The Fossil Ridge girls swimming and diving meet took place Saturday 13th and 14th, 2015. With many usual state contenders like Regis Jesuit, Fossil Ridge, Fairview, Cherry Creek and Thunder Ridge. None of which knew what they were about to see the Sabercats of Fossil do. Senior Bailey Nero led the way by winning her two individual events, 100 butterfly and 200 yard individual medley as well as two team relays.
Fossil Ridge was able to capitalize on an exceptional year, finishing the season undefeated as well as finishing 1st in the Front Range Conference. The Ridge had 8 first place finishes along with only one other finish and that was 3rd as a team.
A lot of the team success was anchored by senior Auburn University commit Bailey Nero with her state record set in the 100 butterfly. Nero was able to set a new record in 53.22. However, the depth of this Fossil Ridge team is what got them to where they are. With freshman Bayley Stewert and sophomore Bailey Kovac, the underclassmen showed the teamwork the Sabercats focused their season goals on. Junior Kaitlyn Schmurr said “Without the team dynamics, and the family like atmosphere this team had, we wouldn’t have won.”
The girls were able to pull off a win in the 200 yard medley relay. Bayley Stewert, Bailey Kovac, Bailey Nero, and Lesley-Ann Knee were all on the team that got a big team victory by finishing in 1:43.04. This wasn’t the only big event that happened during the weekend of swimming. A state record was set by Bayley Kovac, Zoey Bartel, Bailey Nero, and Riley Hoffman in the 400 free relay, with a record time of 2:25.26.
Fossil Ridge High School showed appreciation to the State Champion’s with a school-wide assembly on Friday, February 20. . There’s no doubt that the Fossil Girl’s Swim and Dive team left their legacy after capturing their 2nd State Championship. Fossil Ridge, after winning the state championship in 2012, had been the first high school outside the Denver-metropolitan area to win a state championship since Colorado Springs’ Palmer did it in 1980.
