GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - Colorado State University Pueblo Swimming & Diving opened the 2026 RMAC Championships with a statement performance on Tuesday night, as the Pack competed in the opening event of the meet—the women's 800-yard freestyle relay—and delivered a record-breaking swim at the CMU El Pomar Natatorium.
The relay team of Andrea Reyes, Angela Pantke, Laci Denn, and Carla Sanchez Guareno turned in a finals time of 7:46.75, setting a new Colorado State University Pueblo program record in the event while racing against the top programs in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The ThunderWolves finished fifth overall in the event and earned 32 team points to open championship week on a strong note.
Reyes led off the relay for the Pack, followed by Pantke on the second leg, Denn on the third, and Sanchez Guareno anchoring the effort. The quartet showcased depth, consistency, and composure under the championship spotlight, with each swimmer contributing to the historic performance.
The 800 free relay marked the first event of the 2026 RMAC Championships, hosted by Colorado Mesa University, and set the tone for the ThunderWolves as they begin a multi-day push against one of the deepest conference fields in Division II.
Colorado State University Pueblo will return to the pool on Wednesday for Day Two of the championships, with prelims and finals continuing as the Pack looks to build on its record-setting start and climb the team standings as the week progresses.
