Shamira Whitaker, 6, swims the backstroke at the Gator vs. Gator swim meet Thursday evening at City Park Pool. Whitaker finished first in the event. (Jeff Armstrong/Daily News)
Connor Ellerbee, 8, is excited after winning one of his events at the Gator vs. Gator swim meet Thursday. (Jeff Armstrong/Daily News)
All the Gators in attendance swam against each other in their particular age group in three events: The 50 freestyle, 50 backstroke and 50 breaststroke. There were no points tallied in this unofficial meet — they will get points today when they head to Macon to compete in the Macon Waves Tri Meet.
“It was a pretty nice meet tonight. The kids swam very well and hopefully this will carry over to Macon,” said Gators assistant coach Justin Salazer. “I’m happy that our older swimmers like LeeAnn Frank and Mary Carson Mays helped us out with getting the younger swimmers in line and ready to go.”
Several Gators, young and old, did very well in the Gator vs. Gator meet. Shamira Whitaker, 6, took very well to the water as a first-year Gator, winning the freestyle and backstroke events. Other first-place winners included Whitaker’s brother Elijah, 5; Connor Ellerbee, 8; Dwayne Harry, 15 (50 free, 50 breast); Chelsea Jacobs, 15 (50 breast) and Bethany Frank, 13 (50 back).
Bethany Frank was in second place after the turn in the backstroke, but she put on a charge and passed up Cooper Hayes to finish first.
“When I hit the wall to make the turn, I knew I had to get it in gear if I was going to beat Cooper. She’s really good,” said Bethany. “The backstroke is my favorite event; I love it. I’m glad I was able to win.”
On the boys side, Jacob Parry, 12, did very well in the Gator vs. Gator meet, dropping his times in all three of the events in his first meet action in a long time.
“I really feel good about dropping my times. That’s a good thing for me,” said Parry. “I haven’t been swimming since last year. Hopefully, I’ll be good to go at the Macon swim meet this weekend.”
After Macon today, the Gators will participate in the Carrollton Invitational June 16, the DCS Summer Splash June 23 and they will finish up June back in Macon at the Macon Waves Heritage Meet June 30.
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