Last weekend was an experience that the Manitou Springs swim team had been badly missing. It’s been two years since the team went to the Cheyenne Mountain Invite to compete in an atmosphere that closely resembles a state tournament.
This year’s Manitou team was certainly smaller in size than the last group of Mustangs that went to Cheyenne Mountain but, overall, it was a great experience for the girls and one that should lend itself to future success.
“Being able to go back with no masks, no restrictions, everyone on deck, everyone doing a walkout was fantastic,” coach Whitney Nuci said. “I do think it was a little overwhelming for the new girls that did make it into finals.”
Aidan Coté was among them as she reached the finals in the 100-yard breaststroke and the 200 freestyle. The best of finish of the day for the Mustangs was fifth in the 200 freestyle relay.
The results weren’t what the Mustangs expect to see at most invites through the remainder of the season. But they were certainly encouraging for the girls, given the competitive field in the Cheyenne Mountain pool.
“We had one swimmer (Theron Heim) who did really great and made a state cut in the backstroke,” Nuci said.
“She wasn’t expecting to make it back (into finals) and she did. It still showed that for the veteran swimmers, it’s still normal-ish and we can still go places even if we’re small.”
Like the rest of the Manitou teams, the swimmers have no competitions until January because of the winter break. They’ll return with a triangular meet against Fountain Valley and Woodland Park on Jan. 12 before heading to the Pueblo County Invite on Jan. 14.
Once the team returns, the Mustangs have about a month to prepare for the state meet in mid-February.
