The UBC Thunderbirds had a successful return to the pool with a pair of impressive performances, winning big at SFU and showing out at home inside the UBC Aquatic Centre, as the defending champion men's and women's T-Bird swim teams continue to tune up for the U SPORTS National Championships in Quebec February 25-27
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"I was very impressed with our team's preparedness and execution this weekend," said UBC head coach
Derrick Schoof after the 'Birds made their 2022 competitive debut at SFU before hosting the UBC Senior Circuit. "After the disappointment from having our Hawaii training camp cancelled due to Omicron, they regrouped and have shown tremendous poise and resiliency. We returned to training December 28
th and got back to work, and the team really supported each other and the coaching staff through these difficult times. I feel as though we are coming out of this an even better, more prepared team. We are all so grateful for the opportunities that we have, so we are making the best of every day."
The 'Birds began the weekend by dominating the College Cup at SFU on Friday – winning 24 of the 28 short-course metres races, while the host team captured one race and the University of Victoria Vikes won two.
"I was pleased with the teams results on Friday night up at SFU," said Schoof. "We were all so grateful to be back racing. Competing in front a full house of spectators was a lot of fun for our team. To once again hear the support and cheering of the fans made the energy and atmosphere very exciting. It was nice for our first- and second-year athletes to see how exciting a true varsity meet can be, and I am looking forward to when we're able to have spectators back watching at the UBC Aquatic Centre."
UBC was right back at it on Saturday in their home pool, hosting the Vikes and SFU at the UBC Aquatic Centre for the UBC Senior Circuit.
"There were many excellent swims, considering the timing of the year," said Schoof. "I was especially pleased with our teams' performances on Saturday at the UBC Aquatic Centre when we raced Long Course Metres format. Stand out swims came from
Josie Field in the 200m butterfly,
Emma Spence in the 200m breaststroke,
Hugh McNeill and
Blake Tierney in the 200m backstroke, and
Justice Migneault in the 100m breaststroke. Our new addition to the team, Danielle Hanus, also swam very well in her 100m butterfly and 100m backstroke events."
Next up for the Thunderbirds is the West Coast Collegiate event hosted by the University of Victoria Vikes on February 12
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College Cup Results
Day 1
Day 2
