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Eels sending large group to provincials

The Estevan Golden Eels won their semifinal meet in Oxbow on Saturday and had 26 swimmers qualify for the provincials this weekend in Humboldt. Only 15 of them will be attending the meet due to the travel distance and other commitments.
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The Estevan Golden Eeels are sending 15 swimmers to the provincial meet in Humboldt on Saturday.


The Estevan Golden Eels won their semifinal meet in Oxbow on Saturday and had 26 swimmers qualify for the provincials this weekend in Humboldt.

Only 15 of them will be attending the meet due to the travel distance and other commitments.

"We're happy with 15, it's a high number for us," said Eels co-coach Erin Wilson.

She said the meet at Oxbow's outdoor facility presented some challenges when the weather didn't cooperate, including a rain delay that lasted an hour and a half.

"We didn't get the warm weather we would have liked to have. It was a little cold and rainy," she said, adding that the conditions limited the times recorded.

Ten swimmers took home medals from Oxbow, including gold for Jade George (11-12 girls), Payten Wilson (9-10 girls), Josh Wilson (7-8 boys) and Hannah Mantei (7-8 girls).

Silvers were earned by Akeela Jundt (18 and over girls), Auriel Bill (13-14 girls) and Lanelle Bilokraly (11-12 girls).

David Finkas (18 and over boys), Preston Bilokraly (15-17 boys) and Kersey Reich (9-10 boys) all achieved bronze medals.

Wilson said she's been pleased with the swimmers' development as a whole, particularly their speed.

"We're doing really good with speed and power. Our kids are really doing well with a lot of the shorter races," she said.

"A lot of the age groups are developing their turns and their starts. Speed is really our strength right now."