The Cortez Water Dragons made a splash at the 2025 Scottie Ascherman Memorial Colorado Seasonal State Swim Meet this weekend, placing third while hosting 13 other teams from across the state.
The Water Dragons competed with a record-breaking 45 athletes and was the largest team at the meet. The team competed in the large team division earning a score of 1,375.5 points.
The Salida Cyclones placed first with 1,897 points, and the Gunnison Stingrays took second with 1,545.5 points.
“I am thrilled with how the 2025 season went. Between learning how to lead a team of swimmers and coaches to be their best, and having our most advanced group of swimmers adjusting to a very different coaching style than they have been used to, it has been a year of growth, trust and improvement in so many ways,” head coach Sarah Brock told The Journal. “The team's victories at the state meet was such an epic way to end the season, and gives me so much excitement preparing for next season.”
Some standout performers, noted by coaches Brock and Nikki Berdzar, were three swimmers who earned high-point honors in their respective divisions.
Luella Brock, 6, won high-point for the six-and-under girls division with 76 points, earning four gold medals, two silver and one bronze. Boaz McCabe, 8, came out on top for the 7-8 boys division with 96 points. He won eight gold medals.
Breckyn Berdzar, 10, led the 9-10 girls division with 150 points. Her swims concluded with nine gold medals, two silver and one bronze.
“Nearly all of our Water Dragon swimmers cut times on the majority of their swims. As their coaches, we are so proud of the time cuts and improvement of their strokes throughout the season,” the coaches said.
In 19 relays, the Water Dragons won four gold medals, nine silver and one bronze.
Berdzar and Brock also spoke of swimmer Miles Anderson, 17, who cut time in every event he swam. The coaches lauded his “flawless starts and finishes.”
Noah McCabe, 11, shaved 19.76 seconds off his personal best in the 100-yard backstroke, claiming first place in the 11-12 boys division in the event and in the 50-yard backstroke.
Keller McCutcheon, 9, cut time on all of her individual state events.
“Watching our team's success in and out of the water this year has been worth all the early mornings and hours spent on the pool deck,” coach Nikki Berdzar said. “We have a family-friendly, fun atmosphere along with working hard for all the children of our community to join in on..”
This year, Emily Pearson led the Water Dragons board as president, and Sarah Brock finished her first season as the head coach. Nikki Berdzar moved to lead coach position, and four new coaches joined the staff.
The Cortez Water Dragons train at the city’s indoor and outdoor pools and welcome swimmers age 5 to 18. While the team’s 2025 season has ended, they will begin their next season in April.
“We’d love to see you next season when we start in April,” Brock said.
