Pronghorns ready to make waves as championships host

By Lethbridge Herald on November 6, 2025.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward Herald photo by justin seward From left, University of Lethbridge Pronghorn swimmers Tristan Bennett and Carly Beck, along with coach Peter Schori and Spencer Pommells were on hand to speak to media about hosting the Canada West Swimming Championships on Wednesday at Co-op Centre for Sport & Wellness.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

University of Lethbridge Pronghorn swim team members and coach and a representative from Pronghorn Athletics hyped up what the experience will be like hosting the Canada West Swimming Championships at the end of the month during a media availability on Wednesday morning.

“We’ve got probably the best on-campus pool maybe in U Sports overall ,” said Peter Schori, Pronghorns swimming head coach.

“Last time we hosted, it was the loudest this facility’s ever been in almost 40 years. So we’re really happy to welcome everybody back again.”

The preparation does not change much for the swimmers going into this championship.

“Our actual preparation is pretty similar to normal,” said Schori.

“I think the different part is just that little added enthusiasm and just the home field advantage that we get to have.”

Both men’s and women’s teams are expected to be exciting.

“I think we should see individuals and relay teams on the podium,” said Schori.

Horn men’s swimmer Tristan Bennett, who competed in the Canada West Championships last time U of L hosted in 2023, said this year feels special.

“We haven’t really had a men’s team in my four years that has felt close as it has this year, and everyone’s swimming for each other and I think there’s a really good drive to swim fast for each other ,” said Bennett.

“So, I think we’re going to see some pretty good results this year.”

Bennett said it’s fantastic, when asked about having the home pool advantage.

“Everyone here loves it,” said Bennett.

“The pool is awesome. I think just having the crowd here as well is super helpful.”

The event attracts some of the country’s best swimmers from other western Canada universities  to compete against the Pronghorn swimmers.

“I know a lot of the youth swimmers in our community (and) also just general sports fans can come out to the university and see some Olympians (and) see some of our best in our country,” said Spencer Pommells, U of L’s director of athletics.

This is the second time in three years that the Canada West Swimming Championships are coming to U of L after hosting  in 2023.

“I think the one thing that I’ve come to learn since being in Lethbridge is actually how good of a swimming community  and a swimming set-up we have here,” said Pommells.

What makes U of L’s pool special is the close-knit type of feel.

“The fans are on top of you and for anybody who’s been to a Canada West Championship here in the past, the pool is absolutely packed,” said Pommells.

“That, coupled with the athletes on the pool deck and how rowdy it can get during the relays towards the end of our sessions, it creates a pretty incredible environment.”

The Canada West Swimming Championships are Nov. 28-30 at U of L’s Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre.