A familiar name to those who follow area outdoor swimming emerged as the big winner Saturday at the Association of Lakeshore Pools’ (ALPS) 51st annual finals in Pointe Claire.
Pointe Claire-based Viking Pool, which also served as hosts of the meet, walked away with the John Pratt Trophy, awarded to the team that finishes with the most points at the meet, a frenzied event which served as the culmination of a full season of competition for the umbrella association that oversees 22 outdoor community pools, located mainly 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.
Winning a John Pratt Trophy was really nothing new for Viking. It captured an impressive eight consecutive Pratt trophies from 1996 to 2004. Its 210 points was good enough to put it back on top, with the Ile Perrot Aquatic Club (CAVIP) finishing second with 164.5 points and Westmount Pool coming in third with 101.5 points.
One of the most interesting aspects of the meet was the sight of many elite, nationally ranked swimmers mingling on an equal level with summer-only outdoor splashers. Some of those could conceivably go on to the international level as well. Only four years ago, Stephanie Horner, who competed last week for Canada at the Beijing Olympics, swam at the ALPS final for her home pool of Beaurepaire.
Windermere Pool walked away with the John Finn Trophy for best under-10 pool with 71 points, with Viking and Beaurepaire finishing tied for second with 67 points.
Cedar Park Pool picked up the Town of Montreal West Trophy for finishing first in the consolation category with 411.5 points. Beaconsfield Heights Pool finished second with 359 points while Windermere came third with 326.50.
The numerous volunteers along with the Viking 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.
For full individual results of the meet, check out the ALPS Web site at www.jumptoalps.com.
Viking Pool reclaims its position as No. 1 at ALPS final
Viking Pool reclaims its position as No. 1 at ALPS final
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Published on
August 20, 2008
- Published on February 6, 2010
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Michael Piasetzki
The West Island Chronicle
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