Silver Creek boys swim entering new season with high expectations

With both experience and talent, this year’s Silver Creek High School boys swim team may be one of the more confident groups longtime head coach Debbie Stewart has ever led.

The Raptors are coming off three straight top-two team finishes at the Class 4A state championships, including a state title in 2021, and bring back several of their star swimmers.

“They're hungry for a really good winning season,” Stewart said. “It's exciting to see the camaraderie and the hard work that they're all putting in and what they did put in (during) their offseason.”

Leading the charge is Stephen Codevilla, a Niwot High School student who’s aiming to accomplish big things in his senior season. Codevilla, the younger brother of former Niwot girls swimming great Mary Codevilla, took fourth in the 100-yard backstroke at state last season and led multiple relay teams.

“He's pumped up,” Stewart said of Codevilla. “He's the one that I've got to fizzle him out a little bit and bring him down to reality, but I'm excited for that.”

Including Codevilla, Stewart estimates that about 15 of her team’s 43 swimmers are NHS students. Others hail from Erie, Peak to Peak and Mead high schools — along with SCHS, of course.

Although only a freshman, Justin Leyba is another NHS student primed for a big season. “He’s going to be a strong contributor to the team,” Stewart said of the rookie swimmer.

Other names to know include Justin Gawrych, Jack Fischmann and James Story, a junior who’s back on the team after swimming club last season. Stewart has also been impressed by sophomore Lincoln Miller and his work ethic.

Silver Creek and other boys swimming programs across the state began official practices during the week of Feb. 19, one week earlier than most other spring sports. So far, Stewart likes what her Raptors have shown.

“The first week is all just time trials, but the guys are all bonding,” Stewart said. “I've got five different schools all coming together as one and a lot of new ones. They're already bonding really well and supporting each other. They're pretty excited this year.”

While Stewart recognizes that state championships are won in the pool and not on paper, she believes Silver Creek has the talent to be a top-five team in Class 4A.

However, the Raptors will have to prove themselves early with dual meets coming up against Broomfield, Monarch, Windsor and other imposing squads. Silver Creek’s first meet of the season is set for Saturday, March 2, at the St. Vrain Aquatic Center, which is located on the campus of SCHS. Teams from Longmont, Brighton and Estes Park High Schools will join the Raptors in a sprints-focused meet.