ALPS final features yet another changing of guard

BY MICHAEL PIASETZKI

Amidst cool temperatures more akin for late September, the five-hour frenzied celebration of swimming that is the Association of Lakeshore Pools (ALPS) final unfolded Saturday at Lakeside Pool in Pointe Claire.

The meet, which was celebrating its 50th anniversary, was a culmination of a full season of competition for the umbrella association that oversees 22 outdoor community pools, located primarily in the West Island. Over 500 outdoor and indoor swimmers, many from the West Island, competed in 49 events for boys and girls ranging from under-eight to over-15. When all was said and done, the numerous volunteers along with Lakeside staff many of who showed up at 5 a.m. to prepare and set up, called the event an unequivocal success — both from a participatory level and fundraising objective. “The weather didn’t really affect the meet at all,” said Lakeside assistant manager and head swim team coach Tim Comerford, who is also an indoor age-group coach with the Beaconsfield Bluefins. “All the kids had their fleece pants and towels to keep them warm outside the water. The water itself was heated, and we made sure through an adjusted timer beforehand that it would be 75 degrees throughout the meet.”

On a day that began with a motivational speech by Swimming Canada Chief Executive Officer and West Island native Pierre Lafontaine, there was a changing of the guard once again as far as bragging rights was concerned. Westmount Municipal Pool walked away with the John Pratt Trophy, awarded to the team that finishes with the most points, ending Ile Perrot Aquatic Club’s (CAVIP) two-year run as champs. Before that, Pointe Claire’s Viking Pool had won nine consecutive John Pratt Trophies. Westmount finished with 175 points, while Valois Pool came in second with 163. CAVIP ended up third with 132.5.

By all indications, Westmount could very well stay at the top of the ALPS final roost for a while to come. It also captured the John Finn Trophy for best under-10 pool with 76 points, with Viking finishing second with 56 points followed by Western Lachine Recreational Centre Pool with 48.

Beaurepaire Pool picked up the Town of Montreal West Trophy for finishing first in the consolation category with 384.5 points. Windermere Pool finished second with 356 points while Lakeside came third with 344.

For full individual results of the meet, check out the ALPS Web site at www.jumptoalps.com.