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Some local coaches treat the girls swimming and diving season like a game of poker, holding their cards close to the vest.

The top swimmers in Class 5A and Class 4A are so versatile, they can compete in almost any event – freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly – and once the season plays out, coaches can put the athletes in the best position to get big points at state.

The problem is, all the best teams are using the same tactics.

“I’m fortunate to have swimmers who I can put in any event. When it comes down to the end of the season, we can strategize,” Fort Collins coach Lissa Fischer said.

Another problem, for the rest of the state, is that Cherry Creek is better than ever.

The powerhouse Bruins, winners of 21 team championships, are led by three returning state champions, Natasha Menezes (200-yard freestyle), Caitlin Iversen (200 individual medley) and sophomore Jessica Rodriguez (500 freestyle).

That group and the bulk of the Bruins’ deep squad are as adaptable as anybody, and many across the state might shiver when they hear coach Eric Craven’s assessment of the 2005 group.

“This is the best team I’ve ever had. We lost some great seniors to graduation, but we are better than last year,” Craven said.

Cherry Creek will try to defend its 5A title, and Mullen will do the same at the 4A level, at the Edora Pool Ice Center in Fort Collins. The format is new this season, with both classifications competing at the same venue over three days, Feb. 16-18. The 5A finals are Feb. 17 and the 4A finals are Feb. 18.

“Natasha is such a versatile swimmer, she’ll do whatever I ask her do. Caitlin is the same way,” Craven said.

The usual contenders will try to unseat the Bruins, starting with Fort Collins. Three college-bound seniors, all part of the 400 freestyle record-setting team from a year ago, return for the Lambkins.

Carley Beaudreau is headed to Arizona, Kristen Viger to Missouri and Megan Evans to Oregon State.

Smoky Hill is loaded with upperclassmen, including Olivia Dean, Annie Preizzolo, Crystal Shipps and Lindsey Dezman. Grandview’s Brittany Martinez is capable of winning a couple of individual titles, and Colleen Schweitzer of Highlands Ranch returns to defend her 100 breaststroke title.

“The skill level is pretty high. Everyone has their best events, but so many swimmers are good at a bunch of them,” Grandview coach Cathy McDavid said.

In 4A, the team race is much tighter. Mullen, Regis and Thompson Valley can be considered favorites, with Ralston Valley, Niwot and Cheyenne Mountain also in the hunt.

Regis is young and fast, with Kelsey Olson and Stephanie McNicol near the top in the freestyle events. But Longmont junior Sara Sullivan is the defending state champion in the sport’s fastest race, the 50 freestyle.

Ellie Freeman of St. Mary’s Academy is the reigning 100 breaststroke champion, and Castina Wabeke holds the title in the 100 backstroke. Gina DiDomenico of La Junta is the top returner in the individual medley.

“There is some real talent at the top,” Ralston Valley coach Joani Glidewell-Anderson said.

Swimmers to watch

CLASS 5A

CLASS 4A