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New head coach for Sungod swimmers

Former assistant returns to club, athletes in the medals at provincial meet

A former assistant is now the new head coach of the Delta Sungod Swim Club (DSSC).

Kurt Murphy rejoins DSSC after a one-year absence to take over the top coaching position, a move approved by the club’s board of directors earlier this week. Murphy served as Delta’s assistant head coach from 2009-11, leaving to take the same position with the Richmond Rapids Swim Club a year ago.

“Kurt is a highly motivational coach,” said DSSC president Barry McDonough. “Kurt takes no excuses and holds himself and his swimmers to the highest standard.”

Murphy has held coaching positions in Ontario, Nanaimo and Langley before joining the Sungod group three seasons ago. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Kinesiology from Lakehead University, and holds NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) Level 3 accreditation.

He has success in the past coaching able-bodied, IPC (International Paralympic Committee), and Special Olympic swimmers.

- Five Sungod swimmers won a total of 10 medals at the AA Provincials last weekend in Victoria, including Noah Landry, who qualified for the AAA Provincials in the 200m butterfly.

Landry, the race winner, posted a time of 3:08.05, a full second faster than the AAA standard.

Joe Kidd won four medals, taking the gold in both the 100m butterfly and 200m freestyle. He also snared silver medals in the 50m freestyle and 400m individual medley.

Nick Kidd returned with three medals. He won silver in his 100m and 200m back stroke events, and was third in the 400 metre freestyle.

Also reaching the podium was Connor Warkentin with a silver medal in the 200m breast stroke, and Logan Warkentin with a runner-up placing in the 100m freestyle.