General | 10/27/2026 9:03:00 AM
CLINTON -- The Clinton Athletics Department recognized four student-athletes for their accomplishments in competition and in the classroom on Monday, Oct. 26, at the Clinton High School Media Center.
The Athlete of the Month Award, sponsored and presented by Clinton State Farm Insurance Agent Tim Bruss, recognized student-athletes nominated by their respective coaches for their achievements, academic excellence, and leadership to their programs.
Clinton Arrows Swim Team (CAST) standout Hayes Montgomery and volleyball standout Jayla Hicks were recognized as August recipients, while CAST standout Abbie Rushing and men's cross country standout Godwin Oniya earned September honors.
HAYES MONTGOMERY
Montgomery, a senior captain for CAST, captured an individual state championship in the 100-yard backstroke at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class III State Swimming Championships on Oct. 16 in Tupelo.
In addition to his state championship performance, Montgomery placed third in the 200-yard individual medley and contributed to an eighth-place finish in the 200-yard medley relay.
Montgomery plans to continue his swimming career at the collegiate level following graduation.
JAYLA HICKS
Hicks earned recognition for her consistent effort, positive attitude and dedication to excellence both on the volleyball court and in the classroom.
A multisport student-athlete who also participates in extracurricular organizations, Hicks maintains a high grade-point average while balancing her academic and athletic responsibilities.
On the court, Hicks recorded 292 digs, 153 assist attempts and 29 service aces while posting a 91 percent serving percentage during the season.
Her coaches praised her commitment to the program, willingness to give maximum effort and ability to maintain a positive attitude throughout the season.
ABBIE RUSHING
Rushing, a senior captain for CAST, helped Clinton's 400-yard freestyle relay team earn an eighth-place finish at the MHSAA Class III State Swimming Championships on Oct. 16 in Tupelo.
Throughout her swimming career, Rushing has demonstrated a commitment to her teammates and the program, earning both the Coaches Award and the 100 Percent Award over the past three years.
Her leadership, dedication and consistent effort have made her a valuable member of the Clinton Arrow Swim Team.
GODWIN ONIYA
Oniya earned September recognition following a standout season in which he established himself as Clinton's leading runner, pacing the Arrows in each of their eight meets.
At the Watson High School Classic on Oct. 17 at Choctaw Trails, Oniya established a new Clinton High School 5000-meter record with a time of 16:09.7, breaking a 17-year-old mark of 16:22 set by William Kazery on the same date in 2009.
Oniya also claimed individual victories at the Valhalla Invitational and Cathedral Invitational while earning runner-up finishes at the Brookhaven and Clinton Arrow invitationals.
He added a third-place overall finish at the Central Mississippi Super Regional Meet, helping lead the Arrows to the MHSAA Region 2-7A championship.
His performances have played a significant role in Clinton's success throughout the 2026 cross country season.
