Swimming and Diving | 10/17/2026 2:09:00 PM

TUPELO -- Hayes Montgomery captured an individual state championship to highlight the Clinton Arrows Swim Team's (CAST) performance at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class III State Swimming Championships on Friday, Oct. 16, at the Tupelo Aquatic Center.

Mongtomery claimed the state title in the men's 100-yard backstroke as Clinton swimers recorded eight top-eight finishes across individual and relay events, advancing through morning preliminary competition to earn spots in the championship finals.

Montgomery, who started competitive swim at the age of seven, earned the Clinton men their first individual  championship swim since Blaise Vera's 50-yard freestyle championship in 2016.

In addition to his gold-medal performance, Montgomery earned a third-place finish in the men's 200-yard individual medley.

Ellie Rushing also turned in a strong showing for Clinton, earning a pair of top-four finishes in the women's freestyle events. Ellie Rushing placed third in the 100-yard freestyle before adding a fourth-place finish in the 50-yard freestyle.

Ellie Rushing's podium finish marked the first Lady Arrow to appear in the top three since Maggie Vaughn did in 2009, ending a 17-year drought.

Reed Watts recorded two top-eight finishes for the Arrows, placing fifth in the men's 100-yard backstroke and seventh in the 100-yard freestyle.

Clinton also found success in relay competition, with both men's and women's teams earning top-eight finishes.

The men's 200-yard medley relay team of Zion Johnson, Dillon Mayfield, Montgomery, and Watts finished sixth in the state.

On the women's side, Kate Gilliam, Abbie Rushing, Avery Peacock, and Ellie Rushing combined for a seventh-place finish in the 400-yard freestyle relay.

The state-meet appearance capped Clinton's 2026 season full of outstanding individual and relay performances and continued progress under CAST head coach Marcy Rushing.