By Leeann Tanner - Staff Writer
The Viking swim team played host to Elliott and Fleming County Wednesday, walking out with 16-of-18 first place finishes.
“Every swim meet is an opportunity to get better and learn from our mistakes,” Coach Natasha Singleton said. “Swimming is a very individualized sport when you race by yourself in a lane trying to beat your own time. However, in my first year I have been trying to emphasize the importance of being a team and show each person how they can contribute and score points to win as one team. It is possible for our team to have several Regional Champions this year but we must continue to push the younger or less experienced swimmers and let them know every team member is needed to score in order to win a team title.”
The Vikings took first place overall with a combined (men and women) score of 300 points. Elliott County took second place with 82 points and Fleming County had 73.
Freshman Morgan Cyrus broke another school record (her 4th one this season) in the 200 yard Freestyle with a time of 2:10.25.
“We can expect big things from her in the future,” Singleton said. “Other than Morgan, one of my youngest swimmers is only nine. Samantha Patrick won her event last night in the 100 Breaststroke with a time of 1:48.03. I am very proud of the whole team and we will continue to work hard to prepare for the Regional swim meet in early February.”
Other first place finishes include the Girls 200 Medley Relay. Emma Newton, Cyrus, Madi Newton, and Claire Schack finished in 2:13.57.
Jordan Clark, Clay Cyrus, Ty Alderman, and Cova Cornett took the Boys 200 Medley Relay in 1:59.72. The Boys 200 Freestyle was won by Justin Skaggs in 2:14.72. Madi Newton won the Girls 50 Free in 29.44. Clay Cyrus took the Boys 100 Butterfly in 1:01.07. Claire Schack won the Girls 100 Freestyle in 1:06.81. Ty Alderman won the Boys 100 Free in 56.03.
In the Girls 200 Free Relay, M. Newton, C. Schack, Rachel Schack, and M. Cyrus took first in 1:59.47. Viking swimmers T. Alderman, C. Cornett, J. Clark, J. Skaggs took the Boys 200 Free Relay in 1:47.12. Madi Newton won the Girls 100 Backstroke in 1:19.40. Clay Cyrus took the Boys 100 Backstroke in 1:06.25.
Samantha Patrick won the Girls 100 Breaststroke in 1:48.03. Jordon Clark took the Boys 100 Breaststroke in 1:19.88.
In the Girls 400 Freestyle Relay, C. Schack, E. Newton, Cassidy Teager, and R. Schack took first in 4:45.88. C. Cyrus, C. Cornett, J. Skaggs, and T. Alderman won the Boys 400 Freestyle Relay in 3:54.25.
Several Viking swimmers have made the top 10 Regional rankings after Wednesday’s meet.
Morgan Cyrus is first in the Girls’ 100 Breast Stroke. She took third in the girls’ 200 Free, fourth in the Girls’ 200 Individual Medley, tenth in the 100 Fly, and fourth in the Girls’ 500 Free. Clay Cyrus took second in the Boys’ 200 Free while Ty Alderman took third and Justin Skaggs ranked fifth. Clay Cyrus took third in the Boys 200 Individual Medly, fifth in the Boys’ 100 Fly, fourth in the 100 Back and third in the 100 Breast. Cyrus took fifth in the Boys 500 Free and J. Skaggs took seventh.
Alderman took fifth in the Boys’ 50 free and eighth in the Boys’ 100 Free. C. Cyrus took ninth in the 100 Free Claire Schack ranked tenth in the Girls’ 500 Free.
Several relay teams were also ranked. The girls’ took fifth in the 200 Medley Relay and seventh in the 200 Free Relay. They also ranked eighth in the 400 Free Relay. The boys’ team is ranked fourth in the 200 Medley Relay, fifth in the 200 Free Relay, and fourth in the 400 Free Relay.
The Viking Swimmers’ next home meet is Jan. 7 against Boyd and Montgomery County.
