Member Testimonials

Thanks Tony, you're a great coach - you are generous with your time and energy, while sharing your quality triathlon training and racing knowledge. Your passion for triathlon and healthy living is an inspiration for all your athletes. Your coaching has been an integral component to my success this season. Scott Curry - 2005 Canadian National Long Course Champion.

UCTC was the first triathlon club I ever joined and what an experience. The team atmosphere is incredible and everyone supports and encourages each other. This is not only because of the great people in the club, but has a lot to do with the coaching. Tony Smith is an educated and experienced coach who is always willing to give advice and encouragement to his athletes. Tony is very personable and takes the time to get to know you and your goals. He then is always willing to talk to you about how to best achieve those goals and how to deal with set backs. He is a very hands on coach who likes to get out there and hurt right beside you, and as a successful triathlete himself, he always gives you a good run for your money!

What really stands out in my mind about Tony is how he helped me last year after I crashed at Jr Nationals. I was not only injured, but also worried about losing my qualification spot for worlds. Tony sent me a very encouraging email as soon as he heard what happened. With Tony’s help and advice and lots of hard work I did end up achieving my goal and went to worlds in September. Thanks to Tony and everyone else in the club (Scott Curry especially), for all you have done for me. Grant Burwash

2005 Canadian Jr Elite team member

43^rd at 2006 Jr Elite World Triathlon Championships

So inspirational,  to be surrounded by such a group of experienced,
knowledgeable and highly motivated people that are so willing to share.  To
be able to train and grow together with fellow athletes is invaluable. From
novice to elite triathletes everyone is an equal.  Kudos to Tony Smith,
assistant coaches and fellow club members.  Special thanks to swim coach,
Graham Taylor, who is actually  turning me into swimmer. Always looking
forward to your workouts.  Tony you have a great thing going here. Forget
"Two Thumbs Up'', I give UCTC '' Two Arms Up", way up! Tony You Rock!
Always Tri,  Mike Bergeron

Hey Tony, thanks for being a great coach for all of us at the UCTC.  I really appreciate your energy, enthusiasm, and coaching expertise, both at the UCTC and at the Christmas Swim Camp, where I learned so much from both you and Alexandra.  I never expected to be able to go from being effectively a non-swimmer to completing a 1,500 m time trial in 31 minutes all within 2 months – a credit to your coaching and training program. Thanks again,  Miles.

As a newcomer to Calgary, I wanted to join a supportive, well-organized and fun club.  I can honestly say that I’ve found everything I was looking for in the UCTC.  Tony Smith’s positive, encouraging and “hands-on” coaching style has a way of making every person want to succeed and do their best.  I don’t think I have ever pushed myself this hard – and I am loving every minute of it!   I also really like the fact that we can train with “Elite Triathletes” who are willing to share their knowledge and experience. Best of all, and probably most importantly, I have met great training partners and new friends!! Michelle Stewart.

I have been with UCTC since January this year and I couldn't have made a better decision.  The training so far has not only given me physical but mental strength that has carried over into all aspects of my life.  Tony Smith is a great motivator and very knowledgeable about the sport.  It is great to start out as a beginner and have the opportunity to learn from him and feel as though I am moving closer to my goals each and every day.  To anyone considering the sport, I can say that as a beginner I feel very welcome here.  The camaraderie of the group definitely makes training enjoyable while giving the extra push we all need sometimes to keep moving forward towards achieving those goals.  Thank you Tony for making this club such a success! Meghan Harris.

Tony and his crew of coaches/contacts create a great atmosphere to strive to whatever heights you seek in endurance sport.

The UCTC fosters all levels and the club provides a highly motivational

environment. I am always totally stoked to get out to the practices

whether it be a barn burner interval workout or a pleasant recovery.

There are always swim, bike and run practices scheduled and it's

flexible to your own modifications/agenda without pressure to follow

the plan to a T.
 
Tony has become like my surrogate "Soccer Mom" now that my own

has given up on me...somebody get this guy a Honda mini-van 'cause

he's traveling the world to cheer you on. James Grant.

I joined UCTC in May 2002 and I have never looked back.  With Tony’s appointment as head coach in September 2004, the club has taken it up a few notches, with great structured workouts and great feedback from the coaches.  Tony really cares about his athletes and gives us one on one critiques and comments.  I also like the core work that we do after swim practice 3 days per week. 

