Grammar brigade in high spirits for Queensland championships

THE Ipswich Grammar swim team contesting the Queensland championships over the next week have not only achieved fine feats in qualifying.

TERRIFIC TEAM: The Ipswich Grammar contingent heading to Chandler for the state titles over the next week. Back row (from left): Stanford Kawale, Daniel Walker, Oliver Pye, assistant coach Caroline Somers, Chase Cawood and Ryan Masklyne. Front row (from left): assistant coach Jess Chandler, Ash Scully, Summer McDonald, Jack Scully, Sam Porter, Josh Doyle, Flynn Ford, Jasper Ford and head coach Greg Fasala. Picture: CONTRIBUTED

THE Ipswich Grammar swim team contesting the Queensland championships over the next week have not only achieved fine feats in qualifying.

They will carry the school's spirit-rich traditions, dressed in new shirts presented yesterday.

Director of swimming and former Olympian Greg Fasala was thrilled with the response at the pool yesterday when the state qualifiers were handed their shirts.

"As we had that photo taken this morning, there was probably another half dozen younger kids all sitting there looking on," Fasala said.

"I was having a smile to myself, thinking how many of those kids now will have the same goals."

If the current team inspires others to aim higher, Fasala will be a happy man.

The head coach praised the swimmers who made this year's state titles and encouraged those who just missed out to keep working hard.

"The qualifying times to get there, you're talking about the best 30-odd kids in the state," Fasala said. "Just to make qualifying times is pretty remarkable and a handful of those kids in that group, their main target is to get through and make finals."

Fasala said people often forgot the standard on show at the Queensland titles.

"You are the best of the best," the 1984 Olympic freestyle relay silver medallist said.

"We are the head state, arguably some of the best swimmers come out of this state. So competitive wise, in some areas, some age groups and in some events, it's like a national championship really.

"Across the board, Queenslanders have been known to be great swimmers.

"They are right up there."

Fasala is assisted by IGS coaches Jess Chandler and Caroline Somers.

IGS swimmers are not contesting today's relay events which launch the Queensland championships.

IGS swimmers are focusing on individual competition over the next six days.

"We've got a good 50 percent of those kids who were in last year but we've got a good new group of kids coming through," he said.

After yesterday's presentation, the IGS swimmers will wear their special shirts with pride.