SWIMMING | 10/20/2025 4:43:00 PM
TUPELO -- The Clinton Arrows Swim Team (CAST) capped off their 2025 season with an impressive showing at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class III State Swim Championship meet held on Friday, October 17, at the Tupelo Aquatic Center.
The team's energy and determination carried them through a full day of competition. The swimmers' effort earned multiple berths in the championship heats contested in the afternoon.
Hayes Montgomery clinched a bronze medal in the 100-yard backstroke ended a nearly decade-long podium drought for the Arrows. It was the first top-three state finisher under Head Swim Coach Marcy Rushing.
"This season has been a great turning point for Arrows swim," Tania Watts, the mother of
Reed Watts, said. "These swimmers are dedicated to growing, and that's a great mind set. I've seen more kids step up and challenge themselves to swim longer, harder swims. This has been a ripple effect the entire year."
Other swimmers and relay teams that made the championship heats, finishing in the top eight of the state's highest classification, were:
Throughout the finals, Clinton displayed exceptional sportsmanship and focus under Marcy Rushing's guidance. Their success at the state level shows the strength of the CAST program, and the support given by Clinton Public School District. Congratulations to all the CAST swimmers who made this 2025 season unforgettable.
"(The swimmers) want to show excellence in Arrow swim just like other sports strive to achieve," Tania Watts said. "They are proud to be Arrow swimmers. These kids are learning great life lessons on working with what you have and to keep grinding. God just showed a glimpse of excellence this season."
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