Swimming and Diving | 9/30/2025 12:24:00 PM

Clinton Arrows Swim Team (CAST) will go to the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) North State Championships on Saturday, October 4, in Cleveland, vying for spots in the MHSAA Class III State Meet.

North-state qualifiers earned their places through standout performances in individual and relay events, meeting MHSAA's posted time standards for the team's classification. 

Final spots were confirmed after the Last Chance Meet at GRIT on Saturday, September 27, in Flowood.

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," CAST mom, Claire Gilliam said.  "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.