MONDAY, JAN. 25, 2010 — What Kitchener-Waterloo Synchronized Swim Club’s Drumline team lacks in experience, they more than make up in dedication and passion for their sport.

Those qualities propelled the team to success in Guelph on January 17 when they swam to a third-place finish and earned a wild card berth into the Ontario Winter Games, to be held in the Muskoka area March 4 to 7.

“I was really excited, and I couldn’t believe that my team was going,” said Courtney Beisel, one of two newcomers to competitive swimming on the Drumline team.

Beisel and fellow first-year swimmer Amy Knechtel of Cambridge, second-year swimmers Kayla Groff of Kitchener and Kaelan Ruddick of St. Agatha, and relative veterans Robin Le Lopez-Nguyen of Kitchener and Brooklyn Bowman of Linwood, were on cloud nine when they learned that the wild card spot in the 11 to 12-year-old category had been awarded to the West Region, and their excitement level has continued to rise as details of their trip to Bracebridge have been finalized.

“The Ontario Winter Games is an opportunity that is just so amazing, because it only happens every two years,” said KW Synchro’s Program Leader Melinda Poss, who choreographed the team routine to the soundtrack of the movie Drumline. “It’s a great opportunity for them to go and actually experience something like the Olympics — live in an athletes’ village, meet other people, and represent our Region.”

Ranging in age from 10 to 13, the Drumline team members also enjoy each other’s company out of the pool, and Club Leader Loretta Ruff expects the swimmers’ Ontario Winter Games experience will be enriched by the simple fact that they share it with friends.

“I think one of the highlights for them will be the opportunity to travel together as a team,” said Ruff. “That chance to accomplish some things together as a team, I think that will be a highlight for them.”

The team will be working hard during the next six weeks, polishing their routine and honing their ever-growing skills as they prepare to represent their community. Like the Olympics, the Ontario Winter Games begin with an opening ceremony, and Beisel expects marching alongside 3,500 participants from 27 different sports will be the first step on a life-changing journey.

“I think it will be nerve wracking, but it will be really exciting, and when it’s all done I think I’ll be really proud of myself, and I think my parents will be really proud of me too.”

“Drumline Team Photo” — KW Synchro Drumline team members (clockwise from centre back) Courtney Beisel, Kayla Groff, Brooklyn Bowman, Robin Le Lopez-Nguyen, Kaelan Ruddick and Amy Knechtel celebrate their success at the Ontario Winter Games Trials in Guelph on January 17. (Loretta Ruff photo.)DrumlineD