Swimming to new records
Gee-Gee
After an impressive finish to last year’s season, the University of Ottawa’s varsity swimming team is back in the pool and ready to re-establish themselves as some of the country’s best aquatic athletes. The 2010–11 season saw the team finish with improved rankings of 12th for the women and 10th for the men nationally, and during the new season the team will strive to match those results while adjusting to a new head coach.
Derrick Schoof, the outgoing coach and program director, has moved on to take a position with the Edmonton Keyano Swim Club. Replacing Schoof is Claude-Yves Bertrand, who was named the University of Montreal’s varsity coach of the year in 2010–11 for his work. Bertrand, a Quebec native, signed on in August as head coach and program director for both the Gees and the Greater Ottawa Kingfish Swim Club.
“It was mainly a question of opportunity here,” said Bertrand, as he explained that the Kingfish Swim Club provides training for young swimmers who can then move up to the university’s team. “It helps a swimmer go from A to Z. You can really help an athlete here if they choose to stay on for varsity.”
Bertrand noted the dual programs weren’t in place at the University of Montreal, saying the Kingfish club not only gives the swimmers an easy transition from junior to varsity competitions, but the presence of a local swimming club also helps during the recruitment process.
Aside from having a solid framework in place for recruitment, Bertrand also said he’s excited about the hard work the varsity athletes are putting into preparing for their season.
“What I love is their work ethic. When they’re in the pool, they really want to improve. They push and they hurt a little, which is good,” said Bertrand. “It puts a smile on my face, and so that aspect I really appreciate. They come in and they’re ready and they want to do well.”
While the team lost a Canadian record setter last year with the departure of Matt Hawes, Bertrand said the team has picked up some promising new recruits in first years Sherry Patel and Connor Michie. Although the team has been recruiting new members, many senior swimmers have returned, including last year’s Canadian Interuniversity Sport 200M backstroke silver medalist and third-year student Adam Best.
“I’m trying not to talk too much about time, more about ranking,” said Bertrand. “It’s a team aspect, scoring points. By improving your time, you help your team to improve [its] ranking.”
The team has spent the last several weeks focusing mainly on strength training and improving their tempo. The Gees are gearing up for their season as Oct. 14 will see them host the McGill Redmen and Martlets and the University of Montreal Carabins for a one-day competition at Montpetit Hall. While the first test of the year will help the Gee-Gees assess what work needs to be done in order to crack the top 10 in the national rankings, the meet is expected to be fairly relaxed and a great event for spectators to attend.
“It’s a fun way to get the season going and get your head around racing,” said Bertrand about the October Tri Meet. “So it’s good to start that way.”
—Keeton Wilcock
