FORT COLLINS — Is this the year?
For 15 years, the rest of the state has been formulating a plan that has the depth and speed to knock off Regis Jesuit from its perch as kings of the Class 5A swimming world.
On Saturday at Edora Pool Ice Center, the Highlands Ranch co-op team flexed its muscle, not only winning the prestigious Dick Rush Invitational with 393 points, but also capturing two relays and winning four individual events with Kyle Milberg and Kyle Noser.
“I think it showed in the water,” said Falcons coach Will Iaia, whose team finished second at state last year. “We are going to be a tough team to beat.”
Cherry Creek, behind individual wins from Jared Markham (200 free) and Spencer Fronk (100 free) as well as a 400-yard freestyle relay victory, finished second with 253 points. Reigning Class 4A champion Lewis-Palmer was third with 211, and Regis Jesuit was fourth with 200.
It was Noser that got the event started out on the right foot for Highlands Ranch. The senior qualified fifth in the 200 individual medley in the morning, then came back in the afternoon to better teammate Andrew Hartbarger and top qualifier Brandon Hatanaka of Loveland with a time of 1 minute, 54.81 seconds.
“Coming in, we knew we wanted to make a statement, and after prelims we were seeded well,” said Noser, who also won the 100 breaststroke. “High school season is all about racing the guy next to you and not so much about the times.”
Never was that statement more true than Milberg’s effort in the 100 backstroke. Milberg trailed Markham heading into the final 25 yards, then found another gear.
“Jared’s a really good back- half swimmer, and I was really scared because I knew he was going to come home fast that last 25,” said Milberg, who also won the 100 butterfly. “I just really dug in and tried to kick really hard to the finish. Luckily I came in first, but really it was anyone’s race.”
It also was a good day for George Washington. Patriots senior Dan Jurgs outtouched Fronk at the wall in the 50 free, and Ben Holston reeled in Andrew Parker of Highlands Ranch in the 500.
“I’m glad I finally did it in high school. I’ve been beating Spencer and (Cherry Creeks) Daryl (Turner) all year in club team,” Jurgs said.
Defending 4A diving champ Travis Hartman failed to complete a score on his last dive, and that opened the door for Heritage’s Tanner Nemkov, who won with 398.75 points.
