By Dan Karpiel

The Surveyor

Last year was something special. For the first time in their school colors, the Berthoud High School (BHS) girls swimming and diving team won their conference title and turned in a spectacular showing at the 3A state meet, finishing in 14^th-place in team scoring.

While last season’s success will not get forgotten, the team has their sights set on reaching even greater heights this winter.

“If we can build on our previous season and tap into the work ethic that I am seeing in our freshman and sophomores this year, we could really pull off something special this year,” said Berthoud Head Coach Matthew Goldsmith. “Our goals are to break 75% of the school records, to be successful at Conference Champs, and to have more individual qualifiers at the State competition.”

While many of the young women who comprise the Berthoud swimming and diving team were hardly new to the pool last year, most had been swimming through various club programs and, in high school competition, for Thompson Valley in year’s prior. Yet, considering it was their first year, the blow-away success the team earned caught some of their competition by surprise, something that will assuredly not be the case this season.

To reach the goals set forth, Goldsmith said he has ample reason to believe that the team can certainly achieve them and possibly even exceed them. “As for the girls on the team, they seem more focused and engaged. With a year under our belts, we’ve established a lot of expectations and the team knows each other better. I’m also excited about our leadership this year. We have three captains at the helm and they’re supported by many other natural leaders on the team,” Goldsmith explained.

Berthoud’s most accomplished swimmer from a season ago, junior Jamie Dellwardt, returns this year with her eyes on a state title and beyond. Dellwardt took second place at state the 100-yard backstroke and third place in the 200-yard individual medley. Goldsmith agreed Dellwardt is a special athlete and that high school events are only the beginning for the junior.

“Jamie can do whatever she puts her mind to. She has a strong focus on her goals and is beginning to enter that next level of athlete;” Goldsmith said of Dellwardt. “She’s dedicated, has plans for the season and beyond, and is just a great student of the sport. If she wants it, she can nab the 100 back title at State. I think she has a great shot at the 200 IM as well. But, honestly, I believe Olympic Trial cuts in the 100 back and 200 back are ready to be targeted as serious goals.”

Goldsmith explained that he will consider the season successful if Berthoud can repeat as conference champions and finish higher than last year’s 14^th-place finish at state.

Goldsmith explained, “As coaches, our motivation hasn’t changed. Our focus is on creating a safe, fun environment where the girls can be successful in the sport and to learn skills they can transfer into real life., so it’s going to be exciting!”

Berthoud will jump into the pool for their season-opening meet on Thursday, Dec. 5 when they travel to Estes Park for tri-team event with Estes and Holy Family. Berthoud’s first meet as the host team will come on Dec. 10 when they face off with Holyoke at Loveland High School.