H.S. swimming: Rampart holds off challenger

For the Class 5A Rampart girls swim team, Tuesday's dual meet with 4A Lewis-Palmer was more than a chance to shake off the dust from winter break.

"We are going into our third year undefeated in Metro league duals, and we sure didn't want to lose this one," Rams coach Pat Burch said. "I hate to lose, and I know she (Lewis-Palmer coach Terre Christensen) does too. You have to learn to be a graceful non-winner, but I'd rather not have to practice often."

Burch and his defending league champion Rams got their way, beating the Rangers 164-148 in a meet that was as close as both teams expected.

Lewis-Palmer had 11 state qualifying times while the Rams posted nine.

Rampart's Jenna Gregoire won the 50-yard freestyle and the 100 backstroke, and was a part of the winning 200 and 400 freestyle relays.

"It was definitely an exciting meet," said Lewis-Palmer's Alex Claude, who had a personal best and 4A state qualifying time of 1 minute, 1.81 seconds in the 100 backstroke. "It was good to face a team that's about the same level, and it gave us a good look at what we'll be facing if we want to win league."

Lewis-Palmer's Carina Watson also qualified for state in the 100 backstroke and won the 100 butterfly in 1:04.96.

Rampart kept the Rangers off guard by rotating some swimmers through in different races or different relay positions.

Rampart's Kyrene Clarke, who usually swims the 100 breaststroke, won the 500 freestyle race and qualified for 5A state competition.

"We really had no information about Lewis-Palmer except that I know Terre would put together a tough team," Burch said. "They didn't disappoint, and I think things like putting Jenna (Gregoire, who specializes in freestyle) in the 100 backstroke was one of the things that helped us."

Lewis-Palmer senior divers Corey Bangs and Sadie Wells qualified for state. That event best displays the Rangers' newfound depth.

Bangs won the competition with 218.35 points while Wells was second with 204.70. Rampart's only diver, freshman Sarah Johnson, placed fourth.

"Corey and Sadie have pulled strong all year, and they've really been leaders for us," Christensen said. "We have seven divers right now, and that's just amazing to find."