The Mesa Verde Aquatics Club is gearing up to kick off its second year with a seasonal swim on May 15, following an inaugural season in which it qualified for championship meets including Seasonal State, Long Course State, Silver State, Zones and Senior Meet.
That’s “pretty phenomenal for a first-year team,” said head coach Kevin Ketterer.
Club president Deanna Bagge attributes much of the success to Ketterer.
“His enthusiasm, as well as his big voice, can be heard most mornings at the Cortez Recreational Pool,” Bagge said.
Ketterer has 30 years of coaching experience. He is assisted by Miranda and Chris Ludington, who bring their swimming experience and their experience working with youths to the coaching team.
The Cortez club started in April 2016 with year-round swimming, but after a good turnout for its summer season, added it to the club’s lineup. The club also has a masters practice team, which meets twice a week at the Cortez Rec Center.
“Some days, it’s hard to tell who is having more fun, the year-round swimmers or the master swimmers,” said club board member Amber Barner.
Parents also seem positive about the team.
“My kids have learned not only how to have fun and be competitive at the same time, but to take what they’ve learned from their coaches and apply it to everyday life,” Paula Podgornoff said.
Parents’ support helps keep the team going, Barner said.
For more information about the swim club, email swim.mvac@gmail.com or call 970-739-5625.