LETHBRIDGE – The Pronghorns are set to compete at the 2025 U SPORTS Swimming Championships, hosted by the University of Toronto from March 6-8. With a talented, balanced team of swimmers, the Pronghorns are aiming to make a significant impact in both individual and relay events.
 
For the first time in two decades, the Pronghorns' women's team enters the U SPORTS Championships ranked higher than the men's team. Currently ranked ninth nationally, the women have shown steady improvement throughout the season, with strong performances in individual events and relay success. The team is poised to challenge for a spot in the top five.
 
Delaney Lehman leads the women's squad, ranked among the top five nationally in both the 50m backstroke and 50m breaststroke. She will compete in multiple events, including the 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke, 50m breaststroke and both the 4x100m freestyle and medley relays. Ryenne Katterhagen, just outside the top ten in the 50m and 100m breaststroke, will also be key in the individual and relay events.
 
Other swimmers to watch include Makena Wood, Meadow Liversuch, Casara Holm and Amelie Gouttin, all contributing to the team's overall strength. The women's team will continue to focus on their relay success and look to continue their upward trajectory at the championship.
 
On the men's side, veteran Raine Arden will lead the charge at his fifth U SPORTS Championships. Arden, ranked in the top ten nationally in both the 100m freestyle and 200m freestyle, will compete in the 4x100m freestyle relay, where the men's team hopes to be in the mix for a podium finish. Arden's leadership and experience will play a critical role in the men's pursuit of success.
 
Tristan Bennett, the top-ranked Pronghorn heading into the competition, will also be one to watch. Currently ranked in the top five nationally in the 50m and 100m breaststroke, Bennett will have a major impact on both individual events and relays. Alongside Bennett, Parker Brown and Tanner Sanders will contribute in the 4x100m freestyle relay and compete in individual sprint events.
 
The men's team, ranked 12th, will look to improve on their position with strong performances and a focus on their relays.
 
Head coach Peter Schori, now in his 14th U SPORTS Championships with the Pronghorns, is excited for the upcoming competition. "Each championship is different and special," Schori said. "We'll race over 50 times as a team and within each race, there will be key moments that will help us succeed. If we can win our share of those moments, it will be a good championship for the Pronghorns."
 
With 12 swimmers representing the Pronghorns—six women and six men—this year's team is well-balanced, featuring a mix of veterans and rookies. The Pronghorns will look to continue their growth and make a strong push for success at the championships.
 
The competition kicks off on Thursday, March 6, with a full slate of individual events and relays, including the 200m freestyle, 100m breaststroke and 50m backstroke. The evening session will feature the 4x100m freestyle relay, where both teams will aim to make a strong statement. The competition continues through Friday and Saturday, with individual events in all strokes and the highly anticipated 4x100m medley relays on the final day.
 
Don't miss the action as the Pronghorns race for glory at the U SPORTS Swimming Championships. Catch all the live coverage on various CBC platforms, including CBC Sports YouTube, CBC Sports and CBC Gem.
 
For the full event schedule, visit U SPORTS Swimming Championships Schedule.