PEAK PERFORMERS: Girls swimming player, coach of the year and first team

Junior Jenna Gregoire defended her state title in the 100-yard freestyle and led the Rams to their third consecutive top-eight finish at the 5A state girls' swimming meet. That has earned her The Gazette's Girls' Swimmer of the Year, again.
Rampart finished seventh, and Gregoire set a state record after she touched in 51.30 seconds. Gregoire also finished fourth in the 50 freestyle and anchored the Rams' fifth-place 200 and 400 freestyle relays.

What were you looking to accomplish heading into the high school season this year?
I think we really wanted to stay undefeated (in Metro League dual meets) for our third year, and we knew that would be tough with teams like Lewis-Palmer around. I know we were looking to clean our record board (at the Rampart pool) in the relays. And personally, I really wanted to defend my title. So, it's been an OK year (laughs).

What do you think you brought to racing this year that maybe you didn't last year?
Well, I have a new club coach, and he's really worked with me on a lot of things and helped me to see some things that I hadn't really even thought about (she swims for the Falfins club team.). He's really detail-oriented, and I think I've really been amazed at what some more attention to the little things can do.

You told me earlier in the season that you were focusing on trying to be faster in your turns. Is that something you're still working on?
Oh yeah. Every swimmer is always trying to find a way to shave off some time, and turns are a place where a lot of us get lazy. I know for me, you swim so many laps in practice that you just get into your routine and you do the turn and you keep going. But then when you're racing, it's hard to remember to be as efficient as you possibly can with that turn. And with me being tall, it's just a little harder (laughs ... she is 6 feet tall).

What else have you been focusing on?
I've really been looking closely at every movement and trying to be as streamlined and efficient as possible. Something as simple as fixing the way I bring my hand out of the water on my freestyle can really make a difference on time. It's hard for me to focus on the little things when I start to get tired at practice, but it's really what makes the difference.

Do you think there is anything left for you to prove at the high school level? Will you be back next year?
There is absolutely always more to prove. As far as swimming for Rampart, I am not sure yet. I think it will depend on the recruiting process and how that's going.

Where are you in your club swimming season right now?
Well, I actually just got back from doing the Austin Grand Prix in Texas. It was a huge meet and just a great experience.

How did you think you did?
Well my freestyle was right on, but not crazy fast. But I'm OK with my time from state in the 100, so I was happy with staying on track. The best part was that it was seeded, instead of having all the top swimmers in the same heat. So they took the top 30 or 40 swimmers and scattered them throughout the heats. On the 50 free, I ended up in the same heat as Dara Torres, which was just incredible. She kicked my butt (laughs) but just swimming with her was unbelievable.

Where are you in the college recruiting process?
Well, technically we can't be contacted by anyone until July 1, so right now everything is theoretical. I've always been interested in academics first, so I am looking for a school that will be able to offer both. I'm hoping to use swimming as a tool to get me there.

What kind of involvement to you have with DECA (business program) at Rampart?
Well, my partner and I placed first in Internet marketing at the state meet at The Broadmoor in February, so we're going to be heading to nationals, which are in Anaheim this year. We're excited about Disneyland! (laughs)

COACH OF THE YEAR

For Cheyenne Mountain girls' swimming coach Kate Fleschler, working with high school swimmers was the logical next step.

"I coach 10- to 14-year-olds for CSST (Colorado Springs Swim Team), and help them develop as they head into high school," the Pittsburgh native said. "But it's great to see what some of the girls are doing by the time they hit this age group."

During her first season at Cheyenne Mountain, in which she won The Gazette's Girls' Swimming Coach of the Year honors, the Indians placed eighth at the 4A state meet and laid a foundation for future success.

They were led by sophomore Ashley Forsyth, who won the 500-yard freestyle. Senior Shelby Remillard finished ninth in the 100 butterfly, and senior Emily Kasyon placed third in diving.

"It was really great to watch the team come together over the course of the season," Fleschler said. "They just worked really hard, and never took any practice or dual meet lightly. And we have a lot of younger talent that should be fun to watch in the future."

Fleschler, who teaches physical education at Gold Camp Elementary School, played water polo at Indiana before starting out on her coaching and teaching track.

Although she now specializes in competitive swimming, her background has come in handy.

"The biggest thing in coaching swimming is to keep the kids interested and excited," she said. "Sometimes staring at a black line and a cross on the bottom of the swimming pool is not the most thrilling thing, so sometimes I throw in a little water polo to mix it up during practice."

FIRST TEAM (Selected by The Gazette staff)

Jenna Gregoire, Rampart, Junior
Repeat Gazette Swimmer of the Year set a 5A state record of 51.30 seconds in the 100-yard freestyle.

Jackie Cromer, Lewis-Palmer, Senior
The 4A state 200-yard freestyle champion also finished second in 100 freestyle.

Ashley Forsyth, Cheyenne Mountain, Sophomore
Won the 4A 500-yard freestyle crown and placed fifth in the 200 freestyle at state.

Kyrene Clarke, Rampart, Junior
Metro League 200-yard individual medley champ finished seventh in 5A.

Shelby Remillard, Cheyenne Mountain, Senior
Metro League 100-yard butterfly champ placed ninth in 4A.

Alex Claude, Lewis-Palmer, Sophomore
Metro League 100-yard backstroke champ was ninth in 4A.

Katie McBride, Air Academy, Junior
Metro 500-yard freestyle runner-up placed 11th in 5A and anchored two Kadet relays.

Dani Cummings, Rampart, Senior
Part of two Metro championship relays (200 IM and freestyle) Finished second in Metro 50 freestyle.

Emily Kasyon, Cheyenne Mountain, Senior
Metro League diving champion finished third at 4A state meet.