Lady Wolves take 2nd place at State Championships

The Green River Lady Wolves Swim team made an impressive splash at the 4A State meet, finishing in second place with 208 team points in a season filled with highlights, record-breaking swims, and strong leadership. The Lady Wolves took home five event titles and numerous accolades, including 4A Athlete of the Meet and Athlete of the Year honors for Junior Tavia Arnell.

Head Coach Colleen Seiloff, who previously won 3A Coach of the Year, was also named 4A Coach of the Year, recognizing her guidance through the team's challenging transition from 3A to the highly-competitive 4A division. Coach Seiloff emphasized that this recognition is a testament not only to her leadership but to the dedication of her coaching staff, Katelyn Rider and Allen Clark, as well as the entire team.

"I couldn't have achieved this honor without my coaching staff," Seiloff shared. "Katelyn and Allen have been instrumental in working with these girls every step of the way. This award reflects all of us. And I absolutely couldn't do it without this great group of girls who put in the effort and heart every day."

Seiloff also credited the foundation built through the Green River club team, SWAT, where volunteers like Rick Barker and Randy Walker frequently dedicate their time to supporting young athletes.

"Starting swimmers young through SWAT has been crucial," Seiloff noted, "and Rick and Randy's dedication to this program really helps streamline success on the high school team."

The team's strong finish and individual accolades are a reflection of the commitment, unity, and early support that drove the Lady Wolves' success this season.

Junior Tavia Arnell led Green River's charge with outstanding performances, setting a new 4A State record in the 200-yard Individual Medley with a time of 2:05.46, breaking a record that had stood since 2009. She also won the 100-yard Butterfly with a dominant time of 56.41 seconds, finishing with an impressive 5.23-second lead.

"Tavia not only broke the record but shattered it by two whole seconds," Coach Seiloff remarked proudly. "Her dedication in the pool and her determination to push herself inspired everyone on the team."

The Lady Wolves' senior swimmers also rose to the occasion, providing essential support and leadership throughout the season. Tanith Smith delivered a standout performance, winning the 50-yard Freestyle in a blazing 24.23 seconds.

"Tanith was incredible," Seiloff said. "She's been a rock for us this year, and her dedication to her team is inspiring."

Green River also claimed victory in two relay events, winning both the 200-yard Medley relay in 1:50.42 and the 200-yard Freestyle relay in 1:39.20, adding valuable points to their team score. The swimmers for the 200-yard IM relay were Tavia Arnell, Peyton Murray, Alayna Kellhofer and Kaylin Uhrig. The swimmers for the 200-yard Freestyle relay were Tavia Arnell, Alana Kellhofer, Haley Clevenger and Tanith Smith.

Coach Seiloff praised the dedication of her five seniors-Tanith Smith, Hailey Luth, Bree Van Etten, Haley Clevenger, and Mallery Lyon-who brought invaluable leadership to the Lady Wolves' lineup. Each senior contributed their best performances, setting a high standard for the team.

"Hailey Luth has been a role model since day one," Seiloff shared. "She always puts in the work, showing our younger swimmers what it takes to compete at this level."

Bree Van Etten made her mark with a top-12 finish in the 500-yard Freestyle, a testament to her endurance and determination.

"Bree gave everything she had in the 500," Seiloff remarked. "It's a tough event, and she put in an impressive performance."

Haley Clevenger, another crucial relay team member, consistently brought energy and spirit to the pool.

"Haley's enthusiasm lifted the whole team. She has a gift for making everyone feel part of something special," Seiloff added.

Rounding out the senior group, Mallery Lyon concluded her high school swimming career with a personal best in the breaststroke.

"Mallery swam her heart out," Seiloff said. "Watching her grow into the competitor she is today has been such a joy. She's truly given everything to this team."

Reflecting on the team's transition to 4A, Coach Seiloff praised her swimmers' resilience and focus.

"Some of these girls had never swam at the 4A level, and they embraced the challenge," she said. "Laramie has a fantastic diving team, and the level of competition in 4A is intense. But our girls focused on what they could control and gave it their all."

Despite the challenges, every swimmer made significant time cuts, a point of pride for Seiloff.

"We went down there, and the majority of everyone had a time cut," she said. "On Saturday, they just swam really well. We didn't know if we'd be first, second, or last-we just wanted them to focus on their races and enjoy the moment."

Seiloff's pride in her team was evident as she reflected on the season.

"This team has so much heart. We may not have finished on top, but the way these girls competed and supported one another speaks volumes," she said. "I couldn't be prouder of what they accomplished, and it's been an honor to coach them."

Six Lady Wolves received All-State honors this year. The swimmers that were honored were Tanith Smith (4x All-State 2021-2024), Tavia Arnell (All-State 2022-2024), Haley Cleveneger (All-State 2022-2024), Alayna Kellhofer, Peyton Murray and Kaylin Uhrig.

With a legacy of hard work and leadership passed down from this year's seniors, the Green River Lady Wolves Swim team is well-positioned for continued success in future seasons. With the guidance of Coach Seiloff and the foundation set by this year's memorable performances, the Lady Wolves are ready to dive into new challenges with strength and unity.