing second—just shy of breaking her own Horns record in her first race of the season. The excitement didn't stop there; Raine Arden and Tristian Bennett showcased their early-season form by finishing in the top three for the 400-meter freestyle and 50-meter breaststroke, respectively.
The team also demonstrated impressive teamwork in the 200-meter freestyle relay, where they clocked a time of 1:31.65, placing third in the event and standing strong among the best in Canada at this stage of the season.
The Horns now set their sights on Vancouver for the UBC Colleges Cup on November 2-3. Coach highlighted the team's eagerness to return home, saying, "We've been training hard during the extensive renovations at the Max Bell pool and we can't wait to get back to our updated facility on November 5. It's going to make a big difference for our training and performance."
Following the Colleges Cup, the Horns will be back at UBC for the Canada West Championships from November 22-24, where they aim to build on their early successes and continue making waves in Canadian swimming.
With a strong start and high spirits, the Pronghorns are poised for an exciting season ahead. Keep an eye on this talented squad as they strive for excellence in the pool!
