Fins rack up top times at provincials

Moose Jaw - The Moose Jaw Kinsmen Flying Fins are still flying high this season, coming back from the SaskTel A Provincials and 10-Under Cup in Saskatoon recently with all kinds of new records.
"Overall, it was an awesome meet," said coach Monty Smith.
With five athletes attending from the club, the Fins brought back seven AA times and five A times. The double-A ranking indicates a province-best, while single-A is second-best.
Equally as important for the swimmers are the personal best times, which indicate their progress in the sport and their development as athletes.
Joyce Arends, 12, swam three AA times and four personal bests. Lauran Armbruster, 11, posted two AAs and three personal bests.
Libby Epoch, 10, had eight personal bests and two AA times. Mark Froehlich, 13, brought home six personal best times and three As, while Ethan Runge, 15, had six personal bests and two A times.
The coach was very pleased with the progress of his athletes as indicated by the resulting times.
"From a coach's point of view, you can't ask for more than that," said Smith.
He noted Froelich as one swimmer who has improved as a result of his increased dedication to the sport.
"Mark hasn't gone to many meets over the last year and a half and (he was) remarkable (this time)," said Smith. "He went from not enough time with school and other sports to just flying through the water. I'm really impressed with him. He's put a lot of practice into it, a lot of time, and it's really showing."
Looking out at his athletes at practice, he spoke of the team-like atmosphere that develops despite the individual nature of the sport.
"Most of the swimmers here, they push themselves, they dedicate themselves to the sport," said the coach. "They also hang out together and push each other, and as a coach, that's what you're looking for."
The club will now turn its attention to the Man-Sask interprovincial meet that begins March 19. Currently four Moose Jaw swimmers qualify, and Smith is hoping that four more will post the necessary times before then.

Taylor Lambert can be reached at 691-1260.