The biggest splash Barrett Kerrigan made this season didn’t come from a pool.

Sure, the Cheyenne Mountain boys swimmer, who’s working toward a third consecutive 500-yard freestyle state title this season, continues to build a legacy in the water. But when Kerrigan put pen to paper Monday at Cheyenne Mountain High School, the Red-Tailed Hawk swimmer said he plans to continue another legacy.

Kerrigan signed Monday to compete next season at the Air Force Academy on the Falcons’ men’s swimming and diving team and he’ll become a second-generation service member.

“My whole life I’ve wanted to go into the military,” Kerrigan said. “My dad was in the Marine Corps and I knew an academy was right for me when I could serve in the military afterward, receive an education and keep swimming.”

Kerrigan’s father, Brian, said he and his brother served in the military and he’s grateful to watch his son continue the tradition, especially considering the difficulty of getting into the Air Force Academy.

“It’s not just serving the country, it’s getting into a college that’s tough to get into,” Brian said. “The letter we got, I believe there were over 10,000 applicants and they accept less than 1,000. I’m almost more proud of his academics. I’m proud of his swimming accomplishments as well, but to get into an institution like that means more to me.”

Cheyenne Mountain swimming and diving coach Kate Doane thanked Kerrigan’s parents and previous coaches for molding the senior into an accomplished swimmer. She also praised Kerrigan for his success.   

“He may be a quiet soul,” Doane said. “But he makes loud statements in the pool. … Barrett led our team to a state title in 2023. He has two individual state titles in the 500 along with All-American accolades. At our invite this past weekend, he broke our pool record from 2017 in the 500. Barrett didn’t just swim here; he made history here.”

Kerrigan was one of 19 Cheyenne Mountain athletes to sign to continue their athletic career and one of four Red-Tailed Hawks who will compete at the Division I level next season.

Brynn Ressler will play volleyball at Lafayette College after a stellar career. Ressler ended her prep career as the Red-Tailed Hawks’ all-time leader in digs with 1,113 and the outside hitter had 145 career assists along with 382 kills.

Kris Roberts, Cheyenne Mountain athletic director, complimented Ressler on her heart and dedication displayed for the volleyball program throughout her four years on varsity.  

“Brynn has been the cornerstone of our volleyball program,” Roberts said. “From the beginning, she distinguished herself not only through her talent but through her consistency and team-first mindset.”

Aiden Le Roux, who will attend Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, will run cross country for the Lumberjacks in the fall and Clare Jones, who will play soccer at the University of San Francisco, rounded out the Red-Tailed Hawks’ Division I signees.