(Riverton, WY) – It’s standing room only in the Riverton Aquatic Center. Standing might not be the right term for a swimming pool, but the lanes are filled with 32 girls out for the Lady Wolverine team.
Second-year coach Gretta Roth is excited about her team.
“We have a large team, three divers that will compete this weekend with Lander,” Roth said. “I have high hopes for this year. Just with our numbers we can have a shot at beating Lander in some of these meets. That would be awesome.”
Eleven of the 32 girls are freshmen.
“We have strong swimmers. I always ask them their favorite stroke,” Roth said. “There is a wide variety of what these girls like.”
Last season, graduating senior Addison Peart was the only diver; this year, there are three.
David Collins returns as assistant coach.
“I’d like to have at least 16 girls qualify for state,” Roth said. “They’re practicing five to a lane. It’s tight, but we’re making it work. I think the girls are having fun.”
Riverton graduated just four girls from an outstanding team a season ago and returns eight qualifiers for the 2025 state finals.
Lilian Ormond, Lucy Phisterer, Gracie Hiner, Ellie Coughanour, Sissa Hovander, Carlee Anderson, Kendra Crippen, and Leah Edwards all competed at state a year ago.
“My whole team is back from last year except for my four seniors,” Roth said.
Riverton opens the season at Lander on Friday at 4 p.m., then competes again on Saturday in Lander.