Colorado State University Athletics
Rams lead first day at Early Bird
10/20/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
Oct. 20, 2007
FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- The culmination of six swimming and diving teams met at the Edora Pool and Ice Center (EPIC) on Friday night to kick off the annual Early Bird Invitational. The first half of the invitational placed Colorado State at the front of the starting block heading into Day 2.
Both men and women from the Air Force Academy, TCU, Metropolitan State College of Denver, the University of Colorado's club team, the University of Wyoming and Colorado State University showcased talent for the season to come.
The Rams took first in four of the five women's events and had fun with the Colorado State Water Polo team as its members were exhibitioners throughout the invite. Freshmen Maddie Gamble (500 Free) and Nicole Lynch (200 IM) each set lifetime bests early on the first day Friday evening.
"I am real proud of the kids from top to bottom, all the way from freshmen to seniors," said Head Coach John Mattos.
Following the Rams is a large group of talent. TCU took top five men's and women's slots in four events and is second to Colorado State in women's standings. The University of Colorado holds third in men's total scores and is tied with Air Force in women's standings. Metro State and the University of Wyoming are battling for the top five slots in women's events and have secured fourth place in the men's scores.
The Early Bird Invitational will see attendance and opportunity tomorrow from the Colorado School of Mines, University of Nebraska Omaha, Mesa State University and the University of Northern Colorado. With 10 teams competing so early in the season it is a challenge for both the athletes and the coaches.
"It gives us a step up and the Early Bird allows us to swim the events that are at the conference championships," said Mattos.
The outcome of Friday's events has showcased Colorado State as a standout team in the women's arena. CSU's final score for Day 1 was 547 points. TCU was second with 292 points. The Rams will continue to swim to their maximum potential tomorrow.
"The more teams that participate means more rest and proves how much we can do. We've got a lot of good events tomorrow and we are looking forward to it," Mattos said.
The Early Bird Invitational will re-commence at 9 a.m. Saturday morning at EPIC.
