craigdailypress.com

Photo by John Vandelinder

Members of the 2009 MCHS boys swim team. Back row, from left, are Tucker Trujillo, Cole Worsley, Brandon Corey and John Kirk. In the front row, from left, are Kevin Murray, Chance Peterson, Adam Richardson and Charlie Griffiths.

Craig — Hard work, goals and most importantly, believing in themselves.

Listed above are three attributes Moffat County High School boys swimming coach Patti Worsley said a team needs to have to succeed in the pool.

And she thinks this year's band of Bulldogs has them.

"These guys work so hard," Worsley said. "They put everything they've got into each and every practice. I have no doubt they will see a huge drop in times throughout the year, and they will see great success as a team. As long as they believe in themselves, nobody can take away how far they can go."

Returning senior - and Patti's son - Cole Worsley believes.

Cole, a University of Denver signee, is the defending state champion in the 50-meter freestyle and has no intentions of relinquishing the title any time soon.

Unless, of course, he's replacing it with a newer version.

"His goal is to win another state title," Patti Worsley said. "He wants two before he's done at the high school level."

Returning swimmers Kevin Murray, Chance Peterson and Charlie Griffiths, as well as newcomers Tucker Trujillo, Brandon Corey, John Kirk and Adam Richardson join Cole Worsley when the season kicks off Saturday in Grand Junction.

"We've got a lot of new swimmers," Patti Worsley said. "But, our goal is to get to the highest level possible. I think we can get some of the boys qualified for state in the relay events, but you never know. Some of these kids have personal goals, and I think if they set their minds to it, they can accomplish them."

Patti Worsley said she relishes having a roster of eight swimmers compared to the bigger numbers in years past.

"It's going to give me more time to work individually with each one of the boys," she said. "I can change the workouts a bit and not have to worry if everybody's on the same page. Plus, they are a great group of boys that are fun to be around. I couldn't ask for anything more than that."

But, the most important attribute Patti Worsley said her team possesses is strength of mind.

"These boys have it in their minds that they are going to do their best and become the best that they can be," she said. "And once you have it in your mind, it's all the power to you."