Sophomore Ranger swimmer Benjamin Wergin takes a breath after a race in the 3A conference meet. Wergin will swim the IM 200 and 100 freestyle at state. (GAZETTE PHOTO / Theresa Davis)

The Kemmerer Ranger boys swim team will compete at the 3A state meet in Laramie on Thursday, Feb. 15, and Friday, Feb. 16.

“State is an intense and exciting atmosphere, especially because this is what they’ve worked toward all season,” Rangers head coach Amanda Aimone said. “All their hard work comes down to this.”

Aimone encouraged her swimmers to remember that during one of their last practices before the state meet.

“If you wanna go fast in Laramie, you have to practice it here!” Aimone said. “It’s not just going to come. No backing off — dig deep.”

Aimone told the Gazette that all of the Ranger boys will compete at state. Those swimmers who are not competing in individual events will swim one or several relay races for the team.

As far as individual swimming events, the Rangers will put up a strong roster.

Senior Carl Krell will compete in the 50 freestyle and the 100 butterfly for the Rangers at state. Junior Alvaro de Vicente will swim the 200 freestyle and the 500 freestyle.

Sophomore Benjamin Wergin will race in the IM 200 and 100 freestyle. Sophomore Collin Smith will compete in the 200 freestyle and the 500 freestyle.

Sophomore Grady Killian will swim the 100 backstroke. Freshman Brayden Dearden will race in the 100 backstroke and 100 freestyle.

Earlier this season Aimone said she felt the team has grown because they now understand “that every guy counts.”

“They will back each other up,” Aimone said. “Now they have the reassurance that they’ll do well and be there for each other.”

Aimone said the biggest challenge for the Rangers will be proving their skills by getting to the finals on the second day of competition.

“3A is really competitive, especially when you have schools like Lander and Powell in the mix, so it’s all about who has that grit to get to the top 12,” Aimone said. “My advice to them is to stay focused and know that this is what they’ve worked for.”

Aimone also reflected on what she’s learned this season from her team of talented Ranger swimmers.

“I’ve learned to relax and trust the system just as much as my swimmers do,” Aimone said. “Each year we have a little different team, and we have to learn what works best.”

The Ranger coach discussed what she hopes to see from senior star swimmer Carl Krell in the last competition of his high school career.

“I want to see him go crazy in that 100 fly,” Aimone said. “He has the chance to be an All American. That’s really possible for him, and that would be a great way to finish it off.”

Aimone said she is excited to see fast swims this year in Laramie.

“Not just from our guys, but from everybody,” Aimone said. “State is so exciting.”