By Maddie Proctor ’21
The Regis Jesuit Girls Swim and Dive team is right in the middle of preparation for the biggest meet of the season: state. State prelims and finals will take place on February 9th and 10th at EPIC in Fort Collins. Coming off of an undefeated dual meet season, the Raiders are sending 22 swimmers and one diver, Anne Marie Kenny, to compete at the meet, with more athletes expected to qualify at the A league competition.
The girls have been tapering, which is when the swimmers build up the muscles they have been breaking down at practice eight times a week since November.The Raiders won eleven consecutive meets this year against big teams like Arapahoe, Rock Canyon, and (for the first time in Regis Jesuit history) Valor. Headed into state, the team is seeded 6th overall, with individual placings in the top 20 for almost every event. The rested, suited-up, and shaved Raiders are expected to beat out their 6th place ranking. Some key swimmers to watch out for include sophomore Jada Surell-Norwood, seeded 5th in the 50 free, 6th in the 100 free, and competing in multiple relays, and junior Meriel Upton, seeded 20th in the 100 free and swimming in many of the team’s best relays.
Last season, out of 27 teams, Regis Jesuit placed fourth after Fossil Ridge, Fairview, and Arapahoe, who edged out the Raiders by a mere two points. The girls are looking to make a splash and beat out their placing from last year. “All these girls have worked so hard this year, and I can’t wait to watch them race,” said sophomore Joelle Macke. Come cheer on the swim and dive team as their hard work pays off.