For more than two decades FAST has controlled the Mountain Swim League, earning their 21st conference title in a row last year. With their fifth win of the summer over Highlands and Murphy July 9, they capped their 18th straight unbeaten regular season.
June Lynch led the way for FAST’s 6 & under girls at the Macon County Rec Park, winning the 25-yard freestyle in 32.45 seconds.
Three Fins claimed events in the 8 & under girls, including Dylan Smith in the 25 butterfly (38.79), Hailey Janoe in the 25 backstroke (24.93) and Abigail Samuelson in the 100 medley (2:04.92). Maverick Brabson took home the 25 fly (28.95) on the boys side.
Emmi Malan and Nyla Rivera impressed in the 9-10 girls, winning the 50 back (49.62) and 100 medley (1:39.31), respectively. On the boys side Owen Baillio took home the 100 free (1:31.53).
Nathan Jessup was FAST’s only swimmer to claim three events on the night, winning the 11-12 boys 50 free (29.98), 50 back (35.30) and 50 fly (36.74). On the girls side Leila Pinkston placed second in the 50 breaststroke (41.87), while Larken Lynch placed second in the 100 free (1:18.49) and 100 medley (1:28.72).
Two Fins claimed two events apiece in the 13-14 boys, including Ethan Malan in the 50 (27.60) and 100 free (1:04.72), and Michael Canzone in the 100 breast (1:31.67) and 100 fly (1:22.10). On the girls side Madelyn Kennedy took home the 200 medley (3:21.71), while Abeline Maddrey won the 100 free (1:18.81) and 100 fly (1:31.90).
Four Fins claimed events in the 15-18 girls, led by Kenna Keyworth in the 100 free (1:02.10) and 100 fly (1:11.47). The list also included Eleanor Kessler in the 100 back (1:17.20), Dalila Canzone in the 100 breast (1:26.70) and Cadee Breedlove in the 200 medley (3:00.77). On the boys side Thatcher Daniels took home the 100 breast (1:12.84), while Gavin Alverson claimed the 50 free (24.88) and 100 fly (1:03.24).
Franklin’s girls were the high-scoring team at the meet, earning 384.5 points to Murphy’s 137.5 and Highlands’ 122. FAST’s boys outpaced Highlands 305-171, with Murphy in a distant third at 88. Overall the Fins scored 689.5 to Highlands’ 293 and Murphy’s 225.5.
In capping their 18th straight unbeaten regular season, Franklin extended a 19-year streak dating back to 2007, including the 2020 season that was cancelled during COVID-19. FAST then turned to the MSL Conference Meet July 18, when they’ll return to the Macon County Rec Park to seek their 22nd straight league title versus Highlands, Murphy, Sylva and Waynesville. From there a select group of Fins will prepare for the MSL All-Star Meet, at which they’ll end the conference’s season July 23.
Will Woolever can be reached at sports@thefranklinpress.com