The Battlefords Orcas Swim Club pose for a group picture at the Shaw Centre in Saskatoon. (submitted/ Lyne de Montarnal)

By Kenneth Cheung

SWIM MEETS

Battlefords Orcas surge with record-breaking swim in Saskatoon

Feb 21, 2025 | 1:30 PM

The Battlefords Orcas aren’t just treading water—they’re making waves.

The swim club dove into the Saskatoon Goldfins Winter Whiteout and surfaced with a wave of personal bests, provincial qualifications and unmistakable team spirit.

The nine-swimmer squad, led by Head Coach Lyne de Montarnal, took on the swim meet at the Shaw Centre from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, making its mark with more than 80 personal bests in 102 races.

“We’re a young club, but we’re making big strides,” de Montarnal said. “To see our swimmers not just compete, but hit provincial qualifying times and finals—it’s a huge accomplishment for them.”

One of the Orcas, Claire Meiers, led the charge, earning a spot at the upcoming Manitoba-Saskatchewan Interprovincial Championships with her performance in the 100-metre backstroke.

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Claire Meiers earns a spot at the upcoming Manitoba-Saskatchewan Interprovincial Championships with her performance in the 100-metre backstroke at the 2025 Saskatoon Goldfins Winter Whiteout. (submitted photo/Lyne de Montarnal)

Not far behind, Paige Close, Elizabeth Kobelsky, Jemma Greening, Hughes de Montarnal and Fin Frey secured their places at the Saskatchewan Junior Provincials, set for later this month in Moose Jaw.

To build on the streak, the Orcas also sent a squad of 19 younger swimmers and five Masters swimmers to the Craven Racing Series on Feb. 1—an event assistant coach Brian Hargreaves described as “fast-paced and very busy.”

“These young swimmers showed up ready to race, and they delivered,” Hargreaves said. “We had first-time competitors, family members racing together—it was a great day for the club.”

With momentum on their side, the Orcas now set their sights on Moose Jaw for the Junior Provincials from Feb. 28 to March 2, where 12 athletes—more than double last year’s count—will represent the team.

“Two years ago, we sent just one swimmer,” de Montarnal said. “Now, we have 12. That’s a testament to the work these kids put in every day.”

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com