The War Eagle swimmers and divers are closing out their regular season and heading to state from February 4-8, 2025, increasing the competition for surrounding schools.

The divers will compete at Westminster School while the swimmers will take on the poots at the Georgia Tech Recreation Center. Senior Erin Reilly shares her excitement for her last state championship. “It is bittersweet preparing for state,” Reilly said.

The two teams will be up against the usual competition this year. Schools such as St. Pius X and Clarkston will  be competing alongside Marist for the state title.

To qualify for the state championship competition team, the swimmers must make a specific time in one of their events. The divers must reach a specific amount of points on their dive to qualify.

Led by the swim program Head Coach Chris Marshall and the dive program Head Coach Tim Hallisay, the programs spend four months getting ready, dedicating early mornings and afternoons to the end goal: a state title.

The swim and dive programs at our school are built on long days. Official swim and dive practice began in early October, occasionally consisting of two practices a day. Junior diver Carder Hutchinson comments on the dedication throughout this season. “The dive program at Marist prepares us all year long to try and qualify for the state team,” Hutchinson said.

With 14 meets down and the Last Chance Meet coming up, the swimmers and divers are approaching their final attempt to qualify for the state team. Junior Swimmer Cece Watson comments on the Last Chance Meet. “The Last Chance Meet is an opportunity for swimmers and divers close to state qualifications to have one more attempt,” Watson said.

As the Last Chance Meet and the state championship approach, the swimmers and divers will continue to prepare for the upcoming competitions.