There’s no pool like home.
The Durango Swim Club took first overall in their hometown meet June 22 and 23, topping nine other teams at the Durango Community Recreation Center.
Haley Benjamin (12), Mira Joyner (13), Brooke Kniffin (17), Josh Miller (17), Anne Mummery (14) and Jesse Rubenstein (17) won every event they swam. In an email to The Durango Herald, coach Suzanne Schieltz credited their twice-a-day practices and workouts at Crossfit Durango for the resounding success.
Steevie Delio, 12, nearly joined their ranks, taking first in the 100-meter backstroke, 50 breaststroke, 100 individual medley and 200 individual medley. She took second in the 100 breaststroke and in the 100 free.
“Steevie is 100 percent commited to swimming. She brings a great attitude to practice and meets,” Schieltz said.
Kiya Hoffman, 8, added another first place in the 25-meter butterfly. She also took second in the 50 breaststroke and third in the 25 and 50 freestyle swims.
The McCourt family combined for some top finishes, too. Ian McCourt, 13, took first in the 400 free and third in the 200 free and 100 back; Katie McCourt, 11, took fifth in the 50 butterfly; and Lauren, 5, placed second in the 25 back and 25 free.
Eliza Rossi, 10, didn’t have family to compete against, but she did have to battle a bout of pneumonia. Rossi came out on top, too, winning her 50 and 100 breaststroke races and taking third in the 50 free, 100 back and 200 individual.
In his first meet back at the club after completing his winter sports, Ethan Craig, 10, took second in the 50-meter butterfly and 100 freestyle. He also took third in the 200 free, 50 backstroke and 50 breaststroke.
Quinn Schmidt, 10, placed second in the 400 free and fourth in the 200 free.
Up next for the Durango Swim Club is the Western Slope Championship running July 19-21 in Grand Junction. They’ll follow that up with the Colorado state meet July 26-28 in Grand Junction.
heraldsports@durangoherald.com
