Swimming is a “life sport” that is enjoyed by over two million people of all ages and abilities. As the premier masters swim team in the south metro Atlanta area, and as leaders swimming community, the Southside Seals actively promote swimming at all levels. The Southside Seals sponsor an annual award to recognize outstanding accomplishments in swimming by members of the Fayette County swimming community.

The Fayette County Swimmer of the Year is awarded annually to the most outstanding male and female swimmers for the previous year. The award is open to swimmers that are residents of Fayette County or members of USA Swimming, high school, and recreation teams that are based in Fayette County. The selection of the outstanding swimmers of the year is based on the accomplishments of those swimmers in the pool, classroom, and community.

Due the quality of the nominations in recent years, the Southside Seals have expanded the awards to honor the finalists and the winners. The finalists receive a certificate while the winners receive a plaque and their names are added to the master plaque displayed at the Kedron Aquatic Center.

2007-2008 Finalists:
Kristen Bates is honored as a finalist for 2007-2008. Kristen is the daughter of Doug and Angie Bates and is rising Senior at Starr’s Mill High School (SMHS). For the SMHS Team, she was the 2008 GHSA State Championship Runner-Up in the 100 yd breaststroke, in automatic All-American time, and a member or the SMHS State Champion 200yd Medley Relay, also in automatic All-American time. As a member of Southern Crescent Aquatic Team, Kristen is a state champion, regional qualifier, Junior National Qualifier, and US Open Qualifier. At the Junior Nationals she was a championship finalist in the 50 and 100 breaststrokes. She is also a USA Swimming Georgia All-Star. Kristen also excels in the classroom with a 3.8 overall grade point average, is listed in on the Honor Roll, and is an active member of the Beta Club.

Keaton Hannon is honored as a finalist for 2007-2008. Chelsea is the daughter of Tom and Christine Hannon and is a graduating senior of Macintosh High School (MHS). For the MHS Team she was a 2008 GHSA State Championship Finalist in the 100yd butterfly and a consolation finalist in the 200 Individual Medley. She is also a High School Academic All- American. As a member of Southern Crescent Aquatic Team (SCAT), Keaton is a State, Sectional, Regional, and Jr. National qualifier, as well a Swimming Georgia All-Star. Keaton also excels in the classroom with a 3.7 overall grade point average and is a Girl Scouts of America Gold Award recipient. Keaton will continue her swimming career at Wittenburg University.

Alex Harmon is honored as a finalist for 2007-2008. Alex is the son of Walter and Nancy Harmon and is a rising Senior at Macintosh High School (MHS). For the MHS Team, he was a 2008 GHSA State Championship Finalist in the 200yd freestyle (4th) and 500 yd freestyle (4th) for which he was named the team Most Valuable Player. As a member of Southern Crescent Aquatic Team, Alex is a state, regional, and Junior Nationals qualifier.

He was a state championship finalist in the 400yd Individual Medley, 500yd freestyle, and 1650yd freestyle. He is also a USA Swimming Georgia All-Star. Alex also excels in the classroom with a 3.5 overall grade point average. Alex is also active in the Boy Scouts where he is a Life Scout, working toward Eagle Scout. He is also an Habitat for Humanity, Peer Leader and active in the German Club.

2007-2008 Winners:

Lauren Scott is honored as the outstanding female swimmer for 2007-2008. Lauren is the daughter of Michael and Lisa Scott and is a rising Senior at Starr’s Mill High School (SMHS). For the SMHS Team she was the 2008 GHSA State Championship Runner-Up in the 100 yd butterfly and an automatic All-American selection in that event. She was also a member or the SMHS State Champion 200yd Medley Relay, also in automatic All-American time, and the Runner-Up 200yd Freestyle Relay, in All-American consideration time.

As a member of Southern Crescent Aquatic Team (SCAT), Lauren is a state champion, Junior Nationals Qualifier, and US Open Qualifier. At the Junior Nationals she finished 7th in the 100m butterfly and 10th in the 50m butterfly. Lauren excels in the classroom with a 4.0 overall grade point average in honors and Advanced Placement classes and is a Academic All-American. She is a member of the National Honor Society, BETA Club, and volunteered for Ronald McDonald House.

Zach Payne is honored as the outstanding male swimmer for 2007-2008. Zach is the son of Robert and Cathy Payne and is a graduating Senior at Sandy Creek High School (SCHS). For the SCHS Team, he was a 2008 GHSA State Championship Finalist in the 100 yd butterfly (4th) and the 100 yd backstroke (5th) for which he was named the Team Most Valuable Player. As a member of Southern Crescent Aquatic Team, Zach is a state, regional, and Junior Nationals qualifier. He is a state finalist in the 100 & 200 fly, 100 & 200 backstroke, 200 Individual Medley. He is also a USA Swimming Georgia All-Star.

Zach also excels in the classroom with a 3.8 overall grade point average and has received academic awards including the German Honors Award, Honors Academic Award, and President’s Award for Academic Excellence. He was also the founder and first president of the Japanese Club at SCHS and volunteered his time to help build facilities for handicapped students. Zach will continue his swimming career on swimming scholarship at Western Kentucky University.

For more information on the Southside Seals Masters Swim Team and the Fayette County Swimmer of the Year Award, contact Steve Justice at 770-774-9544. or visit the Seals web site at: http://home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-southsideseals

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