Rob Pehura, head coach of the Central Plains Sea Lions, reflects on a season of swimming for his team as the swimmers are tackling back-to-back meets across Manitoba and beyond. The team recently competed in Kenora and Winnipeg, with athletes like Carson Pehura—Robert’s son—gearing up for high-stakes events like the Mel Zajac International Meet in Vancouver.
Balancing competition and adaptation
Pehura notes the grueling schedule has been a test of endurance.
“At this time of year, it’s meet after meet after meet. There’s not a lot of breaks,” he says. “Some went to Kenora, then Carson’s off to Vancouver, and we have Golden Plains in Winnipeg next week.”
The team faced unique challenges in Kenora’s saltwater pool, an unfamiliar environment for many. Younger swimmers adapted quickly, but older athletes like Carson struggled initially.
“They feel slow, but they need to learn to swim through it,” Pehura adds. “Not everything’s going to be Winnipeg or home.”
He notes the obstacle gets in their heads, and it seems older swimmers feel it more than the smaller younger ones.
Pehura says the kids saw many top 5 placings. Seth Cochrane did well in Kenora as well as Emersyn Sissons.
He notes the recent meet at Kenora was a small developmental meet and the Winnipeg event was last chance for them to qualify for the Golden Plains next weekend. Pehura says an example of this was Kaleb Michiels who was close to his standard in the 50-Free, and then came in to do that on the Friday of the event, placing .7 seconds--almost a second off from his swim two week ago, which qualified him to go.
Chasing Canada Games qualification
Carson Pehura, a Grade 11 swimmer specializing in butterfly, aims to secure a spot on Team Manitoba for the Canada Games in St. John’s. Currently on the provisional roster, his performance at upcoming meets will determine final selection.
Carson highlights the value of diverse competition.
“I’ve been swimming a lot more this year—Edmonton, Kenora, Regina,” he says. “Going to these big meets makes it more enjoyable. Vancouver’s a huge opportunity, and I just want to make a final there.”
The Sea Lions’ home pool in Portage la Prairie, described by Carson as “shallow” and “unsanctioned,” has ironically prepared them for variable conditions.
“Teams used to top facilities struggle in places like Regina,” he continues. “For us, it’s an advantage.”
With Golden Plains and provincials looming, Pehura emphasizes resilience. Five swimmers—including Carson and Anika Dyck—will compete in Winnipeg, hoping to solidify Canada Games berths. Final selections are expected by late June.