LARAMIE — University of Wyoming swimming and diving head coach Dave Denniston is ready to see the Cowboys show off their talent along with their big goals for the season.
“They have set up goals to where they want to score top eight in every event at the conference championship, as well as try to have an undefeated season, which could very well be the case,” Denniston said. “I think they’ve got some really lofty goals of even getting some people to NCAA Championships.”
Last year, at the Western Athletic Conference Championships, the Cowboys scored fifth with a score of 365.5 points, including Gavin Smith becoming a two-time WAC champion in the 100-yard and 200-yard butterfly. This year, Denniston has high expectations for returners Luke O’Connor, Caleb Ozenne, and Collin Davis.
“Obviously I think Luke O’Connor is going to have a great year. He did lots of events for us last year and I think being able to focus in on a few events, we’re going so see some big things out of him,” Denniston said. “Caleb Ozenne has always been someone that we can rely on to swim everything from distance to sprint events, and backstroke, and Collin Davis is actually getting ready for the Deaflympics in November where he’s looking to be a major international competitor.”
Along with strong returners, Denniston is excited about the incoming freshman class, along with the transfers that are joining the team this year.
“Isaac Lee is a great distance swimmer from Auburn University, as well as Simon Casey from Louisiana State University, and we expect great things out of them,” Denniston said. “Jack Boysen comes in with a time that’s faster than our school record in the 50 freestyle so we expect big things from him. Jackson Kogler is already a dominant performer in several events – he can really swim anything – and Edward Rhoe is somebody that we’re really looking forward to being on relays and having great success as well individually.”
Leading the team are captains Cameron Knox and Griffith Orloff, who Denniston believes are showing exemplary leadership.
“Cameron Knox is really well respected by the rest of the guys and shows what leadership by example really should be,” he said. “Griff Orloff is everybody’s friend but also understands the role and relationship with what he’s supposed to do.”
Overall, the team is feeling strong and energized to show off the hard work they’ve been putting into the pool.
“I think they’re all excited to see what everyone else can do. There’s always been a little bit of hesitancy in terms of what the team is capable of, and I’m not seeing that this year. I’m seeing a group of guys that are just excited to see what they can do together and are making big, bold goals,” Denniston said. “I think they’re ready to show what they can do.”
The Cowboys and Cowgirls open their seasons on Sept. 26 by hosting the annual Brown and Gold Intrasquad meet at 5 p.m. at Corbett Pool. The following morning, they will race Wyoming alumni at 9 a.m., also in Corbett.
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