Swimming: FTO suffers first loss, falls to Red Bank following first win

Coming off a huge win in Monday’s season opener in the White Division of the Chattanooga Area Swim League at home, the Fort Oglethorpe Marlins swim team suffered its first loss of the season on Thursday, June 9 at Red Bank.

However, firstyear FTO coach Phil Doniche said he was encouraged with his team and dedicated to his swimmers.

“We still have a lot to work on and that’s always a part of it, but these kids get better every day,” he said. “Regardless of whether we win or lose, it’s a positive learning experience for them.”

The Gators, diving into the pool following a Bye earlier in the week, earned its first win of the season with a score of 418-326.

Other winners on Thursday in the CASL included Dalton, Ooltewah, Ringgold, Fairyland Club and the Waterdogs (now 2-0 under former Marlins head coach Tony Womac).

Camden Cloud and Mariana Easley led the Marlins with 19 points each against Red Bank. Reece Gallagher had 18 points followed by Morgyn Easley, 15; Carson Cloud, 14; Timothy DeBord, Megan Easley and Lance Marshall, 13 each; and Lily Marshall, Maddox Henry and Avery Higgins, 12 each.

Luke Massey and Dallas Woods were the leading swimmers for Red Bank followed by Eddie Birdsong, Mason Meyners and Kathrine Schlegel, 17 each; Grace Yood, 16; Linsy Devlin and Amelia Harris, 15; Connor Leming and Ian Rabon, 14 each; Zachary Miller and Asonia Birdsong, 13 each; Austin Camp, Catherine Morgan, Benjamin Meagher and Luke Meyners, 12 each; Virginia Condry, Taylor Hurst and William Brooks, 10 each.