By Darnell Brame
Contributor to ncataggies.com
Results      Final Scores
GREENSBORO, February 2, 2008- Senior Gia Wright has had one of the best careers of any Aggie swimmer since the program began 10 years ago. Fellow senior Shanelle Thomas has had her senior season filled with injuries.

Both helped the Aggie swim team defeated Howard University and Florida A&M University in the HBCU Championship Swim Meet at Corbett Sports Center,  finishing their respective careers on a high note. Both were honored during the meet as they swam their final meet at Corbett.

Wright placed first in the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:34.88. She also placed first in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:11.64. She teamed with Donielle Campbell, Jewel Wright and Vinetae Wynn to finish first in the 200-yard medley relay with Donielle Campbell, Jewel Wright and Vinetae Wynn with a time of 1:55.06.

Wright scored a total of 17 points to help make up the Aggies combined total of 124. The Aggies outlasted Florida A&M 69-11 and they beat Howard 55-26.   

“Gia’s leadership and her wonderful spirit was a catalyst for this swim team,’’ said Hendrix. “She has great work ethics and I would love her to help assist me with future aggie swim teams”.

Wright has been named Team MVP and Team Rookie of the Year. Over her career, Wright has compiled 27 first-place finishes with 19 of those races won individually. Wright’s 1:06.33 against Radford in the 100-yard breaststroke in 2005 stands as her best career time. She has won the 100-yard breaststroke six times in her career, while winning the 200-yard freestyle four times.

Thomas’ season, however, has been plagued by injuries. She fought back to compete in the final home meet of her career.  She placed fourth in the 50-freestyle and the 100-yard freestyle on Saturday.

“Shanelle had a tough season due to injuries,’’ said Hendrix. “She is tough and really wanted to push through and help contribute to the team.

Wynn had a nice showing for the underclassmen. She placed first in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 1:04.45

“These ladies really stepped up and showed their Aggie Pride today,’’ said Hendrix. “During the beginning of the season we had a lot of obstacles, but during the Gardner-Webb swim meet the team was showing cohesiveness and showing what kind of team we really have. I am so proud of how they competed.”

The Aggies will look to replace Wright with Campbell and Wynn who have also won multiple races in their career.  The Aggies will compete in the first-ever CCSA Championships on Feb. 21-23 in Huntersville, N.C.