THE SPORTS DESK
Prep Swimming Notepad: Eagles aim to contend at district meet
SEE ALSO: Swimming Top Times
The Colonial Forge boys and girls swim teams are looking forward to this Friday’s Commonwealth District championship.
Eagles coach Georgia Rathje said she expects the meet to be exciting and for both teams to contend.
“We’re hoping both teams can finish at least top three overall,” she said. “But, individually, every team has somebody to watch out for in every event.”
Rathje said North Stafford’s boys and Stafford’s girls are also top contenders, along with Albemarle, which will be trying to repeat last year’s title sweep.
Colonial Forge’s girls should be competing for the overall championship, as they boast top-six times in seven of eight events in the Free Lance–Star’s area top times list. All three relays—two of which advanced to states last year—are ranked in the top three.
A championship may be tougher for the boys, who are ranked in the top four in all three relays, but don’t have as many individual top times.
“I think that everybody’s ready to swim and swim fast,” Rathje said. “The girls would love to win the district championship. For the boys, that will be a little bit tougher task, but they have been working really hard.”
Rathje said a couple of seniors have stepped up into leadership roles and helped to push the teams along.
Kirsten Garza—who missed last season with a shoulder injury—advanced to states as a sophomore, while Andrew Wineinger has been outstanding in the 200 and 500 freestyles this year.
Rathje said it’s important for her top swimmers to score, but continuing to get additional points from the Eagles’ less experienced swimmers will be a key.
“We got in some freshmen that are well-rounded and that are contributing points,” she said. “Then, of course, we have strong returning swimmers that are collecting points as well.”
—Tom Leiss
