The Kemmerer High School girls’ swimming and diving team opened the 2023 season over the weekend at the Bruce Gresly Pentathlon Saturday in Lander, with four Lady Rangers swimming and diving their way to state-qualifying performances.

“Overall we had a great meet,” said KHS head coach Amanda Aimone. “We came away with five girls qualified for the state meet.”

The Lady Rangers were led in the pool by Kylie Price, who swam state-qualifying times in three events — the 50 freestyle (2nd place, 26.21), the 100 freestyle (6th place, 59.48) and the 100 butterfly (24th place, 1:15.69).

Ally Bartchi also qualified for state in multiple events, finishing 13th in the 100 breaststroke in a time of 1:21.40; she also qualified in the 50 freestyle (18th, 28.34), 100 freestyle (18th, 1:03.30) and the 100 butterfly (19th, 1:13.94).

Tyler Thatcher swam the 50 freestyle in a state-qualifying time of 28.29 (good enough for 17th place), while Hanna Walker (291.30) and Kaylie Julander (255.15) qualified for state in diving, placing fourth and fifth, respectively.

“Those five girls qualifying were the biggest highlight from the weekend,” Aimone said. “We haven’t had that many girls qualify in one weekend for a long time.”

The Lady Rangers head to Sweetwater County this weekend for the Green River Invitational. Though the season is young, Aimone said she’s excited by what she’s seen from the team so far this season.

“I am very happy with where the girls are,” she said. “We look very strong across the board in swimming and diving. I think we have a lot of potential in our young kids that will help strengthen our veterans. It looks like we could have a really fun season.” 

Bruce Gresly Pentathlon Results

100 Butterfly

19. Ally Bartchi 1:13.94, 24. Kylie Price 1:15.69, 43. Tyler Thatcher 1:24.48, 48. Arianne Dearden 1:25.63