For the first time in 15 years, six Montezuma-Cortez High School girls swim team members qualified for the 2015 state championship meet in Denver, after a victorious run at regionals.
Several swimmers also set new school records, a feat the team attributes to a stringent, disciplined practice regimen.
“I’m really excited for the team, and individually, especially because we put in so much work,” said sophomore Samantha Bagge, a first-year team member who swam with the city league, the Leopard Sharks, for 10 years.
Six girls qualified for state at the Feb. 7 Western Slope Championships in Grand Junction including senior Madison VanBibber in the 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle relay, and the 400-freestyle relay. Bagge qualified in the 50-yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle relay, and 400-yard freestyle relay. Freshman Caisey Duran qualified in the 100-yard backstroke (1:06.17) and 400-yard freestyle relay. Senior Elana Cope qualified in the 400-yard freestyle relay, and Junior Kayla Hageman and Sophomore Bailey Duran qualified in the 200-yard freestyle relay.
Top finishers from the Feb. 7 meet include VanBibber, who placed fifth in the 50-yard freestyle and set a school record of 25:88. She also placed eitch in the 100-yard freestyle (58.03). Bagge placed seventh in the 200-yard freestyle with a school-record 2:05.73 and sixth in the 50-yard freestyle (26.51). Caisey Duran, placed fifth in the 200-yard individual medley (2:28.74) and sixth in the 100-yard backstroke with a school-record 1:06:17. Bailey Duran placed sixth in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:18.68) and seventh in the 200-yard individual medley (2:31.26).
Cope, a senior, expressed pride with a twinge of sadness that she’s wrapping up four years of dedication.
“I’m really stoked, I wanted to make state all through high school and that six people made it through is so great,” said Cope. “It’s a little sad because this means the season is over, but I’m really excited to have this experience.”
Coach Ian Maclaren says he pushes the team with daily practices. He stressed that they can’t rest on their laurels.
“The team performed well and came through with the performance we’ve been working toward for three years,” said MacLaren, who has been coach since 2012. “I think it’s important to for the girls to remember not to settle, we still have another meet to go.”
Only three seniors will move on after the season, so there’s time to keep the group’s momentum going.
“Our seniors are great swimmers and great people, who worked hard in and out of the pool,” MacLaren said.
The Panthers will head up to Denver on Feb. 12.