The Durango Swim Club’s future looked bright July17-19 at the 2015 Western Slope League Championships in Grand Junction.

The team finished eighth out of 16 teams at Colorado Mesa University’s pool buoyed by a third-place finish by the 8-and-under squad.

Both the 100-yard freestyle and 100-yard medley relay teams finished second, though the medley team was disqualified and could not place.

“The kids took it well with all smiles,” DSC head coach Suzanne Johnson said in an email to The Durango Herald.

Lauren McCourt was third in the 25-yard backstroke and fifth in both the 50- and 100-yard freestyle.

Merin Schmidt took fourth in 100-yard freestyle, sixth in the 50-yard freestyle and seventh in the 25-yard backstroke and breaststroke.

Betty Holcomb finished sixth in the 25-yard backstroke, seventh in the 25-yard freestyle and eighth in the 50-yard freestyle.

Aileen McManus was ninth in the 25-yard backstroke and breaststroke, 11th in the 25-yard freestyle and 12th in the 50-yard freestyle.

“I was extremely proud of these girls. They really wanted to score points for the team and did a fantastic job of racing,” Johnson said. “These girls are going to be the ones to watch in the future.”

Quinn Schmidt punched above her age, qualifying for the 13-14 state time in the 1,500-meter freestyle at age 12 and winning the event.

She also won the 400-meter freestyle and placed third in the 200-meter freestyle.

Maggie Holcomb was third in the 100-meter backstroke and 200 freestyle and seventh in the 100-meter freestyle.

Angela McManus took fourth in the 50-meter backstroke, fifth in the 200-meter breaststroke, sixth in the 100-meter freestyle and seventh in the 200- and 50-meter freestyles.

Erin Knight finished fourth in the 400-meter freestyle.

Tommy Pannell, who also swims for Durango High School, placed fifth in the 400-meter freestyle and sixth in the 100-meter backstroke.

“Tommy has really impressed me with his dedication this last year after his high school season. I think he knows what he is capable of,” Johnson said.

Mira Joyner took seventh in the 100-meter breaststroke and 11th in the 100-meter backstroke.

Abbey Bowman placed seventh in the 200-meter freestyle eighth in the 50-meter freestyle and ninth in the 50-meter breaststroke.

Steevie Delio was 10th in the 100-meter butterfly and 200-meter backstroke and 11th in the 100-meter backstroke and 200-meter breaststroke.

“Steevie is one of the most versatile and motivated swimmers we have,” Johnson said.

Sterling Gates took ninth in the 100-meter breaststroke.

Seamus Millet placed 15th in the 50- and 100-meter freestyles.

Mina Willemin finished 13th in the 100-meter butterfly.

The DSC’s 2015-2016 season will begin Sept. 1.

heraldsports@durangoherald.com