Although the Cortez Water Dragons Swim Club has only been in existence for two months, its members swam like anything but rookies against tough competition at the Montrose Marlins Fall Open on Nov. 2-4.
Among the top performers for the Water Dragons, which was formed after the Cortez Leopard Sharks and the Mesa Verde Aquatics Club joined forces in September, was 10-year-old Miles Anderson, who finished first in the 25-yard freestyle (16.75) and second in the 25-yard backstroke (21.24) in the division for boys ages 9-10.
Also performing well for the Water Dragons was 5-year-old Fynn Anderson, who finished second in the 25-yard freestyle (27.25) and second in the 25-yard backstroke (21.24) in the division for boys ages 6 and under.
Other Top 3 finishers for the Water Dragons included Theta Decker, who placed second in the 25-yard freestyle (36.38) in the girls 6-and-under division.
Bodie Fischer placed third in the 25-yard butterfly (26.12) and third in the 100-yard backstroke (2:05.26) in the boys 7-8 age division.
Caroline Podgornoff placed third in the 50-yard butterfly (32.54) in the girls 13-14 division.
Swimmers who finished in the Top 5 of individual events in their respective age groups included Maddy Ludington, who placed fourth in the 50-yard breaststroke (44.07), and Caleb Podgornoff, who placed fourth in the 50-yard breaststroke (34.55).
Rhett Brown placed fourth in the 25-yard breaststroke (30.57), and Sawyer Muhonen, placed fourth in the 200-yard individual medley (4:22.40).
Mahonri George touched the wall fifth in the 50-yard backstroke (36.75).
The Water Dragons finished eighth out of 14 in the team standings with 641 points. Montrose placed first overall with 4,068 points, and Aspen Swim Club and Swim Utah Swim Club rounded out the Top 3.
With the holidays quickly approaching, most Cortez Water Dragons team members will not compete again until the Winter Wonderland meet, which will be held in Farmington on Jan. 19-20.
Team members will continue practicing throughout the fall, however.
Individuals interested in obtaining more information about the Cortez Water Dragons Swim Club are encouraged to visit the team’s website at www.teamunify.com/Home.jsp?team=comvac.
