The Southside Seals Masters Swim Team completed its long course season with a team record 14 medals at the Georgia Games July 23.

Karol Welling led the way for the Seals with three gold medals and two silver medals in the women's 35-39 age group. Welling won the 50-meter butterfly, the 200-meter freestyle and the 400-meter freestyle, while taking second in the 200-meter backstroke and the 200-meter individual medley.

Steve Justice won two gold medals and three silver medals in the men's 40-44 age group. Justice won the 50-meter butterfly and the 50-meter backstroke in addition to second place finishes in the 50-meter freestyle, the 50-meter breaststroke, and the 200-meter individual medley.

Ken Sharpe won one gold medal and three silver medals in the men's 45-49 age group. Sharpe won the 50-meter backstroke and placed second in the 50-meter freestyle, the 100-meter freestyle, and the 50-meter butterfly.

During the local long course season, two Seals swimmers have qualified for the USMS National Long Course National Championships in August. Sharpe qualified in four events: the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle, the 50-meter butterfly, and the 50-meter breaststroke. Justice has qualified in eight events: the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle, the 50-meter and 100-meter backstroke, the 50-meter and 100-meter breaststroke, the 50-meter butterfly, and the 200-meter individual medley.

The recent successes of the Seals team are a direct result of the guidance of Coach Karen Uzpurvis, who joined the team last fall. Under Uzpurvis, the Seals have improved dramatically, capturing numerous Georgia records, 17 regional titles, seeven national championship medals, and one All-American selection during her first year as coach.

The Southside Seals is a member club of United States Masters Swimming and is open to adults over 19. Swimmers of all skill levels are welcome, including competitive swimmers, triathletes and fitness swimmers. For information, visit the Seals web site at www.mindspring.com/~krw83/SEALS.HTM.

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