THORNTON - The banner reads champion but symbolizes history. 
 
For the first time ever, Discovery Canyon can call itself the CHSAA 3A Girls Swim and Dive champions. Following a couple second-place finishes a few years ago, the roar of cheers that erupted from the Thunder poolside proved just how much this one means. 
 
“I think everybody stepped up and decided they were either going to hold their place, or race hard,” coach Heather Wagner said. “Some people added time today, but they raced so hard and beat whoever was next to them and just went for it. One of the things that’s really cool about this team is that they are always there for each other.”
 
In an individualized sport, that familiarity can become important. If one swimmer adds time, the rest of the team is there for reassurance. With the added pressure of a large crowd and the intensity of state meets, that becomes a necessity. 
 
“One of the things that’s really cool about this team is they’re always there for each other,” Wagner said. “When some people are frustrated, they lift them back up and get them ready to race again.”
 
A big part of being able to do that is the experience that Discovery Canyon came into Tuesday evening with. 
 
A swimmer can go up and down a pool day in and day out, but there’s no way to simulate the environment of a state meet. For those who’ve never experienced that, it can be intimidating, but having five make it to the state meet can help alleviate any anxiety felt from the big stage.
 
“We have a lot of seniors,” Heather Wagner said. “I had 10 on my team this year and quite a few are here. Even Elle Termain, who is our adaptive swimmer, is a senior and she’s gone through with these girls all four years. It’s really nice to have that experience.”
 
One of the big reasons Discovery Canyon was able to finish at the top was Madison Wagner, who finished first in the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:07.00. She beat out Madison Crysel of St. Mary’s Academy by just .11 seconds.
 
Getting that narrow victory can mean so much for momentum, especially doing so in just the fourth event of the evening. As Madison Wagner approached her final stretch, she saw Crysel and knew she had to push harder. After all, 2025 was the year the Thunder decided was theirs. 
 
“Winning is truly just amazing,” Madison Wagner said. “We got second my first two years, last year we went down to six and coming back and winning first is amazing. It really helps our school and everyone else realize the importance of swimming as a sport.”