Rams Dive into D-II Top 10, Set Sights on State Championship in Final Week

Maricopa High School’s Rams varsity swim team gears up for a crucial two-day competition at the Copper Sky pool. The first of these meets occurs today at 4 p.m., featuring matches against Florence and Poston Butte High Schools. The team will honor its seniors during the second meet at 4 p.m. on Thursday, facing Desert Sunrise and Horizon Honors High.

Head coach Meg O’Brien, who has led competitive swim teams since 2022, expressed optimism about the team’s performance. “We expect two very competitive contests this week,” O’Brien stated. “Our boys team, strong in numbers, is ready to capitalize on the competition. Although our girls team is smaller, they will achieve notable wins in relays that contribute to our overall success.”

Several Rams swimmers are making waves at the Division II level. Senior Luis Sanchez-Quiroz ranks 11th in the state for the 100 butterfly and 10th for the 100 backstroke. Junior Holden Gehrke sits 3rd in the 500 free and 5th in the 100 breaststroke. The boys 200 free relay team, which includes Sanchez-Quiroz, Mykah Bitter, Dante Flores, and Gehrke, is ranked 9th in the state, while the 400 free relay team is 14th.

Other swimmers with impressive rankings include junior Mykah Bitter (42nd in 100 backstroke, 95th in 100 freestyle) and sophomore Orion Chaturvedi (45th in 100 backstroke, 51st in 100 fly). Additionally, senior Raycer Martin ranks 58th in the 100 breaststroke and 60th in the 200 individual medley, while freshman Dante Flores is 66th in the 100 breaststroke and 24th in the 500 free. Senior Micaela Golez holds the 51st spot in the 100 breaststroke.

O’Brien coaches a roster of 10 boys and five girls at Maricopa High. Senior Night on Thursday will honor seven seniors, many of whom have been part of the team for three to four years. “Our boys relays are really impressive, showcasing incredible speed and focus. They are contenders for the Top 16 at state, a milestone we haven’t reached in years,” O’Brien added. “Overall, we are a small but determined team making significant strides toward the D-II State Championship in November.”