Sopris swimmers show bright future for Glenwood swim teams

FORT COLLINS — The future of swimming in Glenwood Springs appears awfully bright.

Three Sopris Barracuda youngsters proved just that, taking to the pool this past weekend at Fort Collins’ Edora Pool and Ice Center for the Colorado State Age Group Championships (also known as the Junior Olympics).

Charlie Mechling, Ashley Roper and Hannah Grumley represented the Barracudas swim club, with Mechling and Roper taking medals back to Glenwood Springs.

Mechling, 9, swam to fifth in the 9- and 10-year-old 50-yard breaststroke (39.67 seconds) and took ninth in the 100 breast (1:27.30). She also placed 13th in the 100 freestyle as the only 9-year-old entered in the event.

Mechling also swam the 50 and 200 free, the 50 backstroke and the 100 backstroke on the weekend, having posted qualifying times in each event during the winter season.

Roper, 12, placed eighth in the 11-12 50 free (27.38). She also participated in the 100 and 200 free and 100 backstroke.

Grumley, also 12, swam the 50 and 100 free and the 50 and 100 backstroke at JOs.