Leopard Sharks finish fifth in Durango competition

Delta Suckla, 8, wins four events

Bolstered by several first-place finishes, the Cortez Leopard Sharks swim club performed well at the Durango Summer Invite, which was held in Durango, June 21-22.

The Leopard Sharks were led by 8-year-old Delta Suckla, who finished first in her age division in the 200-meter individual medley (4:45.81), 200-meter freestyle (4:27.38), 50-meter backstroke (58.13) and 25-meter backstroke (24.81).

Also winning multiple events was 6-year-old Jared Michael Gripp, who finished first in the 50-meter backstroke (1:24.70) and first in the 25-meter backstroke (41.38).

In the 100-meter breaststroke, 11-year-old Victoria Duran finished first overall, with a time of 1:42.99.

Twelve-year-old Jenna Barner was equally impressive, racing her way to top honors in the 200-meter freestyle (2:41.31).

“How I did it, I have no idea,” said Barner of her victory. “I just kept going.”

Other top finishers for the Leopard Sharks included Trenton Bagge, who finished first in the 100-meter individual medley (1:28.09), Cody Farias, who won the 100-meter breaststroke (2:01.16) and Caisey Duran, who finished first in the 100-meter breaststroke (1:35.30).

As a team, the Leopard Sharks finished fifth overall in the 12-team meet with 1,134 points. The Salida Cyclones finished first overall, with 2461.5 points.

Next up for the Leopard Sharks will be the “Beat the Heat Meet,” which will be held in Farmington, June 28-29.