Sports brief

GAS attack

A number of Greater Augusta Swimming members were recently honored for their achievements during the 2001 season, and the honorees included several Columbia County residents.

Thomas Houston was recognized by USA Swimming as a Scholastic All-American. Houston earned the honor by maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and by attending the USA Swimming Eastern Sectional Championship meet in Savannah.

Ryan Gober, Sasha Murray, Dickie Splichal and Tim Murray all were recognized by Georgia Swimming as Georgia All-Stars for the 2001 season. These swimmers each ranked in the top 15 percent nationally among swimmers in their age group.

Additionally, Columbia County GAS members excelled at the 12th annual Lanier Winter Invitational, which was held at Brenau University in Gainesville, Ga. last weekend.

Columbia County swimmers taking top finishes were: Katie Croft (12 years old, third place in the 50-yard backstroke - :33.27); Eric Hauff (15, third in 200 butterfly - 2:16.41, and third in the 400 individual medley - 4:59.52); Brian Maleck (13, second in 400 individual medley - 5:43.45); John Richards (11, second in 50 breaststroke - :37.74, and third in 50 backstroke - :34.80); Matt Russell (11, third in 50 freestyle - :31.22); Dickie Splichal (17, second in 200 butterfly - 2:09.08, third in 100 backstroke - 1:01.52); and, Pam Splichal (18, first in 200 butterfly - 2:19.47, first in 100 backstroke - 1:04.04, second in 200 freestyle - 2:06.44).