TIFTON — Tift County swim teams recently held their banquet, honoring athletes from the middle school and high school squads.
The high school teams swept the region championships for the ninth straight year, with the Lady Devils winning their 10th consecutive crown.
“That’s unbelievable, really,” said head coach Ivey Vickers. “We’re hoping to go for 11 next year.” She thanked coaches at all levels for their contributions, from the Tiftarea Tidal Wave to middle school, to high school.
Another year of success and beyond certainly feel like probabilities. Middle school head coach Teresa Walker reported outstanding numbers from that group. The high school Blue Devils will need the youth to help fill roles caused by graduation.
Brynna Burke and Rylan Pearman won the high school academic awards. Pearman sports a 99.917 GPA, with Burke at 99.462
Most Improved winners were Brianna Domagala and Chase Walker. Eli Pate and Raylee Walker earned Coaches’ Awards.
Rookie of the Year went to Karson Ponder and Leighellyn Bengston, with the top point scorers of 2022-23 being Hayden Roberts and Anna Lupo.
Lauren Brey, Hannah Larger, Maddie Perrin, Shiloh Wyatt and Sierra Wyatt received four-year plaques. Thirteen varsity swimmers were at every meet, earning #4theT honors.
Vickers read the list of All-Region awards. First team selections were Lupo, Ava Wilson, Burke, Kendall Sasser, Raylee Walker, Raegin Walker, Domagala, Bengston, Tucker Dowdy, Roberts, Ethan Stalnaker and Karson Ponder. Second team went to Alex Shepherd.
Lupo, Ella Benton, Sara Johns, Grace Walker, Domagala, Burke, Raylee Walker, Sasser, Haley Hooks, Chase Walker, Bill Nguyen, Aiden Thrasher, Landon Parrish and Maitrey Patel were presented their lettermen jackets.
Each senior on the roster received shadowboxes.
Scholarships in memory of Adam Sattler and Sophia Fisher were awarded to Dowdy and Perrin. Each is worth $500. “This is not party money,” Vickers joked.
For the middle school Blue Devils, academic awards went to Ethan Van Orman, Bailey Brock and Madison Schwartz. Van Orman had a GPA of 99.6 with Brock and Schwartz tying for the girls with 99.5.
Most Improved went to Morgan Brey and Kason Mallard. Chloe Brown and James Fresh earned Coaches’ Awards.
Jovia Burke and Brock Alexion were the High Point winners for their finishes over the course of the season. Stella Bryant and Van Orman were Rookies of the Year, first-year swimmers earning the most points. Longevity was rewarded, with both three-year plaques and #4theT awards, the latter recognizing those who did not miss a meet all season.