saultsports 
The Sault Surge Aquatic Team celebrated a successful 2024-25 season at their year end awards banquet held at the Grand Gardens over June 3, 2025.
Close to 200 swimmers, coaches, parents and other relatives were in attendance to hand out awards and enjoy a successful season that saw well over 1000 personal best times set. Over a dozen new club records have been established during this past swim season.
All swimmers from each group of the club were recognized for their individual contribution to the program.
Major Award winners from the banquet:
BOB DUMANSKI VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD: – Christine Burns
Bob Dumanski left an invaluable footprint with Sault Surge that will be appreciated for many years to come. He assisted in the club’s inception as well as its rise over the years that followed. Bob could be seen on deck volunteering his time at any opportunity provided, supporting his beloved daughter, and the team they both belonged to. His hard work and dedication were and continues to be an inspiration to many. This award is made in honour of Bob and his immense contribution to our club and community.
Christine Burns consistently demonstrated a willingness to step up and support the club for the benefit of all swimmers, despite not having a swimmer enrolled in the program. As the Club’s official’s coordinator, Christine ensured that our meets and time trials had the appropriate officials in place. Without Burns’ diligence and commitment the team would not be able to sanction the team’s meets.
PULSE AWARDS: — Graham Oak, Claire Cutler, Wyatt Greenwood, Harper Krmpotich, Zian Naquitquitan, Emma Capisciolto, Balin Evans, Charlotte Dunne, Haylen Leonard, Oliver Bennetto.
PULSE stands for Perseverance, Upgrowth, Leadership, Sportsmanship, Enthusiasm. Awarded to swimmers who are the heartbeat of the club, displaying the attitude/effort/respect that it takes to be a great teammate. A male and female in each group is selected by the coaching staff.
Nancy Mancuso Award – Maddi Erb
This award is named in memory of a former local coach which goes to a junior swimmer who embodies all the qualities that make a great ambassador for the club. They are hardworking, respectful, positive, and leave a good impression
Coaches Award – Samantha Gardner
This award for 13 and over swimmers is awarded to an athlete that makes a great ambassador for the team through behavior and actions that are positive, helpful, and help develop a desirable club culture.
Most Improved Swimmers – Angela Thomson, Anna Paranuik, Sophia Li, Jalyn Baker, Adam Abbasy, William Paranuik, Elijah Erickson, Alex Bravener.
The Most Improved Award is presented to swimmers based on the total percentage of improvement when comparing last season’s best times with this season’s best times. This year, the award is presented to two junior males, two junior females, two senior males, two senior females.
Outstanding Junior Performance Award – Emma Vallee and William Paranuik
The Outstanding Performance Award is awarded to a Junior Male and Female swimmer, under 12 years old. Each swimmer’s FINA points from their top five events were tabulated.
President’s Award – Brie Reid, Andrew Li
Each year the President’s Award is awarded to the top overall 13 and over aged male and female swimmer having outstanding performances throughout the year.
Dr. Hui Lee Team Spirit award – Brie Reid, Haylen Leonard, Deane Greenwood, Addison Smith
Dr. Hui Lee started swimming at age 6 and immediately found endless joy in the sport. To him, it was like brushing his teeth, a fundamental part of his day. As a Masters swimmer in Sault Ste. Marie, Dr. Lee stepped up to coach out of necessity, but also discovered joy in helping other people swim their best. When other swimmers would park at noon and see his car in the lot, they’d brighten up and know they were in for an excellent workout because Dr. Lee was there. He had a magical way of smoothing things out, making everything okay, and that translated into his involvement with swimming. Dr. Lee would often compare team spirit to a flock of geese; they fly together, but one always leads the way, making it easier for others to follow in their path. That leader, no matter how quiet or loud, motivates teammates to be their best. Every team has a spirit, and that spirit is what keeps the team going.
This season, the Sault Surge Aquatic recognized graduating swim coach Keelin Maher and presented with a graduating ring. Maher will be attending Windsor University in the fall.
Long time Sault Surge coach Craig Stroyan was presented with a retirement gift in recognition of his years of service and contribution to the Sault Surge Aquatic Team.
Gold, silver and bronze medals were presented to swimmers with the top scoring combined FINA points for the short course and long course 100m, 200m and 400m individual medley events.
Earning medals for top scoring individual medley events for their respective age groups were: Anna Paranuik, Angela Thomson, Emma Vallee, Sophia Li, Madeleine Dagenais, Brie Reid, Haylen Leonard, Finn Walker, William Paranuik, Adam Abbasy, Lenden Ellis, Andrew Li and Alex Bravener, Margot Oak, Maddi Erb, Sofia Hervias, Brooklyn Barber, Elsa Mackay, Jenna Morin, Eva Robinson, Tayte Borrelli, Jalyn Baker, Alma Da Silva Castillejo, Skyla Hallquist, Asher Leask, Spencer Smith, Judah Erickson, Xiaokang Cui, Elijah Erickson, Oliver Bennetto, Alex Orazietti, Bernard Santos.
A group of Sault Surge Aquatic Team swimmers continue to train for the upcoming Ontario Swimming Championships in July.
Source: Sault Surge
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