Platte Canyon High School won’t have a girls swimming team for the 2020-21 season, but that doesn’t mean the school won’t be hosting swim meets.
The school shuttered its program for the forthcoming season and Platte Canyon swimmers will be eligible to swim for other programs, including Conifer High School.
At least two swimmers have already committed to swimming for the Lobos this season, according to Conifer head coach Dede Lay. Furthermore, due to current COVID-19 protocols in place, the Lobos were looking for a new home due to restrictions at their current facility Wulf Recreation Center in Evergreen.
Lay, who serves as a lifeguard at Marge E. Hudak Pool, located on the campus of Platte Canyon High School, inquired about Conifer hosting meets at Hudak this season.
“It’s a home advantage for sure. It’s a huge thing,” Lay said given recent shifts in the COVID-19 dial that limited access to Wulf Rec Center. Meanwhile, Hudak can allow for 50 people at a time.
Conifer athletic director Eric Kragel and Platte Canyon athletic director Johnna Bambrey confirmed the information.
“It’s been great. We’ve been able to get meets. We’ll have league meets there. It’s worked out awesome for us. Johnna and the Platte Canyon community has been awesome,” Kragel said.
With added swimmers from Platte Canyon, Conifer has 19 swimmers on the current roster with a few more expected to join the team in the coming weeks, Lay said.