Local swimmers surging through regionals at John Rhodes (update)

7 p.m. update:

The Sault Surge Aquatic Team (SSAT) head coach Nancy Day told SooToday her team finished in second place following the Dave Kensit Regional Championships this weekend.

Sudbury Laurentian claimed the championship banner at the John Rhodes Community Centre Pool after edging the SSAT by 32 points.

Day says the SSAT finished 400 points ahead of the other northern Ontario swim teams following a successful weekend for the home squad.

Original story

Don’t mess with the best!

It’s not just their slogan, but a message that swimmers from the Sault Surge Aquatic Team (SSAT) are sending to their competitors at this year’s Dave Kensit Regional Championships.

The annual tournament is being hosted in Sault Ste. Marie this weekend at the John Rhodes Community Centre Pool, which has brought in 12 clubs from across northern Ontario.

Featuring over 250 swimmers between the ages of eight and 17, teams are competing for the coveted regional championship banner.

SSAT and its 38 swimmers enter the final day of competition in second place, sitting 50 points behind Sudbury Laurentian as of 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Head coach Nancy Day couldn’t be prouder.

“These kids swim their hearts out,” she says. “They’re amazing kids. I’m really proud of them.”

“We have great athletes here. They practise early in the morning before going to school, and then they come back after school to practice more.”

“Some of them are even in the middle of writing exams. I’m just so proud.”

SSAT veteran swimmer Will Banton has had a successful weekend entering Sunday, earning a gold in the 200-metre relay and a silver in the 400-metre freestyle swim.

A member of SSAT for eight years,  Banton credits his team for creating a positive atmosphere at the pool.

“It’s a really supportive team here,” he says. “It’s like a family. When we practice in the morning, everyone’s happy and really into it. Everyone’s there for each other and cheering each other on.”

Banton will be graduating from St. Mary’s College this year and hopes to get into McMaster University.

“I’m working towards swimming on their university team,” he says. “I put over 11 hours a week into swimming, plus dryland training on Fridays. I love it.”

Meanwhile, 12-year-old swimmer Oliver Bennetto has been with SSAT since he turned eight.

Heading into the final day of competition, Bennetto has already racked up five medals: two golds, one silver, and two bronze.

“The hard work has paid off a lot,” he says. “If you put in enough work, you can qualify.”

“Meets like this are really fun. You get to see everybody and race. I’d love to get a scholarship down the road.”

SooToday will post the results of the regional championships when they become available later this afternoon.