Special to the WJH BRUNSWICK — The Okefenokee Aquatic Club (OAC) delivered a standout performance at the Coastal Harvest Swim Meet, held at the Howard Coffin Park pool in Brunswick.
This is the first meet hosted at this pool in over seven years. From firsttime competitors to veteran athletes, OAC swimmers brought home wins, personal bests and plenty of momentum for the upcoming season.
“What stood out most was the courage of our swimmers to push themselves,” said coach Kevin Sullivan. “Whether it was a first-time event or a tough distance race, they showed grit and heart. Every swimmer grew this weekend.”
For many OAC swimmers, the meet marked new milestones with their first official times recorded. For others, it was about lowering personal bests and testing themselves in new events. OAC is energized after this meet and ready to tackle the rest of the season.
OAC’s youngest competitors impressed in their first meet experiences. Eight-year-old Rosaleigh Kerns showed her versatility, racing the 200 freestyle (3:49.66), 50 freestyle (46.74) and the 100 IM (2:05.29).
Teammate Monroe Sullivan, age six, made her debut in the 50 freestyle (1:48.47), earning valuable early-race experience. Nine-year-old Dalon White made his debut in the 50 freestyle (55.58), 50 breaststroke(1:12.75), 100 freestyle (2:06.48) and 50 backstroke (1:09.95) to start the season off with competitive finishes.
Blanche Sokol, age 10, had a strong outing notching times in the 50 freestyle (41.46), 50 breaststroke (51.85) and 100 IM (1:42.32), while Maverick Hlad, also 10, recorded competitive finishes in the 200 freestyle (3:13.31), 50 freestyle (36.48) and 500 freestyle (8:24.35).
In the 12-under age group, 11-year-old Aly Amoroso emerged as a leader for the squad collecting wins in the 200 freestyle (2:29.05), 50 freestyle (30.05), 100 freestyle (1:05.73) and 200 IM (2:45.99). She also placed first in the 50 butterfly (38.70) and 50 backstroke (36.59).
Finley Hlad, 12, contributed with a podium finish in the 200 freestyle (2:40.70) and a strong swim in the 500 freestyle (7:48.32).
OAC’s older swimmers continued the winning tradition. Jackson Keenan, 14, dominated his events winning the 200 freestyle (2:04.48), 50 freestyle (23.66) and 100 freestyle (55.28), while also grabbing gold in the 50 butterfly (27.12) and 50 backstroke (28.84).
Wylder Whitlow, 14, excelled in the 200 breaststroke (2:29.78), the 100 breaststroke (1:06.90) and the 200 IM (2:19.29).
Sam Chesser, 16, posted wins in the 100 freestyle (54.24), 50 breaststroke (30.02) and 100 breaststroke (1:06.69).
Gabe Albright, 15, impressed with victories in the 200 freestyle (2:23.26) and 100 butterfly (1:11.78).
On the girls’ side, Jacey Ryals, 17, capped off the meet with a triple victory in the 200 freestyle (2:26.54), 50 freestyle (29.69) and the grueling 500 freestyle (6:27.23).
Isabella Sotelo, 13, picked up wins in the 100 IM (1:29.75) and 50 freestyle (37.56), demonstrating consistency across multiple events.
