GHS junior announces plans to swim at LSU
Gilmer High junior Payton Woodring returned home from the state swim meet with two medals.
Woodring attended the event Feb. 2 at Georgia Tech and competed in Class 3A. In both the 200- freestyle and 100-yard backstroke, she was narrowly defeated by Westminster swimmers.
Woodring turned in a time of 1:52.70 in the freestyle, which was four tenths of a second behind Samantha Bertschi. Woodring clocked in at 56.77 in the backstroke, and the top time was secured by Sadie Clayton (56.36).
“Payton’s success is very impressive and is due to her hard work and dedication,” said GHS coach Mary-Melissa May. “She swims six days a week in Dalton. I am sure that Payton will see significant gains as she begins to train for her collegiate career. Also, not only is Payton a gifted athlete, she has a strong academic record as well.”
The event marked Woodring’s third trip to the state meet. Her runner-up placements are the highest recorded by a GHS swimmer.
Woodring is a member of the GHS class of 2022 and announced earlier this week she has verbally committed to swim at Louisiana State University.