by (Edmonton) – First-year Lethbridge Pronghorn Apollo Hess (Kainai Nation) earned both the male Swimmer of the Meet, and the Rookie of the Year awards after a stellar weekend at the Canada West Conference Championships in Edmonton. The breaststroke specialist earned five total medals, setting new Canada West records in the 50m and 200m breaststroke.
“I surprised myself a bit in the 50 breast, getting sub-27 was pretty special. It’s a milestone for me, getting below 27 in that event. Justice [Migneault] gave me a great race in the 100m on Saturday, but I knew I had another gear in me,” said Hess. “Getting a couple records was a great feeling, but I’m not stopping here. I know I have more in me.”
The qualified swimmers will now set their sights on the 2022 U SPORTS Championship, hosted by the Laval Rouge et Or, February 25-27 in Quebec City.
SWIMMERS OF THE MEET
Men: Apollo Hess, Lethbridge Pronghorns
- Gold – 50m Breaststroke *, 200m Breaststroke *,
- Silver – 100m Breaststroke, 4x100m Freestyle Relay,
- Bronze – 4x100m Medley
Women: Rebecca Smith, Calgary Dinos
- Gold – 50m Butterfly *, 100m Butterfly *, 200m Freestyle *, 4x100m Freestyle Relay, 100m Freestyle *, 4x100m Medley
* – Canada West Record
ROOKIES OF THE MEET
Men: Apollo Hess, Lethbridge Pronghorns
- Gold – 50m Breaststroke *, 200m Breaststroke *,
- Silver – 100m Breaststroke, 4x100m Freestyle Relay,
- Bronze – 4x100m Medley
Women: Emma O’Croinen, UBC Thunderbirds
- Gold – 800m Freestyle, 4x200m Freestyle Relay, 400m Freestyle
- Silver – 200m Freestyle, 4x100m Freestyle Relay, 100m Freestyle, 4x100m Medley
* – Canada West Record
