Marlins deserve a lot of credit

Proving last year’s success was no fluke, the Kentville Marlins swim team turned heads again at the 2007 summer swim provincials this month in Digby.

It would have been difficult for the Marlins to better last year’s best-ever performance, when they won 15 medals and three small team high point awards and placed three swimmers on the provincial all-star team; but this year’s team came very close.

The 2007 team won 10 medals, nine in individual events and a silver medal in a relay, and actually achieved more total points from top placings (716 to 700) than in 2006.

Kentville repeated as the small team high point winner and 15-16 age group high point winner among small teams. The Marlins once again had three swimmers named all-stars, had 70 personal best times at provincials and set 26 new club records.

To put the results, both this year and last, into perspective, Kentville didn’t win a single medal at the 2005 provincials, despite hosting the meet. Before that, the club simply wasn’t taken seriously.

The difference, this year and last, has been hard work, commitment and good coaching – and not necessarily in that order.

The club has had a succession of good young coaches – Crystal Walker in 2005, Missy Spencer, Scott Lovat and Shauna Manning in 2006; and Manning, Colin Stacey and Pete Porskamp this year. The talent is certainly there among the club’s young swimmers.

At the same time, the key to success has been the willingness of the team executive to stay with the young coaches and let them do their job, and of the swimmers to both buy into their system.

Yes, most of the provincial medals and ribbons were won by the older swimmers; at the same time, the bulk of the personal best times were turned in by younger swimmers who, while they might not have won medals, have a really bright future.

Manning noted following provincials she has been involved with the Marlins since she was nine years old. She couldn’t be happier at the way things have turned around.

To me, it’s no coincidence the lion’s share of Marlins coaches in recent years are, or have been in the recent past, members of the Wolfville Tritons. It’s not that the Tritons are that good – though it’s no secret to anyone who follows swimming locally the Wolfville club has enjoyed its share of success in recent years. What being part of the Tritons program provides swimmers is the opportunity, the discipline and commitment to compete at a high level. Swimmers like Manning, Lovat, Spencer and Porskamp learned their lessons well, and have been able to pass on what they learned.

I’m glad to see the Marlins step up and make an impact. It’s good for the provincial swim community to have a successful club in Kentville, and it looks really good on the club executive, which works hard and deserves reward for their efforts.