Two meets into this season’s short-course swimming schedule, Douglas County Stingrays coach Judy Prokopiak has been pleased with the direction of the team.

Prokopiak’s enthusiasm was definitely high after the team’s showing at the Chattahoochee Gold Invitational last week, which saw several swimmers achieve personal-best times, a record-setting performance and new state qualifying times obtained.

“I’m very happy with the season so far,” Prokopiak said. “The swimmers are seeing that their hard work over the summer is paying off. We are seeing their endurance increase with each meet. We have had a number of swimmers move up in age category, and they are stepping up to the challenge.”

Stingrays’ newcomer Justin Moore, 12, set a meet record in the 50-yard backstroke at the Mountain View Aquatic Center in Marietta. Moore, a 2008-09 all-star, had a record time of 28.43 seconds to eclipse the old record of 29.47 set in 2007. His time was 0.33 seconds faster than his previous fastest in the event.

Moore said that previous record-holder Taylor Dale has gone on to achieve higher marks in an older age category.

“I know I have other things to strive for,” said Moore, who joined the team over the summer.

Prokopiak said she was happy for Moore since she and her daughter, Ashley, were the ones that taught him how to swim four years ago. Moore was a member of the Southern Crescent Aquatic Team in Clayton County before joining the Stingrays.

“Justin has been really motivated,” Prokopiak said. “He has really stepped up in practice and it has paid off.”

Jesse Hagy, 9, had 100 percent best times in eight events, including dropping double-digit times in three events. Hagy had new 9-10 age-group state qualifying times in the 100 freestyle and the 100 and 50 breaststroke events.

“Jesse had some super swims,” Prokopiak said.

In addition to Hagy, Chloe Miller and Kamaria Mahone each had new state qualifying times in the 11-12 age division.

Miller, 11, reached qualifying times in the 100 free, 50 back and 100 Individual Medley events. Mahone, 11, added the 50 back event to her state-qualifying resume for the new season.

The age-group state championships will be February 26-28 in Savannah for all swimmers that achieve a state qualifying time.

Other swimmers dropping double-digit times were Robert Blanchard, 12, in the 200 free. He dropped 10.41 seconds to finish 32nd in the event. Lauryn Hall, 11, dropped 20.27 seconds in the 100 fly. Chamara Knight, 9, finished 20th in the 50 fly after dropping 21.34 seconds.

Chad Martin, 12, dropped 15.45 seconds in the 200 free while Christian-Malachy Porter shaved 14.78 in the 50 breast and 23.85 in the 100 IM. Bailee Spivey, 14, knocked 12.63 seconds off her 200 breast. She also dropped 13.93 seconds from her 200 IM time.

The biggest time dropped was achieved by Lauren Tysor in the 50 breast. Tysor, 6, dropped 36.29 seconds from her 50 breast time.

Douglas County will travel to Jonesboro this weekend for their last meet of the month.