Clinton Arrows Swim Team makes waves in 2025 Season

A Season of Grit, Growth, and Community Pride

The Clinton Arrows Swim Team (CAST) wrapped up its 2025 season with a powerful presence at the MHSAA State Championships in Tupelo, but the real story of the season was written in the weeks leading up to that final race. From the first dive in July practice to the last relay in October, CAST’s journey was defined by resilience, camaraderie, and a team culture that brought out the best in its athletes.

Led by Coach Marcy Rushing in her seventh season, CAST was the largest team yet of 40 student-athletes from Clinton High School, Sumner Hill Junior High, and Clinton Junior High. These swimmers balanced training with challenging academic schedules and other school commitments. What stood out most about the team was how they showed up for each other, day after day.

2025 Clinton Arrows Swim Team

7th grade – Chase Herrington, Riggs Peacock, Kent Rushing, Lincoln Strickler, Tanasvi Uppu

8th grade – Vanina Alonso-Cabral, Marie Ballard, Haylee Hughes, Daniel Kieffer, Micah Kieffer, Dillon Mayfield, Embree Reeves, Chloe Smith

Freshmen – Presley Adkisson, Christian Bombich, Abigayle Breaux, Ross Gordon, Zion Johnson, Avery Peacock, Abby Sumrall, Reed Watts, Allie Witsberger

Sophomores – Elizabeth Boone, Riley Byas, Emory Graham, Ellie Rushing, Aaron Smith, Taylar Woodward

Juniors – Arwen Blomgren, Kate Gilliam, Hayes Montgomery, Abbie Rushing, Pace Rundlett, Aleyna Taylor, Terry Xu

Seniors – Maddy Breaux, Clara McCombs, Riley Parham, Ashlee Sumrall, Selah Snow

Home Meets, High Energy

From the first meet on August 16 at the Malcolm McArthur Invitational in Madison in which they placed third, CAST made its presence known both in the water and on the pool deck while nine swimmers qualified for semi-finals and five swimmers placed top three in their events. Parents and fans noted how loudly the Arrows cheered for one another, setting the tone for a season built on unity and encouragement. That vitality became a signature of the team.

Julie Cross, mom of senior Clara McCombs fondly remembers the Vicksburg Fun in the Sun Meet August 23: “My favorite part about today was watching the whole team get up and cheer Clara on (as she swam the 500 meter freestyle). CAST swimmers love the sport and each other; encouraging one another on the pool deck has led to bonds of sportsmanship and friendship.” CAST came in third, more swimmers qualified, and several swimmers placed in the top three in their events.

Working hard to qualify for tougher Class III spots at the North State Meet, CAST competed in a total of five meets, including two hosted by Clinton. The team won its double dual meet on August 28 and came in fourth at the second annual Clinton Invitational on September 13. “Being an Arrow on the swim team has given Selah skills that will last a lifetime,” said Sissie Snow, mother of senior Selah Snow. “Coach Rushing expects the best from her swimmers, not only in the pool, but also in academics and in sportsmanship. That shows in how her team members love and support her, each other, and those they compete against.”

A Culture of Support and Growth

Coach Rushing’s leadership was a steady force throughout the season. She emphasized both performance and character; her swimmers were expected to compete with integrity, support their teammates, and represent Clinton with pride.

“You couldn’t ask for a better group of swimmers,” said Alyson Sumrall, mother of senior Ashlee Sumrall and freshman Abby Sumrall. “This group rallies around one another both on and off the swim deck. Many have built lasting friendships through many years of swimming! It is all because Coach Marcy is an awesome coach who cares for each and every swimmer.” Through it all there was a special spark of joy when a swimmer was told, “You’re going to North State!”

Last Chance Meet

CAST had become more than a high school sports team at the Last Chance Meet on September 27. In just a few weeks, forty swimmers from three different schools had grown from strangers on a roster to a crew that trained like family. Together swimmers powered through late nights and brutal sets in the ever-present scent of chlorine. The Last Chance Meet was electric with both anticipation and affection while even more swimmers made qualifying times and placed in the top three.

CAST came through with a disciplined and competitive showing at the North State Swim Meet held October 4 at the Delta State Aquatics Center in Cleveland. Facing elite swimmers from across the region, CAST athletes advanced through individual and relay events, earning placements on the State Team roster for the upcoming championship meet at the Tupelo Aquatics Center.

State Finals and a Podium Finish

At the MHSAA State Finals on October 17 in Tupelo, CAST swimmers delivered performances that capped off their season with pride. Relay teams and individual swimmers advanced to the Finals Meet, earning top 10 finishes across multiple events:

Women’s 200 Freestyle Relay: Ellie Rushing, Avery Peacock, Clara McCombs, Ashlee Sumrall – 8th place

Men’s 200 Freestyle Relay: Ross Gordon, Aaron Smith, Reed Watts, Hayes Montgomery – 7th place

Women’s 50 Freestyle: Ellie Rushing – 5th place

Women’s 100 Freestyle: Ellie Rushing – 7th place

Men’s 100 Freestyle: Hayes Montgomery – 5th place

Men’s 100 Backstroke: Hayes Montgomery – 3rd place Bronze Medal

Women’s 400 Freestyle Relay: Avery Peacock, Abbie Rushing, Presley Adkisson, Kate Gilliam – 8th place

Hayes Montgomery’s bronze in the 100 backstroke marked a historic moment for CAST: Coach Marcy Rushing’s first top-three state podium finish in nearly a decade. It was a fitting tribute to a season defined by growth, perseverance, and determination.

More Than Medals

There was a story of discipline behind every race. These athletes balanced schoolwork, extracurriculars, and practices with a maturity beyond their years while competing against others and challenging their own personal best. They learned to manage their time, advocate for themselves, and support their peers. For many, the swim season prepared them not just for the next meet, but for life beyond high school.

“This season has been a great turning point for Arrows Swim,” said Tania Watts, mother of Reed Watts. “These swimmers are dedicated to growing, and that’s a mindset. I’ve seen more kids step up and challenge themselves to swim longer, harder swims, and this has been a ripple effect this year. They want to show excellence in Arrow Swim just like all other sports strive for. They are proud to be Arrows swimmers!”

As the season came to a close, CAST left the pool deck with friendships, memories, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves. The Clinton Arrows Swim Team worked hard to build a legacy of excellence, integrity, patience, and kindness.

Coach Rushing sums it up best: “This group works so hard. Their energy and support for each other make every meet meaningful.”

As Clinton looks forward to the 2026 swim season, one thing is clear: the Arrows have set a high bar in the pool, in character, in commitment, and in the way they carry themselves. And that’s a victory worth celebrating.