(Lander, WY) – The Lander Valley’s boys swim team showed off their depth as they gained momentum, winning last weekend’s 3A South Conference meet in Rawlins. They’ll now tap into that confidence as they shift their focus to the state championships in Cheyenne with history on the line.
Lander captured the conference title in the 200-yard medley relay with a winning time of 1:45.83 and backed it up with a series of strong individual and relay finishes throughout the meet. The Tigers consistently placed multiple swimmers into finals across events, reinforcing the kind of depth that has defined the program’s success for decades.
Head coach Shawna Morgan said she was encouraged by how the team performed despite not being fully tapered for a championship meet.
“I was really happy with how our boys swam after our ‘peak week’ and without wearing caps and tech suits,” said Morgan. “We still cut some time and put forth amazing effort. We also had two new state qualifiers, which was icing on the cake. Both Henry Bautz and Nathan Morgan qualified in the 100 breaststroke. Our diver Josh Lozier dove one of his best meets this season, placing second, and then turned around and made the top six in the 50 free.”
Individually, Lander picked up several key runner-up finishes, led by freshman Gavin Jorgensen, who placed second in the 200 freestyle and third in the 100 freestyle. Senior Carter Plaisted added second-place finishes in both the 200 individual medley and 100 backstroke, while senior Brody Blunck took second in the 100 butterfly. Junior Brooks Even finished second in the 100 breaststroke, and sophomore Josh Lozier placed second in diving.
The Tigers also saw strong contributions from their underclassmen. Freshman Cameron Woltman placed third in the 50 freestyle and third in the 100 breaststroke, while sophomore Toby Plaisted finished fourth in the 500 freestyle and fifth in the 200 freestyle. Freshman Alex Wise added a fifth-place finish in the 500 freestyle and an eighth-place swim in the 200 freestyle. Senior Trevor Hill placed fourth in the 100 breaststroke and sixth in the 200 individual medley, and sophomore Grady Phillips finished fourth in the 100 butterfly and sixth in the 200 freestyle. Senior Micah Morgan contributed a fifth-place finish in both the 100 butterfly and 100 breaststroke, and junior Dierk Harms placed fifth in the 50 freestyle and eighth in the 100 freestyle. 
Morgan said the younger swimmers have made a noticeable impact throughout the season.
“It’s been a while since we’ve had such a strong freshman class,” she said. “I am so proud of every single one of them and the work they’ve put in this year to swim the way they have. Just awesome.”
While Lyman produced many of the individual event winners at the conference meet, Lander’s strength came in its balance across events and classes. That depth will be critical next weekend in Cheyenne, where the Tigers are vying for their 30th consecutive state championship.
Buffalo and Cody are expected to provide the toughest challenge, with Buffalo in particular bringing several of the top individual swimmers in Class 3A this season. Morgan said the margin for error will be small.
“Every team I’ve coached has been special in their own ways. I’m so lucky to be a part of it. I really do have the best job ever,” she said. “This team is different in that it’s going to take everyone swimming and diving their absolute best at state to make things happen. Can’t wait to see what they do next week.”
Lander will rely on its depth, strong relays and a mix of experienced seniors and impactful freshmen as the Tigers look to extend one of the longest championship streaks in American high school sports.