The Ware County Gator Swim Team hosted the Ware Sprint to the Finish Last Chance Qualifier on Saturday, January 24, at the Waycross YMCA, giving Gator swimmers one final opportunity to race in a competitive meet setting before postseason competition. Facing a deep field of club and school teams from across the region, Ware County athletes delivered solid performances, highlighted by multiple podium finishes and a relay victory to close the meet.
The Gators opened the day in relay action with the girls’ 200-yard medley relay team of Kate Thorderson, Ava Bennett, Bailey Wyatt, and Chloe Wyatt, finishing fourth overall. While the time fell short of the state mark, the quartet gained valuable race experience against top competition.
In individual events, Chloe Wyatt led the way for Ware County in the girls’ 200-yard freestyle, finishing first among Gator swimmers. Wyatt also competed later in the 100-yard freestyle and anchored the Gators’ 400-yard freestyle relay to end the meet.
On the boys’ side, Jet Townsend placed third in the 200-yard freestyle, while Morris Lewis also competed in the event, gaining key race reps. Joshua Smith earned a win for Ware County in the boys’ 200-yard individual medley, posting a strong all-around swim. Smith followed that up with another solid effort in the 100-yard backstroke, finishing third overall.
Sprint events produced notable finishes for the Gators as well. Matthew Davis turned in a third-place result in the boys’ 100-yard freestyle and followed with a runner-up finish in the 100-yard backstroke. Alex Eaves represented Ware County in the boys’ 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard breaststroke, continuing to build consistency across events.
In the girls’ events, Bailey Wyatt competed in both the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard butterfly, while Kate Thorderson swam the 50-yard freestyle and later placed second in the 100-yard backstroke. Ava Bennett took on the demanding 500-yard freestyle and later contributed in relay action, showcasing endurance and versatility.
The highlight of the meet for Ware County came in the final relay of the day. The girls’ 400-yard freestyle relay team of Chloe Wyatt, Bailey Wyatt, Ava Bennett, and Kate Thorderson captured first place, finishing strong to close the meet on a high note for the Gators.
For more photos, please click the link below:
1/24/2026: Last Chance Qualifier Swim Meet
