Warriors close out regular season at West Mesa

Socorro returned to West Mesa for its final regular season meet. The team events were their strong point in the pool.
Greg Byrd | El Defensor Chieftain photos

For its last regular season friendly, the Socorro Warriors boys and girls swim squads traveled to the West Mesa Aquatic Center for a meet on Jan. 29. A total of seven schools attended the event. The girls 200 and boys 500 meter relay were where Socorro took home first place at 1:51:79. and 1:39:29 respectively.

“I think teamwork is our biggest strength,” tenth grade swimmer Christin Armijo said. “Being a small team, we have really tried to work on our strengths and weaknesses. Despite things like COVID getting in the way, we as a team have found a way to come together in the pool.”

The Warriors did well in the backstroke during the meet. The team fought best as a group during the relay events.

It was not easy going in the pool for visiting teams. Valley High School was hosting the event and schools came to throw down as the West Mesa Aquatic Center sponsored the late winter season event.

Valley High School Coach Sarah Watson was busy during the West Mesa meet coordinating multiple schools as well as hundreds of students competing.

“Organizing an event like this is a challenge,” she said. “We want to make sure all of the teams are comfortable so that the kids can compete in the proper way. This is only my second year and I really enjoy doing these events.”

At this point, relay has been the strength for the Warriors as they head into the tail end of the season. Anna Kartushyn and Aubrey Burmeister were tops in the 200m.. Mason Armijo and Noah Lafflec took it home on the men’s side.

The Warriors swim team will hit the pool once again during a district meet taking place on Feb. 12. The State Championship will take place at Academy on Feb. 19.

Warriors Results:

Boys 50 M

Luke Torgenson; 30.91.

Christian Clepper; 31.53

Ben Stackpole; 35.95.

Jeremiah Wammeka; 38.57.

Girls 100 Freestyle

Anna Kartushy; 1:00.56.

Gabby Torrex; 1:07.39.

Natalie Martinez; 1:24.48.

Emma Trummel; 1:27. 26.