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Zach Hirata captured first place as the Oak Valley Orcas competed in the Greater Forsyth Swim League championships at the Greensboro Aquatic Center on July 16.

The Sherwood Sharks finished first in the 18-team event with 1,852 points. From Davie County, Bermuda Run Country Club was 11th with 797 and Oak Valley was 13th with 561.

Hirata (age 10) was a champion for Oak Valley, winning the 25 free. He also finished second in the 25 backstroke and third in the individual medley.

The Oak Valley highlights included Kristen Starkey (eight), who was third in the 25 breaststroke; Aidan Nicolay (10), who was fourth in the 50 freestyle; Colin Nicolay, A. Nicolay, Hirata and Evan Helms, who were second in the boys 9-10 freestyle relay; Giulianna Steuart, Rachel Starkey, Kayden Richardson and Samara McDaniel, who were fourth in the girls 9-10 freestyle relay; and C. Nicolay, A. Nicolay, Hirata and Helms, who were fourth in the boys 9-10 medley relay.

One of the coaches, Ethan Chase (18), swam his last meet for Oak Valley and did a great job. He placed 10th in the 50 free, fifth in the 50 backstroke and 11th in the 100 freestyle. Chase, Jack Coates, Joey Boyle and Alex Mackey placed seventh in the 15-18 medley relay, and they placed eighth in the freestyle relay.

The head coaches for Oak Valley were Chase and Jeni Richardson. The assistants were Mackenzie Umberger, Coates and Elizabeth Dorsett.

“It’s been a great season and we are so proud of all our swimmers,” Richardson said.

The Oak Valley girls who attended the championship meet included Emory Butler, Katy Cheek, Addison Cline, Elizabeth Dorsett, Grace Gilliam, Emma Helton, Maddie Kulis, Riley McNeil, Mackenzie Moore, Jaynie Patton, Ava Rajacich, Sarah Rajacich, , Meredith Warren and Rachel Warren.

The boys team included Casey Cline, Alex Dorsett, Conner McNeil, Ian Patton, Logan Booe, Ethan Chase, Jonathan Hanes, Colt Hankins, Alex Hirata, Zack Rolland and Graham Weaver.