09/05/2026
Aquanauts Wrap Up Memorable Season at BCSSA Provincials
The Agassiz-Harrison Aquanauts (AHA) wrapped up another successful summer season with a strong showing at the 2026 BCSSA Provincial Championships in Kamloops from August 13 to 16.
A total of 23 Aquanauts earned their place at Provincials following strong performances at the Fraser Valley Regional Championships, held July 31 to August 2 at Centennial Pool in Abbotsford. Swimmers qualified through individual events, relay performances, or both, securing their opportunity to compete against the best summer swimmers in British Columbia.
The Aquanauts continued their success in Kamloops, highlighted by several podium finishes.
Aubrie Dalebout captured a provincial championship in the Girls Div. 5 50 Freestyle, winning gold in 28.16.
Eli Reist earned bronze in the Boys Div. 6 200 IM with a time of 2:22.82, while Chase Viens added another bronze medal for AHA in the Boys Div. 7 100 Freestyle, finishing in 54.15.
Aquanaut swimmers also recorded numerous finals appearances and top-eight finishes throughout the championship weekend.
Relay teams delivered additional success for AHA. The Girls Div. 5 200 Freestyle Relay team of Aubrie Dalebout, Rebekka Meinen, Cedar Waters and Maddison Wouda captured a bronze medal, while the Boys Div. 7 relay team of Rylan MacNeil, Eli Reist, Aubrey Sutton and Chase Viens also reached the podium with bronze in the 200 Freestyle Relay.
Beyond the club's medal-winning performances, another highlight was having six swimmers selected to represent the Fraser Valley on Regional Relay teams, an honour reserved for swimmers with some of the fastest times in the region:
Keira Beukens, Div. 1 Girls Breaststroke
Jayden Kielstra, Div. 2 Boys Freestyle
Alex Dalebout, Div. 4 Boys Freestyle
Aubrie Dalebout, Div. 5 Girls Freestyle
Eli Reist, Div. 6 Boys Butterfly
Rylan MacNeil, Div. 7 Boys Freestyle
The Fraser Valley Regional Relay swimmers also enjoyed considerable success in Kamloops. Keira Beukens captured a provincial gold medal as a member of the Div. 1 Girls Regional Relay team, while Alex Dalebout and Rylan MacNeil each earned silver medals with their respective Div. 4 and Div. 7 Boys Regional Relay teams.
In addition to his success in the pool, Rylan MacNeil was presented with the Fraser Valley Regional Scholarship, recognizing his achievements, dedication and contribution to the sport.
The 2026 AHA Provincial Team
Keira Beukens, Alex Dalebout, Aubrie Dalebout, Jaymes Gill, Maria Gorelova, William Godfrey, Zack Hafezi, Cole Hedrick, Jackson Kampen, Jayden Kielstra, Rylan MacNeil, Rebekka Meinen, Indiana McMullin, Jen McMullin, Eli Reist, Lucas Reist, Mason Swift, Aubrey Sutton, Chase Viens, Cedar Waters, Dylan Wilnechenko, Maddison Wouda and Tanner Wouda.
Looking ahead, the Aquanauts will set their sights on the 2027 BCSSA Provincial Championships in Nanaimo while also preparing for their first season training in the new Lets'emot Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre.
AHA would also like to thank Agassiz and the surrounding communities for their unwavering support of the club. The encouragement shown throughout the season by local families, businesses and supporters continues to play an important role in the success of the Aquanauts.
Behind the club's success was the dedication of its swimmers, the support of families and the leadership of coaches Ben Reist, Eli Reist and Indiana McMullin. The coaching staff's commitment throughout the summer was instrumental to the club's success. From early-morning practices to championship weekends, they dedicated countless hours to helping athletes develop their skills, build confidence and reach their full potential. Their guidance and encouragement helped produce personal-best performances, provincial qualifiers and podium finishes while fostering the strong team culture that defines the Aquanauts.
From Abbotsford to Kamloops, the Aquanauts once again demonstrated what a small community swim club can accomplish through hard work, teamwork and determination.
Congratulations to all 23 Aquanauts who earned their place at the 2026 BCSSA Provincial Championships and helped make the season one to remember. The future is bright for the Aquanauts.
