CAST is North State Championship Bound
Clinton Arrows Swim Team is headed to the North State Championship in Cleveland, MS on October 4, with top swimmers vying for spots at the State Meet. Qualifiers earned their place
through standout performances in individual and relay events, meeting MHSAA’s posted time standards for the team’s competitive Class III designation. Final results were confirmed after the Last Chance Meet at GRIT on September 27.
CAST 2025 North State Team
Women:
Presley Adkisson
Vanina Del Mar Alonso-Cabral
Kate Gilliam
Clara McCombs
Riley Parham
Avery Peacock
Abbie Rushing
Ellie Rushing
Ashlee Sumrall
Men:
Ross Gordon
Hayes Montgomery
Aaron Smith
Reed Watts
Christian Bombich (relay)
Zion Johnson (relay)
Dillon Mayfield (relay)
Swimmers who achieved the top three in their events at the Last Chance Meet were:
- Ellie Rushing: 50 yard freestyle
- Hayes Montgomery: 100 yard freestyle, 100 yard breaststroke
- Reed Watts: 100 yard backstroke
“This is such a great group of kids,” says Claire Gilliam, mom of junior Kate Gilliam. “They continue to grow, not only as swimmers but as people. One of my favorite parts of this team is
how well they support each other. You always see them cheering for each other during races. They represent Clinton well and show what being an Arrow is all about!”
The energy on the pool deck at the GRIT’s Last Chance Meet was electric not just with anticipation, but with affection. In just a few weeks, forty swimmers from Clinton High, Sumner
Hill, and Clinton Junior High went from strangers on a roster to a crew that trains like family. They’ve powered through late nights, brutal sets, and the ever-present scent of chlorine,
showing up for each other every step of the way. Now, CAST is ready to make waves at the MHSAA State Swim Meet on October 17 at Tupelo Aquatics Center—and they know Clinton’s
got their backs.