Not only do I love going to practice for the “physical/training” part of it, but I also love going for the social aspect.  I have met some of my best friends in this club, friends that will be in my life forever, not only because of our love of triathlon, but because this club seems to bring together people who have lots of other common interests.   UCTC has become a huge part of my life in Calgary and for a transplanted Maritimer with no family around, the club has become a second family to me.  I love it! Diana Richmond.

Tony has a compassion for coaching and enthusiastically takes a keen interest in both the novice athlete and seasoned competitor alike, to ensure they get the maximum benefit from his vast knowledge and experience.  He continually observes each team member during workouts, offering tips and pointers to encourage peak performance.

In the 8 yrs I‘ve been training for triathlons, I have never found a coach to be more positive, dedicated and inspirational.  I really look forward to each new and creative workout and would definitely recommend Tony as a coach to any athlete looking to improve their skills and endurance.

Leigh Muir 
2003 Ironman USA (C’oeur d’Alene)
2004 Ironman Canada
2005 Ironman USA (C’oeur d’Alene) competitor

If you are looking for fun, dedicated teammates and training partners, experienced, knowledgeable, and motivational coaching and, quality, structured workouts than the University of Calgary Triathlon Club is the place for you.  No matter your background or level of ability, whether you want to complete your first Sprint Triathlon or qualify for Ironman Hawaii, Head coach Tony, the coaching support staff and the UCTC members will provide you with the tools and resources to help you excel in the sport of triathlon. 

Since joining in 2003, I have made some great friends, developed self-confidence, competed in several Sprint -Olympic distance triathlons, and gained the confidence to sign up for my first half Ironman this summer!   Given the excellent training environment and responsive coaching, I will no doubt be renewing my UCTC membership for many years to come. Missy Skirten

I was excited to join the UCTC in January 2005. One of the main reasons for joining the club was that the training sessions for all three disciplines are well organized and run, especially under the leadership of our new Head Coach, Tony Smith. Although I am relatively new to endurance sports, such as triathlon, I found that the coaches and the club members are very welcoming and supportive. Regardless of our abilities, members are well respected and highly encouraged to meet their personal challenge/goals, which can be very diverse in this club, as we have starters, elite triathletes and those somewhere in between. I also found it useful that in addition to formal training sessions, UCTC members are also periodically exposed to various lectures, which promote injury prevention during training for this demanding sport. I feel fortunate to participate and grow in this sport, which is challenging, addictive and fun at the same time, thru UCTC and its enthusiastic, personable and experienced coaches. The supportive and friendly environment of UCTC has made my training experience fun and enjoyable. Kartika Tjandra.

My experience with the UCTC has been a pleasant challenge. The workouts are always demanding; I leave every practice with a sense of accomplishment and a red face.  I really enjoy the multiple sessions (run&swim). Coaching is consistently encouraging. I've met a lot of fun people. The overall atmosphere of the club is inspiring. I wish we did more bike and run sessions, oppose to swim sessions, because that is what I need to improve. I'm really glad that I signed up! Katie Yalte

Being a member of the UCTC club has been absolutely phenomenal. Tony
develops workouts that are challenging yet attainable, and I have often
left a workout in disbelief of what I had just accomplished. Everything
about this club, including the workouts, the people, and the atmosphere,
is so positive and fun. I look forward to every workout that I attend!
Thanks, Tony, for cultivating such a great club environment. Cathy Montagnese


Tony and his coaching team do an outstanding job at teaching and improving your individual skills.  They really show you how to swim more efficiently, which pays off quickly.  Within a few weeks, I was able to increase my swim distances (and ability) threefold during practice time! As a beginner, this is a huge boost to your confidence! Marc Wyton

I am inspired by the dedicated coaching and elite athletes who are a part of this team.  Prior to joining the club, I was “training” on my own for the last couple of years and completing the odd sprint distance triathlon – I had no idea what I was doing.  The welcoming environment of the club to newcomers and superb coaching pushes me to reach my goals for 2006.  I can’t wait for the year to begin! Thank you, Tony, for organizing such an amazing club! Cynthia Chang

You can have your cake and eat it too!

