Maverick Aquatics competed against top regional talent at a high-level championship meet in Arizona
Colorado Mesa University’s (CMU) El Pomar Natatorium is home to both the varsity swim and dive team and its official precollegiate USA Swimming club, Maverick Aquatics. Maverick Aquatics consists of swimmers as young as the age of 6 as well as high school athletes preparing for the next stage in their athletic careers. Over time, these athletes have made their way into CMU’s historically decorated program.
The Maverick Aquatics Elite team sent nine competitors to the 2026 Western Zone Short Course Yard Senior Championships held March 19-22 in Mesa, Arizona, at the Skyline Aquatic Center. Serving as one of the highest levels of meets available for age group swimming, the event represents teams across 10 states and 14 Local Swimming Committees, which are regional governing bodies within USA Swimming. With arduous qualifying standards, it is considered a significant accomplishment to qualify for this upper-level meet.
Despite sending a small number of swimmers, the team finished 12th overall with a combined 37 finals appearances. Individual standout performances include Lucas Simmons, who won the 200-meter breaststroke, earning the first gold medal in Maverick Aquatics history at a major USA Swimming meet. Taylor Moses placed second in the 200-meter backstroke, securing the first medal of any kind for the program at this level. The team also earned runner-up honors in the Mixed Medley Relay and the Mixed Freestyle Relay. Overall, the team performed at a very high level and brought home hardware to represent their growth.
Head coach and CMU swimming alumnus Dejan Urbanek said he was especially impressed by his team’s dynamic and resilience.
“Beyond the results, what stood out most was the way our athletes represented the program,” Urbanek said. “Their work ethic, team support and professionalism on deck were exceptional.”
The team proved that a small number of swimmers can compete at the highest level and still find success. The Maverick Aquatics team is steadily improving and finding a place in the national spotlight. The team's culture is strong and its training is unwavering. Urbanek not only serves as the head coach of Maverick Aquatics, but he is also the assistant aquatics coordinator, the Maverick Aquatics Elite coach and a Colorado Swimming board member serving as a Geographic Zone Representative for Zone 4. Urbanek’s involvement in the swimming community serves as a strong representation of CMU and Maverick Aquatics.
Urbanek has a decorated background. Originally from Serbia, Urbanek represented his country’s national team for seven years, competing in multiple international meets. Urbanek swam for CMU and holds 11 RMAC championships and 11 All-American honors. He holds four CMU records and earned his degree in computer science while pursuing coaching.
Coach Urbanek and the Maverick Aquatics team will continue to compete through the summer with the 2026 Grand Junction Invite taking place June 18-21. CMU is involved in multiple ways within the local youth community and has a clear mission to increase the educational attainment rate in Mesa County. Maverick Aquatics and programs like Where We Become Mavericks allow more recognition for the younger generation of students.