Steamboat Springs — A swarm of seven Steamboat Springs swimmers made a splash last weekend at the Mavalanche Invitational Swim Meet in Grand Junction, teaming up to earn top-10 finishes in more than a dozen races.

“I was watching our team compete this weekend and what really stuck me was the fun and competitive camaraderie that our team exhibits with each other and with other teams,” coach Patti Worsley said. “Their positive and confident attitude really contributed to the success that they are achieving in the pool.”

For many of the swimmers, their results helped them qualify for the Silver State Championships meet set for the first weekend in March at University of Denver.

Kelsey Bryant and Katherine Knapp each qualified in two events, and Saige Lottes qualified in three, including one which she had qualified for before this meet.

Annika Fahrner is also qualified for the Colorado Senior State Meet at DU in February. She’ll swim in five different races there, all freestyle and breaststroke events.

“Ani had a great meet,” Worsley said. “She swam with confidence and precision. Her hard work and attention to detail paid off with some of her fastest times in the pool this year. I am looking forward to see what she can do in the pool at the state meet in February.”

Mohammed Alnajdawi was in the top four in three different races, Brooks Birkinbine made the top 10 in two events and Jack Strotbeck raced well in the 15-and-over division.

“All the swimmers swam many of their best times and their strokes are looking great,” Worsley said. “Their turns, starts and walls are getting stronger and faster.”

To reach Joel Reichenberger, call 970-871-4253, email jreichenberger@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @JReich9