Denton ISD’s swimming and diving teams may have benefited more from the 2008 realignment than any other UIL-sanctioned sport in the school district.

February’s bi-annual shuffle moved Class 4A powerhouse Frisco out of a district with Denton ISD. Frisco has won three of the last five 4A boys state titles. The Raccoons’ absence gives Denton, Ryan and Guyer a shot at a district title.

They’ll get their first chance to take advantage of a Frisco-less district at today’s 5-4A swimming and diving meet in The Colony.

“We’re talking to the boys about strategy and every race counts,” said Denton ISD swimming and diving coach Chris Cullen. “The difference between sixth place and fifth place is two points. That could make the difference in the team title. They’re pretty fired up.”

The Guyer boys have the best chance of taking over in the district, but the Wildcats will get a stiff challenge from The Colony and Wichita Falls Rider.

Led by Kyle Mahan, Robin Frei, Matt Tervort, Dawson Pritchard and Tyler Omundson, the Wildcats have the top-end talent to compete with the Cougars, but they may lack the depth to match The Colony point-for-point.

The same task faces Ryan’s girls, as the Lady Raiders have no more than six swimmers while The Colony will bring 15.

“Their depth is going to help them out, but our top girls will be right there in every event,” Cullen said.

The top six individuals in each category will advance to regionals, and no DISD swimmer has a better chance to advance than Ryan’s Robert Sutherland.

The sophomore competed at state as a freshman in both of the events he will swim today – the 200 freestyle and the 100 butterfly.

He is heavily favored to win those events at district. The question is how he will do at state.

“There are probably eight different events he could win at district,” Cullen said. “The butterfly was a tough choice because there are a couple kids at the state level that are very, very good. He’ll have to compete with them. He should improve and be in the top six at state in his two events.”

Mahan also has a strong chance to advance in the 100 breaststroke and 200 individual medley, as do the Wildcat relay teams. Ryan’s Mikaela Pyrch will be a strong contender in the 100 butterfly and 50 freestyle.

Guyer’s Kathleen Gorman will contend in the 200 and 100 freestyles. Ryan’s 200 freestyle relay team -- Pyrch, Kathryn Ray, Sabrina Carlile and Samantha Carlile -- has been a consistent gold medalist all year.

“It’s going to be a tough battle with The Colony,” Cullen said. “Whoever swims well and moves up a few places will win.”

JEFF ANDREWS can be reached at 940-566-6873. His e-mail address is jandrews@dentonrc.com.