Sopris Masters team competes in Grand Junction championships
The Sopris Masters swim team recently competed in the Colorado State short course (25-yard) championship swim meet in Grand Junction. Six athletes swam in the meet, with ages ranging from 32 to 72. Sopris Head Coach Terry “Speed” Heggy was pleased with the team performance, as the team finished eighth overall out of 30 teams that participated.
“We had several best times and scored more points than teams that brought a lot more swimmers,” Heggy said.
Both Heggy and Claire Guidas brought home the High-Point awards for their age groups, with Claire setting four personal records and achieving four first-place finishes. Heggy stated that Claire’s endurance was impressive.
“She held her form, even when swimming grueling back-to-back events,” he said.
Heggy was also impressed with Kae McDonald’s focus and toughness.
“Kae started each morning with a difficult long event — the 500 free on Saturday and the 400 Individual Medley (IM) on Sunday,” he said. “Then she came back with really strong efforts, especially in all three of the breaststroke events.”
The father-son team of Chuck and Kayo Ogilby provided their share of excitement, as well, as Chuck took first place in four of the six events he competed in, achieving National Qualifying times in each event.
His time in the 100 backstroke (1:14.73) was so impressive that he caught the attention of multiple World Record holder Rich Abrahams, who invited Chuck to swim on a potential record-setting relay at the National Championships in late April.
Kayo had lifetime best swims in multiple events, with especially notable performances in the demanding 400 IM (4:56.90) and 200 butterfly (2:29.33). Kayo also won his age group in both the 150- and 200-yard freestyle events.
“It’s such a pleasure to watch the Ogilbys swim,” Heggy said. “Their focus and work ethic is inspiring.”
Heggy was also proud of newcomer Bobby Rosati, who competed in his first meet ever. Rosati took second place in the 200 freestyle and third place in the 50-yard freestyle.
“His lack of experience didn’t bother him a bit,” Heggy said. “He just got up there and went for it.”
The Sopris Masters swim team has four morning practices each week and is recruiting adults who want to swim better, whether your interest is pool competition, triathlon, or fitness enhancement.
Contact Coach Heggy (theggy@teamsopris.org) for more information.
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