2016 Rocky Mountain Cup
MEET FACTS
- Full Results
- Hosted by Cascade Swim Club in Calgary, AB
- Saturday, October 29th – Sunday, October 30th
- Short Course Metres (SCM)
- Men: UBC 760, UT 550, Calgary 140
- Women: UBC 930, UT 610, Calgary 230
The University of British Columbia had their first real tough test of the season last weekend, facing off against CIS rivals Toronto and Calgary at the Rocky Mountain Cup. There were also swimmers competing at the meet representing the University of Calgary Swim Club, the host Cascade, CHENA, Edmonton Keyano, the Foothills Stingrays and the University of Lethbridge.
Both the UBC men and women, who lost their CIS titles at the hands of Toronto this past February, had a vastly successful meet coming out with decisive wins.
For the UBC women it was an overall team effort, as they only won 6 of 17 individual events yet came away with the victory by 320 points. Erin Stamp led the way for them, as the only multi-event winner with victories in the 50 breast (31.90), 100 breast (1:08.39), and 200 IM (2:17.14).
The University of Toronto was led by Olympic bronze medalist Kylie Masse, who was a perfect 4-for-4 in individual events with victories coming in the 50 (27.16), 100 (58.66) and 200 back (2:07.91), along with the 100 IM (1:02.79). Hannah Genich also took two wins for Toronto, claiming the 100 (1:00.97) and 200 fly (2:13.98).
The other standout female was Danica Ludlow of the University of Calgary, who came away with wins in the 200 (1:58.85) and 400 free (4:11.80).
The two powerhouses split the relays, with Toronto claiming the 200 free relay on night 1 in 1:44.10, and UBC taking the medley on night 2 in 1:53.60. Toronto had to sit out of the medley relay, the last event of the meet, as they had exhausted all of their event swims.
Trailing by just 100 points after the first night, Toronto gave up double the amount on day 2, ultimately finishing 320 points off UBC by a score of 930-610. Calgary was 3rd with 230.
On the men’s side, leading the way for the Birds was 2016 Olympian Yuri Kisil and multi-time CIS champion Keegan Zanatta. Kisil did what he does best, taking both sprint freestyle victories in times of 22.28 and 49.15. Zanatta was victorious in the next two freestyle distances up, taking the 200 and 400 in 1:49.17 and 3:50.29 respectively.
Toronto’s only multiple event winner was Dan Kuiack, who took the 50 (25.88) and 100 back (55.31). Other multiple winners included 2016 Olympian Jason Block of the University of Calgary Swim Club in the 50 (27.81) and 100 breaststroke (1:00.75), and Robert Hill of the CHENA Swim Club in the 100 IM (56.91) and 200 back (1:59.35).
Toronto came away with the win in the 200 medley relay on night 1 in 1:40.23, but were forced to sit out of the 200 free relay on the 2nd night due to all having swum their maximum number of events, and UBC took the win in 1:30.65.
Toronto also claimed both mixed relays, winning the 200 free relay in 1:35.36 and the 200 medley in 1:45.04.
The battle between the Thunderbirds and the Varsity Blues was much tighter on the men’s side, as UBC led Toronto by just 20 points after the first night. A lack of depth ultimately cost Toronto, who fell by 210 points, 760-550. Calgary was 3rd with 230 points, and their Swim Club affiliate notched 110.
After many UBC swimmers took redshirt years last year to train for the Olympics, Toronto was able to take advantage and win both national titles. Now, many of them are back and the Thunderbirds will be tough to beat come February.