STATE CHAMPS – Members of the Cherokee County YMCA Dolphin swim team winning state titles in the 2009 State Meet were (front) Jonathan Overton, Gretta Sams; (back) Taylor Covington and Matthew Overton. The Cherokee County YMCA Dolphin swim team recently held its awards ceremony for the 2009 summer season. The Dolphins finished fifth as a team at the summer 2009 State Meet. Four Dolphins were also able to capture state titles in individuals events.

Jonathan Overton, 6, completed his undefeated regular season run with individual state titles in the 25-yard butterfly, 50-yard freestyle, 25-yard backstroke and the 25-yard freestyle. Jonathan also received an award for being the top swimmer in the 6 and under age group.

Matthew Overton, 11, claimed individual state titles in the 50-yard freestyle, 50- yard backstroke and the 50-yard butterfly. He also recorded a second place in the 50- yard breaststroke. Matthew was also named the top swimmer in the 11- to 12- year-old boys age division and received an award for his efforts.

Taylor Covington, 11, earned another state title in the 50-yard butterfly for the CCFY Dolphins. She was also able to place third in the 50-yard backstroke, fourth in the 110-yard IM, and sixth in the 50-yard breaststroke in the girls 11-to 12-year-old age division.

Gretta Sams, 8, staked a claim to a state title in the 25-yard breaststroke. She also placed sixth in the 100-yard IM, seventh in the 50-yard freestyle and 11th in the 25- yard backstroke in the 7- to 8-year-old girls division.

Other swimmers recording a top ten finish in an individual event included Katie Bloomer, Molly Humphries, Callie Ivey, Lauren Kirby, Brittanny Martin, Alexis Miller, Tanner McCraw, Matthew Mullinax, Christopher Overton, Jacob Pearsall, Vann Sams, Sarah Singleton, Isaiah Singleton, Mara Singleton, Indy Singleton, Mariah Skinner, Jas Tate and Cody Terry.

The following team awards were presented to the Cherokee County Family YMCA Dolphin swimmers: Male High Points Award, Jonathan Overton; Female High Points Award, Taylor Covington; Male Dolphin Award, Tanner McCraw; Female Dolphin Award, Molly Humphries; Junior Dolphin Award, Gretta Sams; Iron Dolphin Award, Callie Ivey and Cody Terry; Most Improved Award, Alexis Miller and Indy Singleton; Leadership Award, Jacob Pearsall and Vanna Sams; Courage Award, Brittanny Martin; Male Rookie Award, John Skinner; Female Rookie Award, Cassidy Barnette; Most Dedicated Award, Matthew Overton and Mariah Skinner; Heart of the Team Award, Katie Bloomer and Isaiah Singleton; Sportsmanship Award, Christina Wilson and Sarah Singleton; Extra Effort Award, Matthew Mullinax, Jas Tate and Abbey Elmore; Endurance Award, Christopher Overton; Rising Dolphin Award, Abigail Wilson; Sacrificing Dolphin Award, Morgan Robinson; Heart of a Champion Award, Haila Kaylin; Helping Hands Award, Cameron Bramlett; Forever Dolphin Award, Luke Morgan; Step Up to the Block Award, Lauren Kirby; Most Determined Dolphin Award, Mara Singleton; Team Player Award, Mahnoor Haq; Will to Succeed Award, Georgeann Ellis; Team Spirit Award, Emily Singleton; Perseverance Award, Courtney Bramlett; Team Manager Award, Stephanie Barnette.