Home Turf Triumph: Swimming and Diving Squad Celebrates Double Victory!

The Green River Wolves Boys Swimming and Diving squad exhibited no signs of hesitation this past weekend, achieving triumph in two successive home competitions and reinforcing their status as a dominant force in Wyoming swimming. With an impressive score of 353 points, Green River surpassed second-place Lyman who finished with 219 points, leaving the rest of the competitors far behind.

“It was wonderful to be competing at home after racing in Laramie last week,” commented Head Coach Colleen Seiloff. “The athletes had the opportunity to participate in different events on Friday and then a more competitive lineup on Saturday, and they performed excellently on both days. I’m incredibly proud of how much they have progressed since the beginning of the season.”

A significant narrative from the weekend was the rise of Freshman Sam Dockter, who is establishing himself as an emerging talent. Dockter secured third place in the 100-yard Butterfly on Friday, clocking in at 1:01.59, and achieved another third-place finish in the 100-yard Backstroke on Saturday with a time of 1:03.29. He also contributed crucial legs in the Wolves’ 200 Medley and 200 Freestyle Relays, aiding the team in accumulating essential points.

“Sam has been an outstanding addition to our team,” remarked Seiloff. “He has already qualified in two events and is demonstrating his worth to us. We are thrilled to witness his ongoing development.”

While Dockter is one of the many promising underclassmen, Green River’s seniors played a crucial role in steering the team’s success. With seven seniors on the roster, their guidance, experience, and commitment have significantly influenced the season’s trajectory.

“The seniors have been doing an exceptional job leading this group,” Seiloff expressed. “They’ve motivated the underclassmen and kept everyone focused. This is their final season, and they are determined to make it memorable.”

Among the seniors, Aiden Neher showcased several impressive performances. Neher finished third in the 50-yard Freestyle on Friday (25.05) and moved up to clinch second place on Saturday (24.42), highlighting his ability to deliver when it matters. He also placed third in the 100-yard Butterfly on Friday with a commendable 1:00.84 and significantly contributed to the Wolves’ successful relay efforts. Aiden Zimmerman also excelled, producing strong performances in the sprints and relays that contributed vital points to the team’s achievements.

Mitchell Horn enriched the team’s performance with his consistency, winning the 100-yard Breaststroke on Friday with a time of 1:12.44. Horn also achieved a second-place finish in the 100-yard Backstroke on Saturday with a time of 1:03.24 and was a key member of the Wolves’ relay teams. Another important swimmer on the roster this year is Ashton Hafner, whose strength led to two first-place finishes in the 200 and 400 Yard Relay events.

Green River’s supremacy extended beyond the swimming events into the diving competitions, where they exhibited remarkable depth. Keegan Gailey spearheaded the efforts, securing first place in the 1-meter Diving event on both occasions with scores of 268.25 on Friday and 274.85 on Saturday. His teammates, Tyler Ballard and Johnny Renfro, also qualified for state over the weekend, finishing second and third, respectively.

“Our divers have been exceptional,” said Seiloff. “Including Tyler and Johnny among our state qualifiers is a tremendous boost, and I’m very proud of their hard work.”

The team’s success is strengthened by the contributions of its younger swimmers, who are rapidly making their presence known. Dockter is accompanied by fellow freshman Kyan Draper, who has impressed with significant time reductions and steady improvement.

“Kyan has made remarkable progress since last year,” Seiloff noted. “He’s an exciting swimmer to observe, and we anticipate his continued growth.”

Junior Andrew Neher added to the Wolves’ depth with strong performances, including key relay contributions. At the same time, Senior Colin Gilmore maintained his streak of solid swims, anchoring the 400-yard Freestyle Relay and claiming second in the 500-yard Freestyle with a time of 5:06.27 on Saturday.

As the Wolves approach the holiday recess, the team’s focus shifts towards rigorous training. They intend to take advantage of six consecutive days of practice.

“This training segment is a critical component of our season,” stated Seiloff. “We will concentrate on endurance, technique, and building strength. The kids are ready to commit to the effort.”

With 10 state qualifiers already, including three divers, and several swimmers on the brink of qualifying, Green River is set for an outstanding season.

“This team is extraordinary,” Seiloff affirmed. “Everyone is working hard, challenging one another, and enjoying the journey. I couldn’t be prouder of their unity.”

As the Wolves gear up for the Christmas Invite in Laramie next weekend, their combination of seasoned seniors, emerging underclassmen, and a strong team synergy indicates an exciting path ahead. Green River has demonstrated that they are not merely competing in 4A but thriving—and they are just getting underway.