General | 11/18/2025 5:00:00 PM
The Clinton Athletics Department recognized six student-athletes for their accomplishments in competition and academics, as nominated by their respective team coaches, on Tuesday, November 18, at the Clinton High School Media Center. The Student-Athlete of the Month Award is sponsored and presented by Clinton State Farm Insurance Agent Tim Bruss -- a proud supporter of Clinton Athletics.
For September, Clinton Arrow Swim Team standouts Ellie Rushing and Hayes Montgomery were recognized along with Clinton Lady Arrow Volleyball player Jayla Hicks. In October, Clinton Arrow golfer Anderson Schoggin, Clinton Lady Arrow Cross Country runner Riley Moore, and Clinton Arrow Cross Country runner Godwin Onyia were celebrated for their efforts in competition and in the classroom, as well.
ABOUT JAYLA HICKS
Lady Arrow Head Volleyball Coach Natalie DuVall highlighted Hick's dedication and positivity as major assets for the team's coaching staff and her teammates.
"Jayla is someone who can accomplish anything she sets her mind to," DuVall said. "Jayla not only gives full effort to her coaches, but she also excels in the classroom while balancing multiple sports and participating in organizations outside of school, while maintaining a high GPA. The coaching staff rarely sees her without a smile, and we appreciate her consistent effort given throughout the season. Jayla's positive attitude and dedication to our program stands out, and we are grateful to have her be a part of our program."
Hicks, a sophomore, featured for the Lady Arrows as the team's libero in the 2025 season.
ABOUT HAYES MONTGOMERY
Hayes Montgomery placed fifth in the 100-yard freestyle and third place in the 100-yard backstroke at the MHSAA Class III State Championship meet in Tupelo during the 2025 season. Hayes, a junior swimmer, is a member of the youth group at Morrison Heights Baptist Church and spending time with his friends.
Montgomery was nominated by Head Swim Coach Marcy Rushing.
ABOUT ELLIE RUSHING
Ellie Rushing placed fifth place in the 50-yard freestyle and seventh in the 100-yard freestyle at the MHSAA Class III State Championships. Rushing is a sophomore swimmer for the Clinton Arrow Swim Team. Outside of her time in the pool, she is a member of the Clinton High School Cheer team and the Clinton's renowned Attache Show Choir. Additionally, Rushing is an active member of the Clinton Methodist Church youth group.
Ellie was nominated by Head Swim Coach Marcy Rushing.
ABOUT RILEY MOORE
Head Women's Cross Country Coach Allen Marett praised junior Riley Moore for her breakout October and consistent leadership throughout the 2025 cross country campaign.
"Riley was our top finisher in each of the three meets we had in October," Marett said. "She was bronze medalist in the Region 2-7A meet, won three t-shirts, and placed in the top 10 in each meet. Riley's reliability and competitiveness set the tone for our whole group."
ABOUT GODWIN ONYIA
During the 2025 season, Godwin Onyia emerged as one of the Arrows' most consistent runners, finishing first in five out of nine races. Across the fall campaign, Onyia only surrendered nine points to opposing runners. After setting a personal best of 19:06 during the 2024 season, the sophomore delivered a remarkable improvement in 2025, shaving more than two minutes off his time to record a new personal record of 17:03.
Oniya was nominated by his coaches Eric and Nicole Solis.
ABOUT ANDERSON SCHOGGIN
Head Men's Golf Coach Ryan Smith praised Schoggin's academic devotion, well-rounded talent, and strong golfing abilities, as key reasons t for the student-athlete award nomination.
"Anderson is genuinely one of the best kids you could ever possibly find," Smith said. "Not only is he extremely devoted to his studies, he is one of the hardest working kids I know in all of his extra curricular activities. There is not a day that goes by that he is not at this school well after classes end working on school work, practicing with Attache, or honing his golf skills during our season. The young man is the epitome of what you want out of a Clinton Arrow athlete, and I am beyond proud to be able to call him one of my athletes."