LOVELAND — Kia Dobie’s high school swimming career has been interesting, to say the least.
The Broomfield senior wowed the state crowd in 2006 as a freshman when she captured what many thought would be the first of many state titles by winning the 500-yard freestyle. That remains her only title.
“It was hard after my sophomore year, and I realized that (winning a state title) just doesn’t happen all the time,” said Dobie, who was named the swimmer of the year Saturday after winning the 100 butterfly and the 500 free at the Northern Conference’s Western Division meet at the Mountain View Aquatic Center.
“I want to finish off my season with a big finale next week.”
Dobie and her Broomfield teammates will be back in Loveland for the Class 4A state meet Friday and Saturday. The Class 5A meet will be in Fort Collins at Edora Pool Ice Center the same two days.
The banner day for Dobie began in the butterfly, where a day after she set the conference record, she bested it again. A 57.08-second swim was more than three seconds better than the competition. Her 5:08.91 winning time in the 500 reminded her of old times.
“It’s just amazing that I can still hit those times I hit as a freshman,” she said. “The fact I can still do it is amazing.”
Other than Dobie, freshmen ruled the pool Saturday. Fossil Ridge’s Emily Campbell swept the sprints, setting conference marks in winning the 50- and 100-freestyles. Broomfield’s Katalena Laufasa-Duncan won the 200 IM and 200 backstroke, and Heather Shaver captured the 100 breaststroke.
“I’m excited for next week, just because I haven’t started tapering yet,” said Campbell, who edged Thompson Valley’s McKenna Gustafson by .03 seconds in the 50. “I’m pretty sure I’ll see her again, but I think I can beat her again.”
Thompson Valley, Niwot and Broomfield split the three relays, each winning one. Thompson Valley claimed the team title with 792 1/2 points, Niwot was second with 644 1/2 and Broomfield finished with 641.
Thompson Valley diver Justine Boddy’s score of 412.65 points was 73 better than teammate Katie Buhler.
Jon E. Yunt: 303-954-1354 or jyunt@denverpost.com
