By Jon Roe
Talent: The Dinos swim team is one of the most decorated teams on campus and, like past years, this year’s squad had no shortage of talent. Chad Hankewich set a Canadian Interuniversity Sport record in the 100 metre freestyle and won three gold medals individually and three as part of the Dinos relay team, helping the Dinos take home their first CIS championship in 10 years. On the women’s side, Kevyn Peterson won four medals in individual events-one gold and three bronze-and contributed to two gold medal relay teams in her second year. Breanna Hendriks took home the CIS rookie of the year award after winning two silvers and contributing to two golds in relays.
Effort: For a team that receives such a small portion of the Dinos coverage, yet continue to be so successful, there’s no questioning their effort.
Coaching: Coach Mike Blondal has consistently had both Dinos teams in the upper echelon of CIS swimming and this year is no different with the women taking second place to the 11-in-a-row champion University of British Columbia Thunderbirds and the men crowned as CIS champions. Blondal was named CIS coach of the year on the men’s side. This is the third time he’s won the award, the second time as a men’s coach.
Achievement: The Dinos teams won silver and gold at the CIS championships and two golds at the Canada West championships. This team is loaded with achievements and constantly sets the bar for excellence in athletics on campus.
Grade: Plesiosaurus
Well, it’s not really a dinosaur. This apparently stiff-necked guy was three to five metres long and had a long and slender neck.