The Penticton Pikes swim club is determined to put on a good show this weekend.
The Pikes are motivated since they are hosting clubs from around the province for their lone meet at the Penticton Community Centre Saturday and Sunday.
“We have been working really hard. The last week they have pumped up the intensity,” said Pikes coach Celina Glabus, agreeing there is a bit more pressure with competing at home. “The home pool is reason enough to go faster.”
The Pikes have nearly 60 swimmers competing and Glabus said it will be a lot of fun. Part of the enjoyment will be having the competitive swimmers working with the development kids. Glabus said having them in the pool at the same time will be good for team bonding. While the swimmers are competing, Glabus wants to see more best times. Achieving that could be easier with them at home.
Glabus added a desire to do well at home for another reason.
“It’s a chance for the coaches and I to look really good in front of the parents,” she said. “This is our time when we are really being watched.”
Last weekend, the Pikes were in Merritt with a group of approximately 10 and Glabus said the performances were good. Sarah Andrews, nine, took third in division one aggregate, while Ryan McMillan, a division two swimmer, won his race. Glabus said all the swimmers earned best times.