In a showcase of skill and determination, the Georgia Coastal Aquatic Team (GCAT) emerged victorious, taking first place at the 2024 Georgia Age Group Long Course Championships, which were held at Georgia Tech Aquatic Center in Atlanta from July 18 to July 21.
The GCAT swim team claimed first place in their division age group, the GA AG LC Championship Division III. Based on the number of team members, there 
were four divisions: DI, DII, DIII, and DIV. Head coach Bill Forrester described the competition as a "nail-biter," highlighting the intensity of the battle among five teams that were within 100 points of each other.
Forrester emphasized the significance of the team's hard work and perseverance throughout the season. "It was a tough competition," he said. "Every team in that group was vying for the top spot, and we had to step it up every day, every night." The meet featured intense prelims and finals, with crucial performances from the 10-and-under group making a significant impact.
Critical to GCAT's success was the rigorous training and dedication of the swimmers. Forrester noted that the athletes worked exceptionally hard, particularly during the summer. "The kids put a lot of effort into their training," he explained. "They battled through the stress and fatigue, and every time they had to step up, they put it all on the line."
Looking ahead, team members were at the senior state meet this weekend, which will see competitors aged 15 and older. "Last weekend was the 14-and-under state meet, and this weekend is the senior state," Forrester said. "There's no age limit for the senior state, so it's an open competition."
While GCAT had no individual state champions this time, swimmer Oliver Linn stood out by placing highly in most events and securing a spot on the Georgia Zone team. The Georgia Zone team is considered an All-State team and is recognized throughout the United States Swimming Association. "Oliver didn't win any events, but he performed well enough to be selected for the team," Forrester shared. Despite not having state champions, the team's top solid ten finishes reflect their overall excellence. "It was a GCAT team win and I couldn't be prouder," stressed Forrester
GCAT's impressive performance underscores its continued success in competitive swimming, driven by the dedication and hard work of its young athletes and coaches.
GCAT Team Roster
| Baker, Bailey |
Mackowiak, Alexandra |
| Bland, Clara | Manzanares, Kyla |
| Brown, Clara | Mccarthy, Rhett |
| Brown, Dominic | Mckay, Brooke |
| Deloach, Owen | Nell, Lorena |
| Dodson, Thomas | Omar, Marwan |
| Dolinar, Elliot | Sampsell, Ryan |
| Fang, Eleen | Shannon, Sonny |
| Fang, Ivy | Taylor, Charlotte |
| Fruhling, Cameron | Vinci, Margaret |
| Fruhling, Wyatt | Vogel, Daniel |
| Hatala, Marianne | Vogel, Dylan |
| Hatala, Wesley | Wells, Hubert |
| Hines, Aili | Wells, Loretta |
| Hsu, Neil | Whitney, Anthony |
| Ilyasov, Brandon | Williams, Leona |
| Jackson, Lindley | Williams, Sage |
| Kenard, Ruby | Zhao, Sophia |
| Lin, Oliver |
Coaches: Bill Forrester, Nola Hines, Scarlet McLaughlin
PHOTO CREDIT: GCATS Instagram page
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