Surge celebrates season of records and personal bests

Nearly 200 swimmers, coaches and family members were on hand Tuesday as the Sault Surge aquatic team celebrated its season at their year-end awards banquet.

Five different swimmers contributed to 26 club records in 2023-24 with more than 1,000 personal bests set.

All swimmers from each group of the club were recognized for their individual contribution to the program.

Major award winners from the banquet were:

BOB DUMANSKI VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD: – Taryn Reid

Bob Dumanski left an invaluable footprint with Sault Surge that will be appreciated for many years to come. He assisted in the club’s inception as well as its rise over the years that followed. Bob could be seen on deck volunteering his time at any opportunity provided, supporting his beloved daughter, and the team they both belonged to. His hard work and dedication were and continues to be an inspiration to many. This award is made in honour of Bob and his immense contribution to our club and community.

Taryn Reid consistently demonstrated a willingness to step up and support the club for the benefit of all swimmers. In previous years her initiative to seek out grants and subsidies has helped lower the registration costs for the club. In the 2023/24 season she has soldiered through the many steps required to achieve a rare level 3 officials’ status. Halfway through the season the club was in dire need of a meet manager to be able to finish our Kensit Championship meet and prepare for the inaugural Surge Superior Invitational. Without any reservations she stepped up and played a key role in these events.

PULSE AWARDS: – Garrett Bimson, Alayna Campbell, Finnley Walker, Emma Capisciolto, Samantha Gardner, Tristen Mote, Angela Thomson, William Paraniuk, Alma Da Silva Castille, Bernard Santos.

PULSE stands for Perseverance, Upgrowth, Leadership, Sportsmanship, Enthusiasm. Awarded to swimmers who are the heartbeat of the club, displaying the attitude/effort/respect that it takes to be a great teammate. A male and female in each group is selected by the coaching staff.

Nancy Mancuso Award – Emma Vallee

This award is named in memory of a former local coach which goes to a junior swimmer who embodies all the qualities that make a great ambassador for the club. They are hardworking, respectful, positive, and leave a good impression

Coaches Award – Andrew Li

This award for 13 and over swimmers is awarded to an athlete that makes a great ambassador for the team through behavior and actions that are positive, helpful, and help develop a desirable club culture.

Most Improved Swimmers – Piper Scott, Finnley Walker, Eva Moreau, Elijah Erickson, Abigail Maguire, Oliver Bennetto, Haylen Leonard, Kevin Li.

The Most Improved Award is presented to swimmers based on the total percentage of improvement when comparing last season’s best times with this season’s best times. This year, the award is presented to two junior males, two junior females, two senior males, two senior females.

Outstanding Performance Award  – Sophia Li, Xiaokang Cui, William Banton, Paige Banton

The Outstanding Performance Award is awarded to a junior male and female swimmer, under 12 years old, and a senior male and female swimmer, 13 years and up. Each swimmer's FINA points from their top five events were tabulated. 

President’s Award – Brie Reid

Each year the President's Award is awarded to the top overall swimmer having outstanding performances throughout the year.

Dr. Hui Lee Team Spirit award presented by Dr Anne Lee – Elsa Mackay, Bo Wiliam Mackay, Kevin Li, Haylen Leonard

Dr. Hui Lee started swimming at age 6 and immediately found endless joy in the sport. To him, it was like brushing his teeth, a fundamental part of his day. As a Masters swimmer in Sault Ste. Marie, Dr. Lee stepped up to coach out of necessity, but also discovered joy in helping other people swim their best. When other swimmers would park at noon and see his car in the lot, they’d brighten up and know they were in for an excellent workout because Dr. Lee was there. He had a magical way of smoothing things out, making everything okay, and that translated into his involvement with swimming. Dr. Lee would often compare team spirit to a flock of geese; they fly together, but one always leads the way, making it easier for others to follow in their path. That leader, no matter how quiet or loud, motivates teammates to be their best. Every team has a spirit, and that spirit is what keeps the team going.

Erik Kary and Kevin Li were presented with their graduating swimmer rings. Kary will attend Brock University and will continue his swimming with the varsity Badgers, while Li will attend Mount Allison University and continue swimming with the varsity Mounties.

A group of Sault Surge swimmers continue to train with upcoming provincial and national level meets upcoming in June and July.