CALGARY – It was a successful start to the 2024-25 season for the Calgary Dinos swim program, as they officially opened the year hosting their annual Dino Invitational Friday and Saturday inside the UCalgary Aquatic Centre.

Going up against conference foes UBC and Lethbridge, the Dinos men brought home the win with 148 points over the two days of competition, just edging out UBC at 143. 

On the women's side, the T-Birds took the weekend title with 141 points to Calgary's 121.

Calgary finished the weekend with 10 wins out of the 20 events on the men's side, headlined by four individual wins from reigning Canada West Swimmer of the Year in Stephen Calkins. The fifth-year sprinter topped the field in the 50 butterfly (24.46), 50 back (25.79), 50 free (22.73) and 100 free (49.53).

It was a 1-2 finish for the Dinos in the 50 fly, with Thomas McDonald taking second in 24.65, while teammate Gibson Black brought home the bronze in the 50 free in 23.06 and newcomer Ethan Fast took third in the 50 back in 26.21.

Rookie Nicholas Duncan made quite the first impression, capturing a pair of wins in the 100 fly (53.06) and 200 IM (2:02.76). Duncan also showed off his versatility by taking second in the 200 fly (2:04.31) and 100 breast (1:02.29). 

Stephen Moore kept the winning ways going by touching the wall first in the 50 breast (28.41), while the Dinos claimed three of the four relays on the busy weekend.

Alexanne Lepage led the way for the Dinos women. The defending U SPORTS Rookie of the Year also won all four of her individual events over the two days of action. Lepage topped the field in the 50 breast (31.23), 100 breast (1:07.21), 200 breast (2:26.16) and 400 IM (4:45.81). She also helped the Scarlet & Gold win the 400 medley relay in 4:09.81 – over two seconds ahead of second place for the win.

Newcomer Danika Ethier also earned a podium spot by taking third in both the 100 breast (1:11.10) and 200 breast (2:34.09), while Hannah Bennett brought home the bronze in the 400 IM (4:54.03). Bennett also earned a win in the 200 IM with a first-place time of 2:18.41. Teammate Bella Mastroianni touched in third at 2:22.04.

Hannah Johnsen also had a strong opening weekend. The fourth year won the 200 backstroke in 2:13.83 and took third in both the 50 back (28.79) and 100 back (1:02.66).

The Dinos are back in action again this weekend, traveling to Vancouver for the Pacific leg of the Colleges Cup, starting Saturday.

TEAM SCORES
Men
1.    Calgary – 148
2.    UBC – 143
3.    Calgary Swim Club – 39
4.    Lethbridge – 19

Women
1.    UBC – 141
2.    Calgary – 121
3.    Calgary Swim Club – 82
4.    Lethbridge – 23

-UC-