AROUND OUA: Western-Toronto Dual Meet

Varsity Blues stump 'Stangs in Dual Meet action

The OUA defending champion University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's and women's swimming teams defeated the Western Mustangs in dual-meet action on Saturday evening (Jan. 9) in London, Ont.

Toronto dominated the meet, winning 22 of the 26 races.

"I was pleased with the racing," said head coach Byron MacDonald. "We just finished an intensive 10-day training camp down south, so I was worried the athletes might not be able to race very well. Some of them are very resilient for sure.  And those that are failing know they will re-surface next week and all the hard work is paying off."

The women's squad was paced by fifth-year standout Paige Schultz. and sophomore Kylie Masse. Schultz won the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle races, while Masse also won three races, including the breaststroke, and swam one of the top times in Varsity Blues history in claiming one of her three gold medals.

Other women's victories were by veteran Bridget Coley in the 400 freestyle and rookies Heather Lam in the 100 backstroke and Rachael Parsons in the 200 breaststroke.

On the men's side, three Varsity Blues won two races. Third-year swimmer Hochan Ryu won the 400 freestyle and 200 IM, while Eli Wall won both breast stroke events. Sophomore Kyle Haas  also won both of the backstroke events, one in personal best time.

"Kyle has been on fire all year," said MacDonald. "From Day 1 in September, he had more focus and drive than last year and it has already paid off. He is a top swimmer who will make a big mark this season." 

There were four solo Blues winners in men's action. Sophomore Mitch Ferraro won the 100 freestyle and rookie Cameron Kidd placed first in the 50 freestyle. Fellow first-year swimmer Osvald Nitski won the 200 butterfly and Gael Chaubet was first in the 200 freestyle.

The Blues return to action as they host the Eastern Cup and OUA Invitational this coming weekend.

Source: Toronto Varsity Blues