Colorado State University Athletics
Monday, January 5
Flagstaff, AZ
TBA
Colorado State
at
Northern Arizona
Rams Set Training to Start Second Half Strong
1/3/2026 3:31:00 PM | Women's Swimming & Diving
Team will compete in three duals in course of five days
FORT COLLINS - Colorado State's women's swimming and diving team will travel south to Flagstaff, Ariz., to face Northern Arizona on Jan. 5 before traveling home to compete in a double dual against Air Force and New Mexico on Jan 10, at Air Force. With two high-caliber opponents and back-to-back competitors at altitude, the upcoming meets represent a pivotal moment in the Rams season.
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This trip marks an important turning point for the Rams' season as they return from winter break and enter the heart of Mountain West competition. Opening the week at Northern Arizona before facing Air Force and New Mexico creates a demanding environment, with altitude and conference familiarity adding intensity to each race. The Rams embrace the challenge as an opportunity to sharpen execution, build momentum, and set the tone for the second half of the season.
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To help prepare for the demanding stretch, the Rams will travel to Arizona early, spending time in Phoenix beginning to train, accumulate, and take advantage of long-course training sessions that are limited during the regular season. The early arrival allows the team to get race-specific preparation without the pressure of a tight travel schedule, ensuring the Rams come in ready, focused, and determined to compete against NAU.
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"We are going down to Phoenix on Jan.2 just to get some sunshine, get outside, and train," coach Christopher Woodard said. "It allows us to take advantage of long-course training, which we only get a few times a year, and it helps us not feel rushed into the meet with NAU. Right now, it's about discipline, attention to detail, and making sure when we come back together, we are focused and ready to roll."
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The Rams carry strong momentum from their performance at the Phill Hansel Invitational, where they set school records, posted top-10 program marks, and showcased depth across various events. The team capped the meet with a statement victory in the 400-yard freestyle relay, setting a school record to close the competition on a high note, leading into the second half of the season. Woodard noted that while team unity remains strong, the athletes are also focused on making their individual impact.
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"I think they feel really good about how we finished at the Phill Hansel Invitational, and that confidence comes from a strong team effort," Woodard said. "When they go home and then come back to travel, there's a natural sense of jockeying for position. How do I make my mark on this team and make an impact? There's a lot of team unity, but there's also that individual focus of what do I need to do to be ready, especially with NAU coming up. "
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Training emphasis has shifted to sharpening specific strengths across the roster. Sprint and stroke groups have increased their focus on power and repetition, with an added emphasis on stronger kicks while maintaining a consistent pace. The team continues rebuilding endurance to prepare for the demands of the upcoming competition.
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The challenges ahead extend beyond the competition itself. Both Northern Arizona and Air Force compete at two of the highest elevation facilities in the nation, with both exceeding 7,000 feet, creating a demanding environment which tests endurance, recovery, and mental toughness. Racing at altitude requires precise execution and disciplined pacing, making preparation and attention to detail critical as the Rams face back-to-back meets in some of the most physically challenging settings in collegiate swimming and diving.
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"That's a big challenge," Woodard said. "Doing it back-to-back in the same week is tough. NAU has a long history of success, and Air Force looked good at midseason. We know we have to go in with pinpoint accuracy and a big-time attitude."
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Rams in the Mountain West Top 10
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2. Tess Whineray 200 back, 1:53.36
3. Whineray 100 back, 52.48
6. Erin Dawson 500 free, 4:52.33
9. Margo Hauser 1650 free, 17:01.17
10. Hauser 1000 free, 10:09.81
10. Evie Munz 100 fly, 54.51
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This trip marks an important turning point for the Rams' season as they return from winter break and enter the heart of Mountain West competition. Opening the week at Northern Arizona before facing Air Force and New Mexico creates a demanding environment, with altitude and conference familiarity adding intensity to each race. The Rams embrace the challenge as an opportunity to sharpen execution, build momentum, and set the tone for the second half of the season.
Â
To help prepare for the demanding stretch, the Rams will travel to Arizona early, spending time in Phoenix beginning to train, accumulate, and take advantage of long-course training sessions that are limited during the regular season. The early arrival allows the team to get race-specific preparation without the pressure of a tight travel schedule, ensuring the Rams come in ready, focused, and determined to compete against NAU.
Â
"We are going down to Phoenix on Jan.2 just to get some sunshine, get outside, and train," coach Christopher Woodard said. "It allows us to take advantage of long-course training, which we only get a few times a year, and it helps us not feel rushed into the meet with NAU. Right now, it's about discipline, attention to detail, and making sure when we come back together, we are focused and ready to roll."
Â
The Rams carry strong momentum from their performance at the Phill Hansel Invitational, where they set school records, posted top-10 program marks, and showcased depth across various events. The team capped the meet with a statement victory in the 400-yard freestyle relay, setting a school record to close the competition on a high note, leading into the second half of the season. Woodard noted that while team unity remains strong, the athletes are also focused on making their individual impact.
Â
"I think they feel really good about how we finished at the Phill Hansel Invitational, and that confidence comes from a strong team effort," Woodard said. "When they go home and then come back to travel, there's a natural sense of jockeying for position. How do I make my mark on this team and make an impact? There's a lot of team unity, but there's also that individual focus of what do I need to do to be ready, especially with NAU coming up. "
Â
Training emphasis has shifted to sharpening specific strengths across the roster. Sprint and stroke groups have increased their focus on power and repetition, with an added emphasis on stronger kicks while maintaining a consistent pace. The team continues rebuilding endurance to prepare for the demands of the upcoming competition.
Â
The challenges ahead extend beyond the competition itself. Both Northern Arizona and Air Force compete at two of the highest elevation facilities in the nation, with both exceeding 7,000 feet, creating a demanding environment which tests endurance, recovery, and mental toughness. Racing at altitude requires precise execution and disciplined pacing, making preparation and attention to detail critical as the Rams face back-to-back meets in some of the most physically challenging settings in collegiate swimming and diving.
Â
"That's a big challenge," Woodard said. "Doing it back-to-back in the same week is tough. NAU has a long history of success, and Air Force looked good at midseason. We know we have to go in with pinpoint accuracy and a big-time attitude."
Â
Rams in the Mountain West Top 10
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2. Tess Whineray 200 back, 1:53.36
3. Whineray 100 back, 52.48
6. Erin Dawson 500 free, 4:52.33
9. Margo Hauser 1650 free, 17:01.17
10. Hauser 1000 free, 10:09.81
10. Evie Munz 100 fly, 54.51
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Players Mentioned
FR, FLY, IM
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
BR, FR
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
FR, FLY
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
BK
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