“Reclassification Sparks Riveting Narratives as GHSA Swimming and Diving Season Enters Final Month”

The GHSA swimming and diving season is showcasing a fresh appearance following the recent reclassification period, and the teams that captured titles last year could potentially face another reigning state champion in the forthcoming swimming and diving championships.

The teams commenced their season in early October and will gather for the GHSA Swimming and Diving State Championships at Westminster from February 4-8. Last season, championships were awarded in Classes 7A, 6A, 4A-5A, and 1A-3A, whereas this season, the division has been streamlined into Classes 6A, 5A, 4A, and 1A-3A.

The boys’ state champions are Walton (7A), Johns Creek (6A), Chattahoochee (4A-5A), and Wesleyan (1A-3A). Walton will contend in Class 6A this year, while reigning champions Johns Creek (6A) and Chattahoochee (4A-5A) may vie for the Class 5A title. Johns Creek has claimed five out of six titles in Class 6A, missing the 2020 season, while Walton, Chattahoochee, and Wesleyan are two-time defending champions.

On the girls’ front, the 2024 champions included Brookwood (7A), Lassiter (6A), Westminster (4A-5A), and Wesleyan (1A-3A). The swimming program at Westminster – for both boys and girls – has obtained a total of 57 championships, which encompasses the girls winning the last seven titles. The girls and boys teams at Wesleyan have successfully defended their titles in the past two seasons.

Let’s take a look at some results from this season, with one month remaining before the championships.

Highlights – Senior Chase Gravitt, a 6-foot-1, 165-pound athlete from North Gwinnett, excels in the 400/500 meter freestyle and 100-meter backstroke, achieving eighth place in the 200-meter Freestyle at the McCallie Invitational, recording a time of 1:45:93. According to Swimcloud.com, North Gwinnett holds the premier position in the website’s team rankings as the year 2025 approaches. Underclassman Carson Waters leads the Bulldogs, finishing second in the 50 Free at the 31st Annual McCallie Invitational with a time of 21.51 seconds. … Michaela Miller (Columbus High School) has committed to the University of Vermont, participated in the 11th Annual FCHS Holiday Splash, and came in first in both the 200 Free (2:02:99) and the 100 Backstroke (1:01:02)… Mylee Dubin (Lovett School) has committed to Rhodes College…Kate Bradley (Marietta High School) has committed to the University of Arkansas and recently competed in the Georgia Senior State Championships, coming in first place in the 100-meter fly. … Mia Bailon (Harris County High School) has committed to Old Dominion University.

Take a look at the team rankings displayed below, irrespective of classification.

Boys overall team rankings (from Swimcloud.com)

1. North Gwinnett (505.43 points)

2. South Forsyth (491.21)

3. Lambert (485.57)

4. West Forsyth (485.29)

5. Brookwood (473.67)

6. Alpharetta (457.80)

7. Chamblee (455.29)

8. Marist (452.15)

9. East Forsyth (441.43)

10. Greater Atlanta Christian (436.43)

Girls overall team rankings (from Swimcloud.com)

1. Greater Atlanta Christian (525.86)

2. Marist (524.38)

3. North Gwinnett (517.29)

4. Brookwood (503.10)

5. South Forsyth (489.33)

6. West Forsyth (480.48)

7. Lovett (478.24)

8. Johns Creek (463.29)

9. Tallulah Falls (462.80)

10. Lambert (459.33)