Perfect Start to Season Has Rams Inspired

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – There are some aspects of the swimming which can be cleaned up, but it was the first competition, too.

A coach doesn't expect perfect in that regard, but in just about every other way, Colorado State's swimming and diving team was at the Intermountain Shootout on Friday and Saturday.

"We leave Grand Junction with smiles on all our faces after some encouraging performances," coach Christopher Woodard said. "It certainly gives us some momentum, but it is only the first step. We need to work on relay exchanges, continuing to develop more endurance and upping our degree of difficulty on the boards. Our veterans are leading by example, and our newcomers aren't afraid to throw down."

There were quality times, especially for this time of year. The team energy was off the charts, and the bonding which took place will tie the Rams together even more. The ability to show some fight, to the wall and to the end was present, too.

In the end, the Rams swept six duals, topping Adam State (348-41), Air Force (265-145), BYU (233.5-176.5), host Colorado Mesa (277-133), CSU Pueblo (348-57), Dixie State (343-60) and finally, in the closest score of them all, Northern Colorado (213.5-195.5).

As the day began, the Rams had built a lead on everyone, but through the first three events, Northern Colorado made itself a viable threat. But in the closing individual events, the Rams regrouped and became re-energized, and retook control.

"I think for a second we all just took a step back and had to remind ourselves what we're really capable of, especially with the 200 IM," Liza Lunina said. "I think we saw a switch. I mean, Woody told us, but he didn't have to tell us to know that. Obviously it's nice hearing, but we all had a switch in mindset and we focused, but at the same time started having more fun. I don't think it's one or the other; I think you definitely have to have both. I think our team did a really good job or harnessing both of those."

Beyond a doubt. The Rams were there in vocal groups for each other, on the bulkhead and on the deck. Each and every race, they could be seen and heard for every heat, every race.

It took Lunina, who placed third in the 200-yard backstroke, back to the Mountain West championships, an emotional place they want to be all year. By the end of the 400 freestyle relay, her vocal cords were spent.

"The returners, we've been reflecting back on conference," she said. "We were loud at conference, almost annoyingly loud at conference, so I think we were trying to not necessarily replicate that, because we have some new people, but use that same energy and I'm someone who loves screaming. I love yelling at meets. I love when people scream and yell for me; it's nerve-racking, but it just makes me feel like they believe in me. When it comes to those things, I'm just like, 'let's just go scream.'"

And there was plenty for them to get excited about.

Kate Meunier

In the diving well, where they performed on the 1-meter board, freshman Lindsay Gizzi was second with a score of 253.25, while teammate Braeden Shaffer was sixth at 221.80. In the lanes, the Rams were stacking top-eight finishes, even if there were no individual victories like the day before.

The 500 free was a big race for the team, as Maya White paced four Rams in the top seven, taking third in 5:08.21, while teammate Abbey Owenby (5:09.67) was a place behind; Anika Johnson was sixth, Sarah Mundy seventh.

Mundy was one of a handful of Rams to place high in multiple events, also doing so in the 100 free. Katie Maisy Barbosa had the team's top individual finish in the lanes, taking second in the 200 IM and fifth in the 100 back; Hannah Sykes was third in the 200 fly and eighth in the 100 of the event; Kristina Friedrich was third in both the 100 free and 100 fly; Katie McClelland was fifth in both the 50 and 200 breast; Emma Breslin was sixth in both the 50 and 200 breast; Kate Meunier was fifth in the 200 IM and 200 breast. Katelyn Bartley, Madison Hunter and Caroline Perry also produced high marks in races.

The two relays -- the 200 medley and 400 free -- placed third and second, respectively.

The times and places were important, but it was the purpose the team showed which stood out to Meunier.

"I really think overall our team is probably the strongest it's ever been," she said. "I think everybody is a lot more capable than they believe they are, and I think that showed itself today. When we're under pressure, we actually perform really well, which is great, since this is only the first meet. I think the team is very strong mentally and physically.

"From any meet, there's always something to improve on, but this is a really, really good base. I think a lot of people are actually pretty surprised, because we've only been training for five weeks, and people were sick and in and out. I think this honestly is a great way to start out the season."

The team doesn't want to get ahead of itself, but it is a squad which is definitely behind one another. They all believe that's an important fundamental base to have established.

One meet or not, untraditional or not, it spoke volumes, a voice they believe can carry throughout an entire season.

"I think if this is our starting point, then our finishing point is going to be incredible," Meunier said. "Obviously, the goal is top three at conference, and looking at this team, I can see that. Hopefully everybody takes away that's a possibility and we are capable of doing that, especially since this is only the first meet and we're already going times that we do at midseason or conference."

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