The Cochrane Piranhas gave it all they had last weekend at provincials in Edmonton – and for a few it was their last competition.
Nicole Gross, Sarah Nusl, Kennedy Michalski, Eric Swedlo and Connor Swedlo will all say goodbye as they age out this season.
Sarah Nusl was the only one to win a medal, bringing home two silvers in the 15 to 17 50 metre freestyle with a time of 28.61 and in the 15 to 17 100 metre freestyle with a time of 1.02.80.
Head coach Breanna Hendriks couldn’t be more ecstatic.
“She’s one of my top girls,” Hendriks said proudly.
Nusl said she was happy and excited to bring home the medals.
“It went pretty well,” Nusl stated. “I had a best time for my individual races.
“It feels like a really good accomplishment – seeing it on the board…seeing I got second was crazy.”
While she will age out of the program this season, Nusl is extremely thankful for all the memories she has made along the journey.
“I’m definitely pretty sad,” Nusl said. “It’s been 11 years.”
She is also extremely grateful to her coach.
“She’s the best coach I’ve ever had,” Nusl stated of Hendriks. “She’s really understanding, but she really pushes us.”
Nusl is ready to explore new paths and will always treasure the friendships that have splashed up through the years.
Eric Swedlo couldn’t agree more.
“It’s always been a part of my life, my identity,” Swedlo said. “I’m sad to see it go, but also excited to move on.”
Swedlo hails Hendriks for all the great advice she has given him these past three years.
“She’s been awesome,” Swedlo said. “She knows when to give us tough love and she knows when to tell us we did a good job – even if we think we didn’t.”
Swedlo’s brother, Connor, is on the same page.
“She’s been a really good coach,” he said. “It’s a sad feeling, but it’s not heartbreaking.”
Hendriks expressed her pride for all the older swimmers and how much she has watched them not only accomplish personal best swimming times through the years, but also how they have grown as individuals.
“I’m proud of all the older kids,” Hendriks said. “It’s been a journey … it’s hard not to get emotional.”
Even though it’s a bittersweet moment, Hendriks can’t get rid of them that easily … she has inspired them all to come back and coach.
