Area teams fare well in state 4A boys' swimming prelims

THORNTON - The 4A boys’ swimming state meet might as well have been held in Colorado Springs this year.

After the preliminaries Friday at the VMAC in Thornton, it became pretty clear that four teams from down south were taking over.

The team with the biggest day – by far – was Air Academy. The Kadets are seeking their first team state championship since 1999, and they are off to a terrific start.

“Coming into the prelims I was thinking that I was going to take it easier than normal and save it for finals,” Air Academy junior Devon Davis said. “But then, right at the start with the medley, we were doing so great and there was so much excitement that we came out fast.”

Davis, who qualified first in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 51.26 seconds, helped that medley team take first. It was just the beginning of a big day for Air Academy.

“I think we were all just going really fast – everyone on the team,” said Davis, who also qualified in second in the 100 breaststroke and helped the 200 freestyle relay finish third.

In all, the Kadets will have nine chances to earn points in individual events Saturday, along with all three relays advancing to the finals.

“The competition at this meet is incredible,” Air Academy coach Scott Newell said. “And to think that our guys came in here and stepped up like this is amazing. I’m elated.”

Cheyenne Mountain and Discovery Canyon both had strong days as well.

The Indians’ Jonathan Little placed first in the 50 freestyle in 21.72, took second in the 100 freestyle and led two relay teams to qualifying times.

“There are some really good teams up here and it’s going to be fun to see what happens on Saturday,” Little said. “The key to swimming in four events today and then doing it again tomorrow is to make sure you have a lot of cool-down time and stay stretched out.”

For Discovery Canyon, Saturday will easily be the biggest day in the young program’s history. Led by Luke Robert and Taylor Hand, who both qualified for two individual events and two relays, the Thunder expect big things.

“This is the fastest that we’ve ever been and this year we have more seniors and some freshmen that have come up and made it to state, so we are excited,” Robert said.

Coronado had seven individual qualifications – although none in the top three – and two relays as well. The Cougars’ 200 freestyle relay took first with a 1:27.37, while the 400 freestyle relay placed second behind D’Evelyn.

The state finals begin at 2 p.m. Saturday.