Warriors continue excelling in the pool

WORLAND - Coming off a disappointing dual in Buffalo on Dec. 29, 2022, the Worland Warriors bounced back in a strong way during last week's dual and meet in Powell.

"We brought six guys, and it was the worst meet we've ever had," said WHS boys swimming coach Justin Howe. "We were so flat, and it was like a practice. We worked extra hard the next week and last week went 10 times better."

Led by senior Gage Stanek, the Warriors had one of their best weeks of practice after that Buffalo dual.

"The younger guys feed off the leadership. Gage knew it was a poor meet, and he pretty much set the tone in practice. People followed, and they talked about being committed and not missing practices," said Howe.

In Powell, the Warriors had a number of standout performances.

Senior Jack Bishop qualified in the 50-yard freestyle at the meet in Powell on Jan. 7. Bishop swam a 25.67 to earn his first state qualification time.

Joey Durrant surprised his coaches by swimming an impressive 1:22.26 in the 100-yard backstroke.

Divers Melvin Croft and Noah Mitchell had impressive weeks too. Croft finished fourth at the Powell Invitational, scoring 193.95 points, and Mitchell quickly learned and executed a new dive.

"Jack Bishop qualified for the first time. He's been working toward that for a long time. He did qualify for state last year because he was an alternate in a relay. But last week, he straight-up qualified. He had an awesome meet. Gage and Wyatt [Whitlock] are only missing the 500 until they're qualified in everything.

"Tyson Hoopes is a new swimmer and one of the most coachable swimmers I've ever had. He's improving every week and using the things he's taught," said Howe. "Joey Durrant swam a great time in the backstroke. He might have earned himself an event with that. Tobias Driver is super close in the 100 fly. The divers dove well. Melvin dove better than the scores than they gave him. Noah Mitchell is improving every time. [WHS boys swimming and diving assistant] Coach [Danielle] Warren says he's easy to coach. We went to Powell, and Noah learned a reverse before the meet."

This week, the Warriors are at home for the first time this season as they host a Triangular against Cody and Riverton on Friday at 5 p.m. and on Saturday their annual meet, the Warrior Invitational, at 10 a.m.

Breaking down their technique to its finest detail has been the focus for Worland this week in practice.

"Swimming in front of your home crowd and not having to ride a bus makes a difference," said Howe. "We've had the experienced guys work with our younger guys. Every practice, we end with technique and yards. We're up to the yards we need, now we're just picking things apart and doing the little things."