The Effingham Stingrays’ first swim season was amazing, according to Effingham YMCA aquatic coordinator Laurie Hirsch.

The season started in late May. The West Chatham YMCA allowed the Stingrays to use their pool, while Effingham’s was being constructed.

Jillian Nance won the freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly and 100-yard individual medley for the 11-12 age group. She also placed second in the 50-yard backstroke.

In the 13-14 age group, Holly Nance won the 50-yard freestyle, 50-yard breaststroke and 100-yard individual medley, while finishing second in the 50-yard backstroke and butterfly.

Rachel Sawyer dominated the 15-and-older group, winning the 50-yard freestyle, 50-yard breaststroke, 50-yard backstroke, 50-yard butterfly and 100-yard individual medley.

Heather Lewis contributed to the team by finishing sixth in the 13-14 girls freestyle, 100-yard individual medley and 50-yard backstroke. She also took fifth in the 50-yard breaststroke.  

Tenley Bailey grabbed a sixth place finish for the 9-10 girls 25-yard breaststroke.

In relays, Effingham took first place in the 15-and-older 200-yard medley and 200-yard freestyle.

Hub Bailey helped put the boys on the charts with a fourth place in both the 25-yard breaststroke and backstroke for the 6-and-under age group.

Deantonio “Kemi” Cintron also claimed fourth for the Effingham boys in the backstroke for the 7-8 age group.

Jillian Nance, Holly Nance, Sawyer, and Hub Bailey each earned high point trophies.

Rick Hensley and Molly Gilbert coached the Rays.

“Rick, with his knowledge and ‘let’s do it’ attitude, jump started the program from scratch and had the team running smoothly in no time,” Hirsch said. “The parents deserve a big honorable mention for their efforts volunteering at meets and traveling wherever and whenever.”