The North Georgia Rapids Swim Team Summer Update

The Rapids Swim Team recently participated in the Northern Divisional Swim Festival held in Clarkesville, Georgia, competing with six other teams and over 200 swimmers. The Rapid's eight swimmers, some swimming in their first meet, had excellent swims with all team members winning ribbons or medals.

The team's youngest swimmer, Millie Burger, age six, won two first place medals, far out-pacing her closest competition, even earning praise from other team's coaches. The Rapids two newest members, Sam and Slayton Nichols, swimming in their first competition, proved ready for the task. Sam, age eight, won two third place medals in the 25 yd backstroke, and breaststroke, and a fourth place ribbon in the 25 yd free. Slayton, ten, walked away with two second place medals in the fly and breast, two third places in the 50 and 25 yd free and a fourth place ribbon in the 25 yd backstroke. Both Sam and Slayton were extremely pleased with their performance as was their mother, who was a past competitive swimmer.

Maggie Davis, having recently moved up to the 10 and under age group, had five races, winning ribbons in four of them. Maggie's times improved tremendously and she should become a major competitor as she gains experience. The swim meet's morning session ended with Neffe DeLaCruz, age ten, having her best meet ever. Neffe won three first place gold and two second place silver medals.

She now is setting her sights on winning the Divisional Championship trophy for her age group in the upcoming Championship Meet in three weeks. If she continues her success, she will be a major contender.

In the afternoon session, the older swimmers got their chance to try and continue the team's younger swimmer's success.

Anna Knight, eleven, is becoming a force to contend with making quite a splash in her age group. Anna won three medals, two second place and a "come from behind" first place gold medal in the 50 yd butterfly in the final race of the afternoon. Anna also earned fourth and fifth place ribbons in the 50 yd breastroke and 50 yd freestyle events. Courtney Marshall, also eleven, had three personal best times and was the fastest eleven year old in the 100 yd freestyle. Courtney earned four fourth place finishes and one fifth. Courtney is also an outstanding basketball player and just finished a week at basketball camp prior to the swim meet.

Tanner Gay also in a position to contend for the championship trophy in the near future, had successes in his swims, winning five first place medals in his races. Tanner will continue to train hard in preparation for the championship meet.

Andrew Ward, the team's senior swimmer, specializes in long distance swimming. He competed Sunday in the Tenth Annual Lake Chatuge 5K Swim. Andrew participated with over 100 swimmers, finishing his swim in 1 hour and 47 minutes. Andrew bettered his personal best time by over six minutes and will continue to train for future open water competition. The team celebrated Andrew's efforts with a cookout and swim at the County Recreation Department Park.

The team practices three days a week at the Blue Ridge Mountain Fitness Club in Blairsville. The program is designed for year round competition, although several members participate in other seasonal sporting activities as they occur.

If you would like additional information on the swim team, contact Coach Barry Gay at 706-835-1662.