Holy Family’s Frauenfelder trades silver for gold at state

PREP GIRLS SWIMMING CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Holy Family’s Lorelai Frauenfelder reacts to winning the 50-yard freestyle finals during the Class 3A state swimming and diving championships held at the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center on Tuesday. PHOTOS BY NATHAN WRIGHT — LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD

Holy Family’s Erin Chapman attempts one of her dives during the Class 3A state swimming and diving championships held at the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center on Tuesday.

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By Jack Carlough

For BoCoPreps.com

THORNTON >> Fueled by an improved mindset, Lorelai Frauenfelder earned herself an extra step up the podium in two events during Tuesday’s Class 3A girls swim and dive state championships.

One year after finishing second in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle state races, the Holy Family junior grabbed first in both events at the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center in Thornton.

“Knowing that I was that close last year gave me the confidence that I could win it this year,” Frauenfelder said of her gold-worthy swims.

Frauenfelder finished the 50 free in 23.27 seconds before scoring a 100 free time of 51.15. In the process, she became the first state title winner in the six-year history of Holy Family girls swim and dive.

“I’m so happy I can carry that legacy for my school,” Frauenfelder said. “I’m proud to be a part of my school. I love these girls, and I want to represent them well, so that was exciting.”

Frauenfelder was well-positioned to win the 50 free after a strong preliminary race the evening prior. Still, seeing her lane number alongside the fastest time left the Holy Family standout overcome with emotion.

“I was looking at my mom like, ‘Oh my God. Did that really just happen?’” Frauenfelder said. “That was incredible.”

Led by Frauenfelder, Holy Family finished fifth in the team standings with 244 points. Discovery Canyon won the 3A state title with 386.5 points, and St. Mary’s Academy earned the runner-up plaque by scoring 367.5.

Megan Grenzenbach, a Holy Family freshman navigating her first state championships, also performed well in two individual races. The rookie Tiger placed sixth in the 200 freestyle (2:00.92) and fifth in the 500 freestyle (5:23.75).

“I’m so happy we have a distance swimmer now so I don’t have to swim the 500 anymore,” Frauenfelder joked. “She’s so hard-working and talented. I’m so happy to have her on the team.”

Competing in her final high school meet, Holy Family senior Erin Chapman enjoyed a busy yet rewarding day in Thornton. After placing ninth in Tuesday morning’s 1-meter dive finals, the senior swam in two relay races (200 medley, 200 free) and took 14th in the 100 breaststroke at 1:13.93. She entered the VMAC around 8 a.m. to prepare for diving and left for good about 12 hours later following Holy Family’s final event.

“It’s pretty crazy,” Chapman said. “It’s my third year doing both, but it’s my first year making finals in all four events. It’s definitely a little hectic and wholesome because it’s my last time, but it’s super fun.”

The Tigers’ dual threat scored 375.60 total points in her final state diving performance.

“I started diving my freshman year, so I’ve come a long way,” Chapman said “I’m proud of that.”

With Chapman joining Frauenfelder, senior Ashtyn and junior Kailyn Tucker, Holy Family took fourth in the 200 medley relay (1:53.21). Later, Cooney, Grenzenbach, Frauenfelder and senior ElliJo Musgrove landed the same finish in the 400 free relay (3:44.44).

Cooney also placed 15th in the 50 free (26.32) and ninth in the 100 free (57.35).