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Friday, October 2, 2026 at 5:32 PM

Five Fernley swimmers qualify for 3A State meet

  • By Robert Perea
  • 05/14/2026 11:35 AM
Five Fernley swimmers qualify for 3A State meet
Paul Schaeffer swims in a 500-yard freestyle preliminary race at the Northern 3A Regional Meet
on May 7. Photo by Robert Perea.

In a season that presented more obstacles than conveniences, the Fernley High School swimming team has five swimmers qualified for the 3A State Meet this Saturday in Las Vegas.

Paul Schaeffer qualified in two individual events and a third as part of a relay team, while Rylie Pearson has the team’s best individual finish to lead the Vaqueros in the 3A Northern Regional Meet last Friday and Saturday at the Moana Springs Community Aquatic Center in Reno.

Pearson placed second in the girls 500-yard freestyle in a time of 6:25.72 and later finished fifth in the 100-yard backstroke in 1:13.19, missing a state berth by less than a tenth of a second behind Truckee’s Kiersten Shepp, who swam 1:13.12.

Schaeffer placed third in the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:10.35 and added another third in the 500-yard freestyle in 6:19.81. The boys’ 200-yard freestyle relay team of Matthew Walker Coghlan, Brett Vanderkelen, Schaeffer and Nicholas Romero finished fourth in 1:48.94.

Walker Coghlan also finished fifth in the 100-yard freestyle in 58.76 and sixth in the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:13.98. The girls’ 200-yard freestyle relay took sixth in 2:17.74 and the boys’ 200-yard medley relay placed sixth in 2:06.40. Vanderkelen placed seventh in the 100-yard freestyle in 1:04.02 and eighth in the boys’ 50-yard freestyle in 28.91. The boys’ 400 freestyle relay rounded out the meet with a seventh-place finish in 5:20.10.

The girls’ 200-yard medley relay and 400 freestyle relay were both disqualified.

Fernley placed fifth in the boys team standings with 162 points, and the girls finished seventh with 57 points.

The Vaqueros had 26 swimmers on the team this season, more than double the number of last season. Of those, 16 qualified for the regional meet by achieving the minimum qualifying time at any meet during the season.

The team had to practice in Fallon all season and was unable to host any meets because the Fernley Swimming Pool has been closed since February while the roof is being replaced.

“Watching them compete and win this season has made all of the changes and struggles worth it,” coach Daria Powell said.

State qualifiers:
Rylie Pearson – 500-yard freestyle
Paul Schaeffer – 100-yard breaststroke, 500-yard freestyle
Boys 200-yard freestyle relay (Matthew Walker Coghlan, Brett Vanderkelen, Paul Schaeffer, Nicholas Romero)

Upload date: 05/14/2026 11:35 AM
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Comment author: PFB Comment text: Why can't you guys find competent contractors.. For a large municipal facility like the indoor-outdoor Fernley Swimming Pool located at 300 Cottonwood Lane, a complete ground-up commercial build or major structural renovation typically spans 6 to 12 months or longer when factoring in large-scale engineering, public municipal permitting, specialized commercial HVAC/roofing, and health department inspections. The current renovation has been- The Fernley Swimming Pool has been closed for approximately six to seven months since late February 2026 for a major roof replacement and facility renovation. Now you sat October. Soooo 8 months for a new roof. The picture shows no other renovations. Comment publication date: 9/17/26, 7:14 PM Comment source: Electrical problem delays Fernley pool opening Comment author: P Comment text: Relative of the Mayor is to over see this site. Anyone who knows Fernley KNOWS this is more of the who you are related to and know business in this town. VOTE THEM ALL OUT AND THE CALIFORNIA TRANSPLANTS. Comment publication date: 9/16/26, 10:31 PM Comment source: Lift Station Failure Released Untreated Sewage Comment author: Christopher Walsh Comment text: Could you look into the strong recurring smell around Fernley? It smells like sewage and it can be bad enough that people don’t want to be outside or open their windows. It would be helpful to get an investigative journalist help the Fernley residents get a clear answer from the City, NDEP, and any involved facilities. I was really disappointed that the smell was not disclosed by my realtor when I moved here. I enjoy Fernley and am seeing the improvements that are being made. With Appreciation Comment publication date: 9/12/26, 2:49 PM Comment source: Sewage spill near City of Fernley Municipal Well 9 Comment author: Alicia Euresti Comment text: We are all so blessed to have Pastor Matt and Mrs. Regina in this town. They have become a major part of pur family and our children adore them. Thank you both for all you do for qll of us. We love you!!!! Comment publication date: 9/6/26, 9:24 PM Comment source: Fascinating Fernley: Meet Your Neighbors at Living Faith Food Pantry Comment author: R Conley Comment text: Is the deputy receiving any additional training or reinforcing prior training? Comment publication date: 9/5/26, 10:08 AM Comment source: Inmate escapes from Fernley substation Comment author: Kayla Allen Comment text: Suzie was a wonderful woman. I was pleased to call her my "godmother" as she helped me to become a better version of myself. I think about her a lot. Comment publication date: 7/10/26, 8:31 PM Comment source: Susanne Lynn Foster
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