Swimming and Diving | 9/5/2026 7:32:00 AM
CLINTON -- Pride and emotions ran high Thursday, September 3, as the Clinton Arrows Swim Team hosted Northwest Rankin and Warren Central for its annual double-dual meet at the Clinton YMCA.
This year's event carried special meaning as CAST renamed the meet the
Ashlee Sumrall Memorial Meet in honor of beloved swimmer
Ashlee Sumrall, who spent six seasons with CAST before graduating in May.
Sumrall's legacy of kindness, grit, and leadership was felt throughout the night as swimmers, coaches, and family members gathered to celebrate her memory.
Before the meet, CAST Head Coach Marcy Rushing, who coached Sumrall for 10 years, reflected on the impact Sumrall made on those around her. Rushing shared that Sumrall lifted people up both in and out of the water and that her impact on CAST will continue to shine long after her time in the pool.
Prior to the first heat, several CAST swimmers gathered to give a beautiful rendition of the national anthem.
In competition, Clinton's women's and men's teams finished second, while several more swimmers punched their tickets for additional events at the North State Swim Meet.
Women's 200 Yard Freestyle: Avery Peacock, Kate Gilliam
Men's 200 Yard IM: Reed Watts
Men's 50 Yard Freestyle: Hayes Montgomery, Zion Johnson, Christian Bombich
Women's 100 Yard Butterfly: Ellie Rushing
Men's 100 Yard Freestyle: Zion Johnson, Aaron Smith
Men's 100 Yard Backstroke: Hayes Montgomery
Women's 100 Yard Breaststroke: Kate Gilliam
An impressive number of racers placed in the top three of their events:
Women's 200 Yard Medley Relay Team
Men's 200 Yard Medley Relay Team
Women's 200 Yard Freestyle: Avery Peacock, Kate Gilliam
Men's 200 Yard IM: Reed Watts
Women's 50 Yard Freestyle: Ellie Rushing
Men's 50 Yard Freestyle: Hayes Montgomery, Aaron Smith, Dillon Mayfield
Women's 100 Yard Butterfly: Ellie Rushing
Women's 100 Yard Freestyle: Allie Witsberger
Men's 100 Yard Freestyle: Reed Watts
Women's 200 Yard Freestyle Relay Team
Men's 200 Yard Freestyle Relay Team
Men's 100 Yard Backstroke: Hayes Montgomery
Women's 100 Yard Breaststroke: Kate Gilliam
As CAST honored Sumrall throughout the evening, her family felt the support of the swimming community.
"Ashlee was part of this swim family for six years, and tonight they reminded us that she will always be part of it," Ashlee's mother, Alyson Sumrall, said. "We are so grateful they are helping keep her light shining and encouraging others to 'Be the Light'. It was especially meaningful to see her sister, Abby Sumrall, lead a group of swimmers in singing the national anthem in her honor. It was a moment our family will cherish forever."
UP NEXT
CAST returns to the Clinton YMCA Pool on Saturday, September 12, when the Arrows host the Clinton Arrows Invitational.