I discovered Triathlon about a year and a half ago after making a bet with friends on a late night  bender.  I trained alone that first season and found I enjoyed the training even more than winning the bet.  This season I got more involved in training and at the races.  I found the training was even better with friends and I was amazed by the friendliness and positive outlook of everyone involved in the sport.  I decided to join a club and asked everyone I could for advice.   In almost every conversation, the UCTC was a top recommendation (even by some who weren't members!).

This August I emailed Tony about joining the club and knew it was a good choice after his very first response.  I joined October 2005 and I'm absolutely hooked!  Tony is a patient and extremely knowledgeable coach.  He is very personable and takes the same time and care to answer questions as he did in his first response to me.  Everyone in the club feeds off his energy and attitude.  The practices are constantly evolving, well thought out, designed to help everyone improve (no matter what your level and experience), challenging and a LOT of fun.  Imagine finding something that makes you stronger, encourages you to be better and makes pushing your limits enjoyable... that's what I've found with the UCTC!

Oh, and as for the cake... last season I only wanted to be faster.  This coming season I'm going to focus on racing lots and enjoying every moment of every competition.  The UCTC will definitely help me reach that goal... but I'm also willing to bet there's some major PR's!

Thanks Tony!  I'm really enjoying the "off" season and looking forward to seeing what I can do next year!  Mike Breckon

The UCTC has been a great experience for me. In only 2 short months, I can feel myself improving in all aspects of the sport. Tony is able to include every skill level in his coached workouts and maintains a welcoming, non-threatening environment for everyone. Tony’s enthusiasm is inspiring and has motivated me to reach for new goals in the sport. Everyday is new and challenging. I have met a lot of new friends and training partners, all with a common goal of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through triathlon training. Thanks Tony, I love the fast music during the bike workouts!!  Jaime Leslie

“UCTC’s coaching and web site information available to the members is much
more sophisticated than other training I have received.  I am confident that
the drills and training formula will help me take my performance to the next
level.  Plus, everyone in the club is very friendly and hardworking, so it's
a pleasure to come every week!" Kari Becker

I joined the UCTC in January 2005 and have not looked back.  I had done several Triathlons on my own prior to joining and had basically trained myself.  After my first Triathlon as a UCTC member last June I placed 8th in my age group, my best finish ever!!

Tony's commitment to each and every athlete, beginner or elite is outstanding.  He takes the time to get to know everyone in the club and is always available to answer questions and give positive, encouraging feedback.

I found as a new member I was not intimidated training with elite and more
experienced members.  I was supported, encouraged and welcomed by everyone in the club. Suzanne Eames

Congratulations on taking the club to another level. Jeff Krar.

Tony, you've been great and I've found my second wind. Keep it up coach. Paul Jackson.

Your dedication and commitment to the club is inspiring. Thanks so much for all your help - I could not be where I am without the extra push you are always giving me. Catherine Brown.

Thanks so much Tony, it's been great joining the club after an eleven year absence.Darren Pickup.

Tony, you have done an amazing job with the club. Keep it up ! Andrea Devrome.

Tony, to get someone like me to enjoy swimming is quite an accomplishment. Thank you for the constant encouragement and support. The club has become a necessity in my life. Mick Mastallic.

Thank you for inspiring me to reach new heights. Looking forward to future training and racing.Joel Souchette.

Thank you for everything Tony, you're the greatest. See you next year. Missy Skirten.

Hey Tony, thanks for a great year.Dwayne Warkentin.

Tony, you turned me from an out of shape novice to a proud triathlete. Thanks,Trevor Seifried.

To a great coach !

Thanks for all your hard work at getting us race ready. Many thanks for helping me accomplish 3 personal bests this season. All the best,Leigh Muir.

Thanks for all your hard work this year - looking forward to many more years of UCTC to come...Michelle Stewart.

Thank you for all your dedication and commitment. You made my first season a success and I am looking forward to next year. Meghan Harris.

Thanks so much Tony. You are an amazing coach and a great encouragement to me. You really helped me this year. Good luck with your future races. Grant Burwash.

Tony, thanks for all the support ! I will catch you in a race soon ! Carson Bannon.

Thanks for all your support and expertise. Cheers mate, see you in September.Scott Curry.

Tony, you will always go down in history, my history at least, as one of the best coaches ever !   I mean it !  I Love UCTC ! Emily Stevenson.

Tony, it's been a great year. I can't believe how far you have brought me. Ed Mills.

Thanks, for being a great coach and friend during a great summer's racing.Mike Preston.