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Orangeville Otters host third annual  Spooky Splash Meet, break records

November 5, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By CHRIS PERROTTE

From Oct. 23 to 25, the Orangeville Otters hosted their third annual Spooky Splash Swim Meet at the Alder Recreation Centre.

Six swim clubs accepted the invitation to join the Otters in this event. The teams included the Waterloo Club Warriors, Hanover Swim Club, Owen Sound Aquatic Club, Mississauga Swim Club, the Port Elgin Breakers Swim Club and the Collingwood Clippers Swim Club. 

“It is incredibly encouraging to see so many clubs accept our invitation and join us for this event. Visiting swimmers and their families provide significant financial support to our organization, but it is also a reflection of the reputation the Otters have worked hard to build,” said Otters President David Egbert.

We take great pride in hosting well-organized, competitive and fun events that provide a positive experience for swimmers, coaches and families. Having so many clubs participate is a tremendous endorsement of our club and the swimming community we are proud to be part of,” shared David Egbert, President of the Orangeville Otters.

In total, 336 swimmers participated in the three-day Spooky Splash Swim Meet, with 88 of those representing the Otters. The swimmers took part in a six-session meet. The 13 and over category had 14 events and two relays, with the finals on Saturday, Oct. 24. The 12 and under group did 11 events and two relays.

Paige Miller, head coach of the Otters, shared how she felt her team did in handling the nerves and pressure of competing in their events.

“First meets always bring a unique mix of anticipation and pressure, but our athletes handled it with exceptional maturity and composure,” said Miller. “They supported one another, focused on their race strategies, and channeled that nervous energy into great performances. Seeing them rise to the occasion and step up under pressure speaks volumes about their preparation and mindset for the season ahead.”

The Otters had record-breaking times during some of the races that swimmers competed in.

In the 200 Individual Medley, Wesley Halls had a time of 2:09.99 in the Boys 15-17 and Open

Qyona Egbert, Jemma Harrison, Ava Yardley and Claira Reinhart competed in the girls 11 to 12 4×50 medley relay where they swam in a time of 2:15.80.

In the girls 10 and under 4×50 medley relay, Hannah Herzog, Natalie Reinhart, Gracie Chapman and Nora Bennett raced a time of 2:49.74.

Grace Chapman did a time of 43.27 in the girls 10 and under 50 metre breast lap.

Natalie Reinhart did a time of 38:24 in the girls 10 and under 50 metre fly lap.

In the 50 metre free lap, Qyona Egbert swam a 29.13 for the girls 11 to 12.

For the girls 11 to 12, 200 individual medley, Jemma Harrison swam a time of 2:37.93

The 11 to 12 Girls 4×50 free relay, Jemma Harrison, Qyona Egbert, Ava Yardley and Olivia Breeunig-McLennon swam a time of 1:59.92.

Austin Nelissen set two records in the Ontario Provincial S10 Para-swimming. Nelissen swam a 2.07.69 in the 200 free and broke a 20-year-old record by swimming a time of 31.63 in the 50 metre fly.

Miller was pleased with her team’s overall performance.

“I am incredibly proud of how our team performed at our first swim meet of the season. The swimmers brought fantastic energy to the pool deck, and we saw some truly great racing across all events. Delivering results like these this early in the season is fantastic, and it gives us tremendous momentum as we move forward,” said Miller.

The next swim events for the Otters are on the weekend of Nov. 20 to 22 in Owen Sound and back in Orangeville on Nov. 28.

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