Gilmer High was a bit shorthanded at its latest swim meet.
The GHS Bobcats and Lady Cats traveled to the Cherokee Aquatic Center last Friday with only seven swimmers. Multiple swimmers were absent for various reasons, but Payton Woodring was present and qualified for two more state events to bring her tally to four.
Woodring snagged first and qualified for state in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 55.18. In a hotly contested 200-yard freestyle, Woodring (1:56.79) placed second behind Sequoyah’s Laurel Blase (1:55.87). Woodring’s time was still fast enough for a state spot.
The Lady Cats’ 200-medley relay team secured a runner-up finish in 2:21.17. Law Lykins scored 19 points for the Bobcats on the day. He placed third in the 100 free and fourth in the 50 free.
“I was a little worried that we wouldn’t meet our usual goal: beat Pickens,” coach Mary-Melissa May said of Gilmer’s depleted roster. “However, we had a lot of good swims and beat Pickens in pretty much every event we swam against them.
“I am very proud of all of the swimmers as usual. Our relay teams worked hard to secure some top finishes where they could. I had individuals swimming some tough events that they aren’t used to competing in. We are looking forward to some quality practices and hope to see the results in our December meets. At that time we’ll be sending anyone else to join Payton at the state meet in February.”
As a team, the Lady Cats and Bobcats both placed seventh in their respective standings.