SWIMMING-DIVING

Gaston Gators take to the pool in pursuit of state titles

Staff report

Six Gaston Gator swimmers will vie for state titles this weekend. Among them (front row) are Alicia Hutchins and Allison Kimmel, as well as (back row) Donnie Bowman, Luke Harmon, Will Anderson, and David John Major.

Six members of the Gaston Gators swim team will compete in a total of 26 events at the NCS Senior State Championships at the Greensboro Aquatic Center this weekend.

Will Anderson will participate in seven events, Alicia Huthcins in six, Allison Kimmel is slated is expected to swim in five, while Luke Harmon will compete in four events. Donnie Bowman and David John also will compete, the former in three events and the latter as a relay swimmer.

Gaston Gators is a year-round competitive swim team for ages 5-18 that has provided local youth an alternative to more traditional main stream sports for more than 50 years since its inception as GYSSA in 1964.

The team is sanctioned through USA Swimming and NC Swimming and participates in the Blue Ridge Swim League. A typical practice schedule from September to early May is in the afternoon; once school is out for the summer in June through early August, practices shift to the morning.