The Ware County Gator Swim Team hit the road this past Saturday, traveling to Coffee County to compete in the Coffee High Invitational-a multi-team meet featuring Coffee High School, Thomas County Central, Valdosta High, and Cook High. The Gators battled through a talented field, turning in strong individual performances and earning valuable team points in the process.
Ware County finished fourth overall in the combined team standings with 16 total points, highlighted by a pair of standout swims from senior Matthew Davis. Davis turned in one of the top performances of the meet, winning the Boys 100 Yard Backstroke with a time of 1:06.90, and placing second in the Boys 200 Individual Medley with a time of 2:25.32. His effort provided a major boost for the Gators on the scoreboard.
On the girls’ side, sophomore Kate Thorderson delivered two strong swims of her own, finishing fourth in the Girls 100 Yard Backstroke (1:27.33) and tenth in the Girls 50 Yard Freestyle (34.07). Teammates Karmyn Jones and Emma Paul also competed in the sprint freestyle events, showing continued improvement and determination against a competitive lineup of swimmers.
At the end of the day, Thomas County Central claimed the overall meet title with 153 points, followed closely by Coffee High (151) and Valdosta High (91). The Gators (16) and Cook High (12) rounded out the final standings.
Top Ware County Performances:
Matthew Davis - 1st, Boys 100 Backstroke (1:06.90)
Matthew Davis - 2nd, Boys 200 IM (2:25.32)
Kate Thorderson - 4th, Girls 100 Backstroke (1:27.33)
Kate Thorderson - 10th, Girls 50 Freestyle (34.07)
Team Standings:
Thomas County Central - 153
Coffee High - 151
Valdosta High - 91
Ware County - 16
Cook High - 12
Next up for the Gator Swimmers will be a home meet on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as Ware County hosts a multi-team event at the Childer’s YMCA in Waycross. The first event is scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM, and Gator Nation is encouraged to come out and support the team as they return to their home pool for an exciting afternoon of competition.
For more pictures, please click the link below.