THOMASVILLE — Six swim team members at Thomasville High will participate in the state swim meet at the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center.

Senior Lewis Stringfellow qualified in multiple events; 100-yard backstroke, 100-yard freestyle and 50-yard freestyle. He will only be allowed to race in two of those events, however.

The 200-yard freestyle relay team of senior Natalie Herrin, junior Catherine Jones, junior Olivia Suite and sophomore McKenna Ponder also qualified. The qualified with a time of 2.52, just ahead of the state threshold of 2:53.

“They barely made the cut, but that’s still pretty elite to be able to put a time for that. It’s very competitive,” Thomasville coach Kenly Milam said.

An alternative to the relay team will travel as well, though Milam had yet decided on who it would be.

Ponder also qualified for the 50-yard freestyle. 

Milam has high hopes for her team as it competes against teams from across the state.

“They’re my kids. I love them, and I think they’re going to do great. McKenna is very competitive. Swimming is the only sport she does. She does it year-round, hoping to go to college for it. She is only a tenth grader, so I think in the coming years you’re going to see some even better stuff out of her,” Milam said. “Lewis Stringfellow is a senior and also swims year-round. He has some college offers already.”

The preliminary round will be held Friday, Feb. 4. The top 30 in each event will advance to the finals on Saturday, Feb. 5.