Kingsland, GA - October 30, 2025 - The Ware County Swim Team opened its 2025-2026 season Thursday evening at the Camden Pumpkin Plunge, hosted by Camden County High School. Facing a competitive field that included Camden County, St. Vincent’s Academy, Savannah Christian, and Glynn County, the Gators made a strong early statement, by scoring 192 total team points.
Team Standings
The Pumpkin Plunge served as the Gators’ first chance to gauge progress, shake off the offseason rust, and identify early-season strengths in both individual and relay events.
Meet Highlights
Davis Dominates Freestyle Events
Senior Matthew Davis led the Gators with a powerful win in the Boys 100-Yard Freestyle, touching the wall in 52.62 seconds, just shy of the GHSA qualifying standard. Davis also earned runner-up honors in the 100-Yard Backstroke (1:04.66), anchoring Ware’s point total on the boys’ side.
Smith Shines in Sprints and Breaststroke
Junior Joshua Smith was another key contributor, placing 7th in the 50-Yard Freestyle (25.71) and claiming 2nd in the 100-Yard Breaststroke (1:17.94). His consistency across sprint and stroke events provided valuable scoring depth for the Gators.
Emerging Talent in the Girls’ Lineup
On the girls’ side, Kate Thorderson and Ava Bennett paced Ware County with multiple scoring swims.
Thorderson finished 10th in the 100 Free (1:19.78) and anchored several relays.
Bennett added points in both the 200 Free (3:10.53) and 50 Free (35.91).
Newcomers Bailey Wyatt, Amberley Padgett, and Karmyn Jones gained valuable varsity experience while scoring in key events.
Relay Results
Ware County’s relay teams showed early-season promise and great team chemistry:
Girls 200 Free Relay (A Team) — 5th, 2:45.00
Bennett, Padgett, Paul, Thorderson
Girls 200 Free Relay (B Team) — 6th, 2:53.44
Wyatt, Coffie, Steedley, Jones
Girls 400 Free Relay (A Team) — 4th, 6:08.62
Bennett, Jones, Wyatt, Thorderson
By the Numbers
Top Finishers
🥇 Matthew Davis - 1st, 100 Free (52.62)
🥈 Matthew Davis - 2nd, 100 Back (1:04.66)
🥈 Joshua Smith - 2nd, 100 Breast (1:17.94)
🏅 Joshua Smith - 7th, 50 Free (25.71)
🏅 Kate Thorderson - 10th, 100 Free (1:19.78)
🏅 Ava Bennett - 4th, 200 Free (3:10.53)
Total Team Points: 192
Looking Ahead
With the season opener complete, the Gators will turn their focus to upcoming meets in November, aiming to improve race pacing, relay transitions, and qualifying times for the GHSA postseason. Early signs point to another competitive year in the pool for Ware County. Up Next: The Gator Swim Team will travel to Appling County for a multi team event that will begin at 9:30 AM.
Gator Swim Team Makes a Splash at Season Opener
The Ware County Swim Team opened the 2025-2026 season with a strong showing at the Camden Pumpkin Plunge, earning fourth place overall against a talented multi-school field. Senior Matthew Davis led the way with an event win in the 100 Freestyle, while several newcomers posted personal bests.
Read the full meet recap and see top results by clicking the link below.
For more photos; click the link below.
Go Gators!