Country Pennants glory for Narrogin Amateur Swimming Club after Stingers making big splash in E-grade division

Narrogin Amateur Swimming Club were splashed in gold at the Belt Up Country Pennants, with the Stingers team returning as E-grade champions earlier this month. Narrogin Stingers earned an impressive 37 gold medals, 11 silvers and 18 bronze between 20 of their aquatic competitors with three-quarters of the team swimming in higher age divisions. Team captain Luca Collette, 15, smashed the Narrogin club’s 50m backstroke record, completing the swim in 38.35sec. In the girls division, 53 per cent of the Stingers swam a new personal best while the boys had a 37 per cent ratio. Teammates cheered on Oke Penny for his debut race in the multi-class division, competing in breaststroke and freestyle. Stingers coach Tanya Hart said everyone was on the edge of their seats watching the mixed junior relays as it was “neck and neck” but the kids “gave a final push at the flag”, propelling them to the lead. She said the Stingers won comfortably in the open relay, describing the swimmers as “powerful in the water” and an “impressive” watch. Hart said the team was really proud of themselves and it was special to see the kids get in the water with such confidence. Hart thanked local sponsors Cactus Hare, BKS Electrical, Narrogin Valley Stockfeed and Gas, Narrogin Betta Home Living, and Narrogin Amateur Cycling Club. Narrogin Stingers are set to compete in D-grade at the 2026 Belt Up Country Pennants at the Karratha Leisureplex. The competition was held at the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre on March 1 and 2.