Stingrays dominate in Montrose

Younger swimmers claim first-place finishes

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

The Gunnison Stingrays swim team competed in the Montrose Marlins Summer Open July 15-16. The young swimmers showcased a season of improvement, finishing with numerous podium appearances.

Head Coach Tami Maciejko said the team has made great strides in teaching first-year athletes, while also preparing the older swimmers for the upcoming high school season.

“Our kids did awesome in Montrose,” she said. “We received first place in almost every event, and our 8 and under group has done super well. With Alexandria Riser coaching the younger ones, we’ve had a successful rebuilding year and a lot of new kids.”

In Montrose, the Stingrays consistently finished at the top of the leaderboard. Kelsy Chodorowski won first in the 100-freestyle and Gracen Corey had three first place finishes in the 100 and 200-backstroke and 200-IM.

Between the two of them, Sam and Elora Jones won four events. Sam finished first in the 15-year-old 200-breaststroke, and Elora in the 200-IM, 100-freestyle and 200-backstroke. Julien Klingsmith won first in the 100-backstroke and

100 and 50-breaststroke. Audrey Meeuwsen placed first in the 500-freestyle, while Russell Meeuwsen finished first in the 25-fly and 25-backstroke.

In addition to the towering success of the Gunnison swimmers, first-time athletes such as 8-year-old Citrina Gerlock and 9-year-old Max Milski received ribbons.

Maciejko highlighted a few of her swimmers who have made leaps and bounds this season.

“Sam Jones had a personal best in everything she swam and has been doing an awesome job,” she said. “Huge credit to both Sam and Elora [Jones] for dropping time like crazy. I’ll also shout out Jacob Frey, I always joke about him ‘releasing the beast,’ and he’s taken tons of time off this season.”

Next up for the Stingrays is the 2023 Long Course Championship in Grand Junction on July 29 and 30.

Four swimmers qualified for the competition, which attracts top athletes from across Colorado, however only

Julien Klingsmith and Russell Meeuwsen will make the trip.

(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)