Last week, the Moffat County boys swim team didn’t have enough swimmers to make up two relay teams.

Thanks to two courageous rookies, they’re now eight strong. But it’s still one of the smallest teams in the school’s history.

“We’re still taking new people if they want to join,” first-year coach Patti Worsley said. “At least we have enough for two relays now.”

Moffat juniors Donny Penner and Trenton Taylor joined the team on Monday. They were impressed with their learning curve so far.

“It’s been more fun than I thought,” Penner said. “But it’s also been a lot harder.”

Taylor and Penner said the hardest aspect was learning to breathe correctly.

“It’s not like other sports where the air is already there,” Taylor said about the breathing process in swimming.

With the addition of Penner and Taylor, the eight members on the team run the full gamut of experience.

Freshman Cole Worsley hasn’t swam in a high school meet yet, but he’s already considered the best on the team. His times from summer club are already faster than state meet-qualifying standards.

Seniors Devin Gillette and Shane Dodge have the most experience on the team. They’ve been on the team for three years.

Sophomores Tyler Kalsow and Andrew Aultman are the up-and-comers on the team. Kalsow was an alternate last year on the all-state 200 freestyle relay.

Last year’s swim team finished seventh at state, the best any swim team in Bulldog apparel has done. All the point-scorers were seniors.

One of those seniors was coach Patti Worsley’s son, Blake.

“We’re basically starting over this year,” she said. “At least, with the low numbers, each swimmer will get the individual attention they need to improve.”

The coach took over for Jim Vorhies, who resigned after his son Zach finished out his career last year. Patti Worsley was a national-level swimmer in Canada when she competed.

“We’re working a lot on technique and efficiency,” she said. “I think this team is capable of getting at least one relay qualified for state.”

Kalsow said he appreciated the individual attention he was receiving.

“I’ve learned a lot about my technique already,” he said. “It’s not bad to have your own lane either.”

Aultman said the focus this year wouldn’t be on team points.

“There are a lot of individual points to be won,” he said.

The more experienced swimmers also have a chance to teach.

“We’re here to help out our team,” Kalsow said. “We have to pick it up for everybody who’s gone.”

The Bulldogs open their season with a home meet at 11 a.m. Saturday against Montrose.

David Pressgrove can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 211, or dpressgrove@craigdailypress.com.