On Jan 27, each high school in the district and its best swimmers raced for the championship, sending ripples in the water and in the standings.

Throughout the meet, the tension was higher than ever, yet the boys claimed their spot as SCPS District champions, scoring 121 points, and winning the title for the second year in a row. 

 “Each swimmer brought a unique attribute to the team. We all worked together, cheered together, and at the end of the meet, we were all proud of the accomplishments that we made,” said assistant coach Lauren Barclay.

This repeat title may not have been possible without team captain, Kevin McGowan (‘23). He placed second in both the 50-meter freestyle (21.79) and the 100 meter butterfly (53.42), along with being part of the two first-place relay runs that were the deciding factor in the championship win.

“Our entire team at the last meet did very well, and I was impressed at how well we did, but we move on to regionals next so we have to focus on that,” Mcgowan said.

Regardless of winning or losing, the coaches teach that sportsmanship and teamwork is most important. 

“Our swimmers really motivate each other and it helps them to perform their best. Teammates are on the pool deck cheering and screaming, and they are there at the end of each lane as they finish a race, telling them, ‘good swim,’”Coach Barclay said. “Our swimmers also congratulate the opposing team by shaking hands which I think is a great display of good sportsmanship.”

At the regional meet on Feb 6, girls and boys both came in fifth, with Aubrey Struder (‘24), Landon Walker (‘25), Landon Watterson (‘25), Dereck Dykman (‘25), Sam Calder, Kevin McGowan, Ian Bennett, Danny Gibbs, Ainsley Curtin (‘23), Katie Johnson (‘23), Molly Miller (‘25), Paulina Ilina (‘25), Ashley Wang (‘23) and Isa Penton (‘26) advancing to states. 

At the end of the region championship, Forge came away with five first-place finishes. Samuel Calder, Kevin McGowan, Diel Gubbs, and Ian Bennet took first in both the boys 200 yard medley relay and 400 yard freestyle relay. Sam also took first in the 100-yard freestyle, and 50-yard freestyle, with Kevin coming in third in the 50 as well. 

Ashley Wang (‘23) led the girls with a first-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly and second in the 100-yard backstroke. 

Daniel Gibbs (‘23) gained a second-place spot in the 200-yard IM.

The state swim meet will be on Feb 18.