7-of-14 swimmers headed to state

By Neil H. Devlin, Mullen Sports Information Director
Quality over quantity.
 
Photo by John Leyba, Mullen Sports Photographer
Mullen soon will be splashing into the Class 4A postseason.
 
Boys swimmers and divers wrapped up their dual-meet schedule on Tuesday with a 108-68 loss at Smoky Hill in Aurora in the Centennial League, but the Mustangs certainly can’t complain, and for multiple reasons.

For one, Class 4A Mullen swims a 5A schedule in league.

For another, the team has just 14 competitors (no divers). For another, seven of them have qualified for the state meet.

And for another, they seem to understand the quality vs. quantity argument as they are ranked third as a team headed into the 4A postseason and are enjoying versatile, solid performances.

“We’re doing well,” Mustangs head coach Susan Stone said. “It’s so hard in our league because we swim against all of those 5A schools, but we’re really excited about being No. 3 in 4A. After losing Blayze Jessen (now with Denver’s Pioneers), that’s a big deal that we’re still doing so well. I’m really happy about that.”

Stone added she was hugely encouraged as freshman Jack Krza, also a football player, qualified for state in one of the relays. Senior Ben Freeman and Will Chavez, a junior, have been mainstays.

The coach added she is hoping for some of the relay teams to surpass school marks.

The 200-yard freestyle relay is comprised of Chavez, Cameron Smooke, Charlie Baker and Freeman. The 400 relay group is Chavez, Smooke, Freeman and Noah Maestas.

Plus, Stone said, Moses Gonzales, a wrestler “came out for the team not really knowing what it’s all about and he has been by far the most-improved swimmer, very dedicated and works hard every night.”

The league ‘A’ championships will be May 10-11 at Arapahoe in Centennial and finals of the state meet will be May 17-18 at the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center in Thornton.

A year ago, the Mustangs were third at state and set two school records.

“We’re all very excited,” Stone said.

 
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