The American Fork girls swim team has never been large in numbers. Despite having so few swimmers, the Cavemen have consistently placed in the top three at the state swim meet over the past three years. This year, American Fork coach Celeste Tiffany has only 10 girls on her team. But once again, the Cavemen are expected to contend for the 4A state girls swim title.
"We are a little team with not much to work with," Tiffany said. "But we have great swimmers. They do have the opportunity to win state. It'll be a fight to the finish. We'll have to see what happens in the end."
Leading the Cavemen this year are BYU-bound Carly Smith and Sandra Yocom. Smith placed second in the IM last year, while Yocom was fourth in the 500 and second in the backstroke.
Tiffany said Smith can "pick and choose what she likes to compete in and finish in the top eight."
The supporting cast behind Smith and Yocom is made up of Abbie Swensen, Haylee Adamson, Dani Hatch and freshman Audra Yocom.
Utah County is rich in quality swimmers. Lone Peak and Orem are also expected to compete with American Fork for the girls state title. Springville also has the depth to perform well at state. The Red-Devils are led by Kim Clark, state champion in the breaststroke and 500-free.
"With the women swimmers in 4A, some of the best swimming takes place down here," Orem coach Dan Miller said.
The Knights finished fourth at state last year. Ashley Klienman, the returning state champion in the 50 and 100 freestyle, is expected to again lead the Knights to another top five finish.
"She is swimming better then ever," Lone Peak coach Dee Loose said. "I expect her to have a great season. We have a good core group supporting her."
Whitney Lindsey, Amy Burgess, Lara Christensen and Tricia Stewart are all expected to place well at state for the Knights.
"We'll be very competitive," Loose said. "I think we'll be right there."
Orem's Rebecca Lau (breaststroke), London Gygi (freestyle and 200 free) and Stephanie Cook (butterfly) are expected to lead the girls team for the Tigers.
One of the best female swimmers in the state is Timpview's Leilani Roberts. She already holds state records in the 200-IM and the 100-freestyle.
"She can pick and choose the events to race and win them," Tiffany said.
Lone Peak, Springville and Orem will be the strong boys teams in Utah Valley. In a recent Utah County Invitational, the Tigers boys team placed first.
Matt Rowley (butterfly and IM) and freshman Brady Wells will be strong for the Tigers.
"We've got some young boys, but they are swimming very well," Miller said.
Miller also said his boys and girls teams have a good shot of placing in the top five at state.
Casey Klienman, Jared Griener (breaststroke) and Bobby Nielson will lead a strong Lone Peak boys team. Casey Klienman may miss this year due to a shoulder injury.
"I really like the boys team," Loose said.
The Spanish Fork boys relay team of Zack Miller, Nathan Tanner, Braden Wilcox and Eziuz Finkenthal also will look to do well at state this year.
In Class 3A, Abbee Petersen, Sarah Shepherdson and Jason Dole will be several swimmers who should give the Lehi Pioneers a chance for a good showing at the state meet.