The drive for five began a couple of months ago. The Laramie Plainsmen try to make that a reality this weekend.

The Plainsmen boys’ swimming and diving team is going for their fifth consecutive Class 4A state championship on Friday and Saturday in Gillette.

Laramie is the favorite entering the meet at the Campbell County Aquatics Center.

Get our free mobile app

Head coach Tom Hudson says for them to win again, he needs a nice mix between their top-end power and their depth.

“We have to have both perform at their best. I expect that’s going to happen. Individually, if we hit our lifetime best times like the team goal is, that’ll take care of itself.”

As for being the team to beat, Hudson says it’s some unfamiliar territory.

“We’re not altogether used to being the favorite. We have been a few times, especially in this last run of five, just one other time, I think, favored, but (we treat this) really no different. We just have to go and do our best on the diving board and in the pool. If we hit our best times, then we’ll be okay.”

Two seniors are defending state champions. Dylan Bressler won diving a year ago, while Mace Spiker-Miller is the two-time defending champ in the 100-butterfly race. KOWB’s David Settle talked with both seniors about the key to winning again, the team goal, and more. That’s in the video at the top of this story.

Hudson feels they may also have a shot at winning the 500-freestyle with Lowden Ewers or Collin Fontana. He also wants to win at least one, if not two relays this weekend.

The 4A state championships start on Friday with the diving prelims and semifinals at 3:30 p.m. The swimming prelims should begin around 5:30-to-6 p.m. The finals start at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

A Little Bit About All 23 Wyoming Counties

More From KOWB 1290