Girls swim team dives into OFSAA

Congratulations to Mel Edgell ‘25, Davis O’Connor ‘25, Lilly Cloth ‘27 and Jaimee Ruby ‘27 who represented Greenwood recently at OFSAA Swimming. The team swam in the Senior Girls relay and Davis and Lilly also swam in individual events - Lilly the Jr. 50 m free and 100 m free, and Davis the Sr. 50 m free and 100 m free.

The swim team was coached by Ms. Campbell, Ms. Dienesch and Ms. Bruce.

Ms. Dienesch said that with a small swim team, they had to combine junior and senior girls to field a relay.

“When that happens you have to compete in the older category,” she said. “It was a really exciting moment when we qualified at the CISAA event.”

Mel Edgell said it was a nerve-wracking moment for the team.

“It was actually the first time we swam the relay – at the meet,” she said. “We were nervous. We thought we may have faulted but we were good to go! We knew what we had to do to get to OFSAA and we did it!”

The team fared well at OFSAA too, placing in the Top 30 out of more than 60 teams.

Both Mel and Ms. Dienesch said it was great to have Principal Bruce involved with the swim team this year. 

“It’s been really cool being coached by Ms. Bruce. When I was at McMaster for the university visit, I saw her picture in the Hall of Fame for her swimming contributions!” Mel said. 

Ms. Bruce had an impressive career as a varsity swimmer. Notably, she was the 1994 McMaster Athlete of the Year, winner of many provincial and national medals as well as a 1988, 1992 and 2004 Olympic Trialist.

“She has a lot of experience and it was great to have her input,” Ms. Dienesch said.

Ms. Dienesch said it was wonderful to see the junior and senior swimmers working together.

“And it’s great because they can continue to work and grow together next year,” she added.

Mel agreed. “It was a nice dynamic having the 9s and 11s together. We don’t often get to be on teams together and it was great.”

Well done to all involved! We can’t wait to see what next swim season brings.