Entering into the season there was uncertainty surrounding where the Powell Panther swim and dive team would stack up.

Now the Panthers head to Gillette this Thursday and Friday to compete in the 3A state swim and dive championships — taking the second most athletes ever to the meet with 17 heading to the two-day competition.

Powell is taking four athletes who have qualified in at least four events individually into the meet — Kobus Diver, Rui Parker, Gabe Rose and Adam Williams.

Diver, Parker and Rose have qualified for at least six events with Rose and Parker being qualified in all eight events.

Powell will also take all four of its divers to the competition — including Jon Hawley, Justin Hobbs, Ashtin Prentiss and Taggart Shumway.

Heading into the competition, coach Stephanie Warren knows that it will be just as difficult or even more difficult than the competition last year, which boasted one of the most difficult qualifying standards for finals on Friday in 3A history.

“Our goal is to have the best swims that they can,” Warren said. “Last year we had one of the best performances of all with all of them swimming best times, and it was still pretty challenging as a whole.”

She said that the addition of Evanston to the mix this year in 3A will likely split up the points for the competition, and make it difficult for every team to get finals qualifiers.

Divers have had the opportunity to run through their 11-dive routines multiple times this season, she said, and she’s hopeful they will feel they have their list sorted for their dives.

“I think it is going to be just as challenging this year if not more challenging,” Warren said. “There’s more bodies fighting for the same positions — it’s going to be challenging but hopefully we can do the best we can and will see some good things from that.”

Last year the Panthers finished sixth at state. This year Lander is projected to finish with its 27th straight state title ahead of challenging Buffalo and Green River. Powell is expected to be in the mix with Evanston, Cody, Riverton and Worland for the remaining positions in the middle of the pack.