Andalusia Stingrays continue winning ways to claim fourth district championship
Published 1:00 pm Wednesday, July 17, 2024
- The Andalusia Stingrays won their fourth straight district title on Saturday, July 13. They will next compete at the state championship meet in Opelika on July 26-27. (PHOTO PROVIDED)
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The Andalusia Stingrays won their fourth district championship in a row on Saturday, July 13.
Head coach Darren Forry gave all praise to his kids and parents.
“This is all about those kids that put in the hard work over the past couple months to get them where they are today,” Forry said. “Our parent group is second to none as a support system for each other and cheerleaders for not just their own kids but this big family we have grown. That was evident with the showing they had for my daughter Eliana today.”
The meet was the last for Eliana Forry as she ages out of the Andalusia Stingrays. Parents, kids, and swimmers filled the pool deck to cheer her on as she took the pool for her last individual event for the Stingrays.
“It was overwhelming. The love I have for these kids and families is something that will last a lifetime. That moment is one I will never forget and meant the world to me. I love you all,” Eliana said.
The Stingrays won the district in convincing fashion, not only outscoring their opponents but outscoring the entire district combined by over 300 points.
“Our district has some great swimmers in it. Dothan has some of the top girls in the state, but we got a few, too. I know there was at least one team record broken today by Harrison Vinson in the butterfly, and he will make a lot of noise at state this year along with others,” Coach Joshua Hudson said.
Vinson broke a 16-year-old record held by Ian Peek in the 50 fly event.
“He’s stubborn, but sometimes, that works in his favor. He set a goal and a time for himself and now can reap the benefit of it. I’m proud of him but proud of all of them,” Coach Candice Vinson said about her son.
“We have so many young kids that went out today and swam different strokes for their relays and some in individual events. A lot of kids swam a longer distance for the first time and excelled. It’s a great time to be a Stingray, but the future is even brighter. Invest in these kids,” Coach Candice added.
The Stingrays will move on to compete at the state championship in Opelika, Alabama, on Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27.
Stingrays scoring over 25 points from the district meet are as follows: Eliana Forry 60, Harrison Vinson 60, Tyler Levitzke 57, Payten Cottle 57, John Wright 57, Lexie Kervin 55, Cooper McKinney 54, Kennedy Tucker 53, Claire Brady 52, Brents Harrington 52, Joseph Harmond 51, Aubryn Cottle 51, Nate Perry 50, Samantha Shepherd 49, Nicholas Appleyard 49, Arlen Shelnutt 49, Remi Hines 47, Adalyn Johnson 46, Kinlee Phillips 46, Sam Perry 45, Riley Brown 44, Thomas Appleyard 44, Brody Vinson 43, Helms Harrington 43, Diamond Rogers 43, Briley Henry 43, Colton Wiggins 43, Rosie Diamond 42, Tanner Trammell 42, Rush Hines 42, Jackson Riley 41, Ada Tucker 41, Chess Averitt 41, Aron Scott 41, Paige Brady 38, Ben McCollough 38, Ava White 38, Jase Murphy 38, Saylor Hines 37, Braden Norris 37, Willow Spivey 35, Molly Brady 34, Ella Rae Miles 33, Audrina Hamilton 33, Ramsey Bergfeld 32, Sawyer Lee 31, Kahlil Crooms 31, Ayden Brown 31, Elijah Harmond 31, Easton Murphy 30, Emmie Phillips 30, Carter Lowery 29, Grace Carter 28, Elizabeth Lewis 28, Emily Lewis 28, Maddy Matthews 28, Ellie Whitehurst 27, Eden Youngblood 26, Jasper Lee 26, Gus Jordan 26, Grayson Bentley 25, Darcy Hamilton 25, and Emmy Sasser 25.