This past February in Toronto, the 2018 U-Sport Swimming Championships came to a close. As always, the weekend was characterized by close races and high levels of excitement, experienced first hand by our man, Coleman Allen. Coleman, a Vorgee Brand Ambassador, was excited to be there to cheer on his friends and former teammates from the UBC Swimming team with other notable UBC Alumni.
UBC Alumni: (left to right) Savannah King, Heather Maclean, Coleman Allen, Tera Van Beilen
A former team captain and multiple medal-winner, Coleman is now an esteemed alumnus, having finished his fifth year of varsity at this meet last year. This U-Sport champs marks Coleman’s first championship meet as a retired athlete. Coleman had this to say about it:
Coleman: “I think it was fun to be there on the other side of things for the first time. It was really fun to try to be a positive personality on deck for others who are maybe stressed or nervous, and it’s just good to be back in the competitive environment.”
The environment was indeed competitive. UBC swept the Men’s and Women’s titles for the second year in a row with 1151.5 and 1362.5 points, respectively. The men were followed by the University of Calgary with 939.5 points, and the University of Toronto with 887 points. Runners up on the Women’s side were the University of Toronto with 997 points, and l’Université de Montréal with 767 points. Steve Price, head coach for the UBC Thunderbirds, was pleased with his team’s performances over the weekend.
Price: “I think the team really stepped up. [The team] last year set the tone and the kids came back this year and doubled up again.”
While spending time at this year’s championships, Coleman also snagged interviews with UBC athletes Luke Peddie, Warren Mayer, and Yuri Kisil, Canadian Olympian and winner of the U-Sport Athlete of the week award.
Warren Mayer: “… all I need is a lane”
U-Sport Championships proved yet again to be a high-energy event, with lots of fast racing and photo finishes. Coleman was thrilled to be a part of the excitement, and we look forward to seeing more outstanding performances next year.