James TenNapel photo

These five swimmers are from Cedaredge High School. They will take a longer trip than usual to swim this week as they will be just outside of Phoenix, Ariz., this weekend for a big meet. The pictured swimmers are (left to right) Lars Knutson, J.D. TenNapel, Kendra TenNapel, Michael Barnosky, and Kostya Callihan.

Yes, Cedaredge High seniors Michael Barnosky and Kostya Callihan, sophomore Lars Knutson and junior high siblings J.D. (eighth) and Kendra (seventh) TenNapel give new meaning to the term car "pool." Each has long been accustomed to driving for swim workouts, as solid foundations were laid for years by coach Amanda Hatch of the Delta Barracudas Swim Team.

Ah, the good old days of only the 25-minute commute to the Bill Heddles Rec Center pool.

But a budget ax back in 2009-10 cost Delta High its boys swim program. Already varsity swimmers as freshmen, Barnosky and Callihan were forced to head south to continue their prep swimming careers.

Barnosky lives five minutes west of town, Knutson five minutes north and the TenNapels five minutes east.

"You get used to the drive where it just feels normal now," said Callihan, who lives closest to town. "Being together makes the ride go faster. What would be bad is if the drive had to be made alone."

Together, the group will make a longer commute this weekend. They are set to compete in the 20th Annual Lost Dutchman Invitational, held just outside of Phoenix.

The trip is a reward of sorts, a chance to flex their swim muscles closer to sea level, soak up a little sun and see where they stack up against more regional competition.

After all, the daily grind can get a bit long during the short winter days. Especially during tougher workouts that require powering through in upwards of four miles of swimming.

"It's a tribute to these kids and their families what they do to get here from Cedaredge each day," said Montrose coach Silas Almgren, who has long been considered one of the state's top swim coaches. "They know sacrifice. They know how to overcome obstacles. Right down through to Kendra, they also know how to be team players.

"We are fortunate to have them all."

Michael Barnosky

The son of Jim and Sue Barnosky has long wanted to fly fighter jets and swim in college.

He has now paved the way for both to happen by his recent appointment to the Air Force Academy, where he has also accepted the offer to swim at the Division I level for the Falcons. That announcement has capped an especially busy year for Michael, who has maintained a 3.9 GPA all the while bagging his pilot's license and ratings for both gliding and hot-air ballooning – the latter two before he could even legally drive a car.

Third in the state last year in the 100-yard breaststroke, Barnosky is considered a strong contender for gold in that event this spring along with being in the mix for the 200 individual medley.

"I'm definitely shooting for a state title," said the chiseled 6-foot-3, 185-pound Barnosky. "But I'm also trying to have a little more fun with it all, too.

"The time spent back and forth with Kostya and now the younger swimmers is a large part of that. And we've all got solid teammates once we get to Montrose."

Kostya Callihan

The son of Tim and Larisa Callihan helps to keep the rideshare on the lighter side.

Born in Russia, he has strong ties to the water from birth, as his mother was a multiple-year member of the Soviet Synchronized Swim Team.

But now Kostya – like Michael, a former Seasonal State champion for the Barracudas – knows he is at the crossroad. And the choices aren't bad either way.

Eighth in the state last year in the 200 freestyle, Kostya probably needs to shave anywhere from five-to-seven seconds off of his signature event if he is to extend his swim career into college. If so, the University of Wyoming would probably next get his talents. If not, Kostya will take his 3.8 GPA on to pre-med at Colorado State University.

"Either way, I'm fine with the outcome, because I'm putting in the work," said Kostya, a 5-11, 165-pound rock who can rip off dozens of pull-ups. "I just wish I could have started swimming year-round earlier. Look how it's already paying off for Lars, J.D. and Kendra ... I'm glad that Michael and I started something that is carrying on."

Lars Knutson

The son of John and Sara Knutson made the tough choice, and now he is already seeing the move pay off. At 6-4 and 170 pounds, Lars was playing what most tall kids do: basketball. Furthermore, Lars' mom played volleyball at Duke and an uncle grew to 6-9 and had a splash in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs.

But Lars always felt like there was unfinished business for him in the pool.

So Michael and Kostya started prodding. That influence forged a varsity teammate.

"I'm just glad they kept telling me about this opportunity," said Lars, who sports a perfect 4.0 GPA. "It's like this is what I am really cut out for athletically."

At a recent meet in Grand Junction, Lars lopped major time off of his 50, 100 and 200 freestyle events along with making huge strides in his 100 breast and 200 IM.

The sky is the limit now for the lanky speedster who has found a home off the hardwood.

"I like the team aspect down in Montrose," Lars said. "Hopefully, J.D. and I can continue what Michael and Kostya have started with all of this."

J.D. TenNapel

The son of James and Debra TenNapel has always had a ball in hand, and that's why swimming has been such a tough sell. Especially in Montrose, where he first played football and in one recent calendar year accomplished the following:

Racked up 22 TDs as a dual-threat quarterback, leading the previously winless "Aztecs" to an 8-3 season and the county championship game.

Led inaugural "Tribe" all-star basketball team in every statistical category, once burying five 3-pointers in a key tournament game ... by halftime.

For good measure, he also booted the winning goal in a regional title soccer match and won a seasonal state crown in the 200 butterfly.

"But I never felt I was fast enough to keep on swimming," said J.D., a sturdy 6-foot, 160-pound sprinter and honor roll member. "Now that I'm starting to see so much time fall off, I've got some tough choices to make. I'm so thankful for Coach Silas and his role in my life. And Michael and Kostya have been like big brothers to me, pushing me on."

Kendra TenNapel

Like her brother, Kendra also has a lot of irons in the fire, even if they don't have a ball attached to them. It's amazing she has found time to test year-round swimming, even if only a few times a week.

Last year's Delta County Fair & Rodeo Princess did more than just raise Boer goats and race barrels and poles on her Arabian mare, "Snickers." She also started on pointe under the teaching of Gena Rose at Dance West and was named to the County Honor Choir.

A freestyle, butterfly and backstroke sprinter, she's pretty fast in the pool, too.

"I love being part of this team," said Kendra, also on the CMS honor roll. "And I have always wanted to be a part of a really big meet. That's what Phoenix is all about to me."

Already 5-7, Kendra is often recruited by such "tall" sports as volleyball and basketball.

As for being the only girl in the rideshare?

"It's kind of like having four brothers."