TORONTO – The U SPORTS Swimming Championships, held at the University of Toronto from March 6-8, brought together the nation's top swimmers. For the Pronghorns, it was more than just a competition—it was an opportunity to demonstrate resilience, push their limits and rise to the challenge.
The Pronghorns' journey began with solid performances that set the tone for the rest of the competition. The Men's 4x100m Freestyle Relay finished 5th, while the Women's 4x100m Freestyle Relay secured 6th. Delaney Lehman led the charge individually, finishing 6th in the Women's 50m Backstroke with a time of 28.40. Ryenne Katterhagen, another key performer, placed 7th in the Women's 100m Breaststroke with a time of 1:09.87. Tristan Bennett also shone, securing 10th place in the Men's 100m Breaststroke at 1:00.95. It was clear from the start that the Pronghorns weren't just participating—they were here to make a statement.
By Day 2, the Pronghorns had fully immersed themselves in the competition. Every race felt like a defining moment. Delaney Lehman continued to impress, placing 9th in the Women's 50m Freestyle with a time of 25.73 and 8th in the Women's 100m Backstroke. Meanwhile, on the men's side, Raine Arden finished 10th in the Men's 50m Freestyle, showcasing the depth and determination of the team. At the end of Day 2, the women's team was ranked 8th overall.
On Day 3, the final day of the championships, the Pronghorns gave it everything they had left. Ryenne Katterhagen placed 9th in the Women's 50m Breaststroke with a time of 32.35, adding crucial points to the team's total. Tristan Bennett, competing on the men's side, delivered a standout performance with a 5th place finish in the Men's 50m Breaststroke with a time of 27.62. His effort exemplified the perseverance the Pronghorns embodied throughout the meet. With these strong finishes, the men's team ended the competition in 10th place.
For the women's team, the battle wasn't over yet. They had fought so hard and as the results were finalized, just half a point kept them outside the top ten. The women's team finished 11th with 195.5 points—a heartbreaking result, falling just short of the top ten.
Though the Pronghorns fell just short of their goal, there was no sense of defeat. Their performance was a powerful testament to their resilience and determination. The 11th-place finish underscored how close they had come, but more importantly, it reflected the tremendous effort and growth they showed throughout the competition. Meanwhile, the men's 10th-place finish solidified their reputation as a team to be reckoned with. The meet was a rollercoaster of emotions, especially for the graduating athletes competing in their final national championship. As they return home, they do so with a renewed sense of purpose, their sights firmly set on the challenges and victories that await them next season.
