For the past two decades FAST has dominated the Mountain Swim League, capturing conference titles in each of the past 21 years. At this year’s championship meet July 18 at the Macon County Rec Park, the Fins claimed an unprecedented 22nd straight title.
Daisy Courtney led the way in the 6 & under age group, claiming the girls' 25-yard freestyle in 30.13 seconds. Zane Strum placed third in the boys' event at 42.36.
FAST’s 8 & under boys impressed at the meet, spearheaded by wins from Maverick Brabson in the 25 butterfly (26.81) and 100 medley (2:07.93). They also took home both of their relay events, winning the 100 free (Camden Roskam, Everett Lewis, Zane Strum, Isaac Cortez; 2:33.88) and 100 medley (Roskam, Lewis, Brabson, Gatlin Harlfinger; 2:06.05). Two Fins claimed events on the girls' side, including Hailey Janoe in the 25 backstroke (23.97) and Abigail Samuelson in the 25 breaststroke (26.13).
Nyla Rivera just missed a black ribbon for the 9-10 girls, placing second in the 50 free (39.03), 100 free (1:32.30) and 100 medley (1:41.71). Owen Baillio finished second in the boys 100 free (1:28.78) and 100 medley (1:40.31).
Nathan Jessup led FAST’s 11-12 boys, claiming the 50 back (36.02). Leila Pinkston placed second in the girls' 100 medley (1:27.02).
FAST’s 13-14 girls impressed throughout the day, led by wins from Abeline Maddrey in the 100 fly (1:34.51) and 200 medley (3:17.88). They also claimed their 200 free relay (Katherine Roldan-Lozada, Sarai Olea-Damian, Mia Gomez, Kinley Austin; 2:40.73). On the boys' side Michael Canzone placed second in the 100 fly (1:22.78).
Kenna Keyworth was FAST’s only swimmer to claim three events at the meet, taking home the 15-18 girls' 50 free (26.03), 100 fly (1:02.42) and 200 medley (2:28.60). Alyse Remery won the girls' 100 back (1:16.82). Both also helped their teammates win the 200 medley (Keyworth, Cadee Breedlove, Lana Walker, Dalila Canzone; 2:13.03) and 200 free (Remery, Canzone, Walker, Lydia Kennedy; 1:58.91) relays. On the boys' side Thatcher Daniels claimed the 200 medley (2:17.57).
FAST’s girls were the meet’s top team overall, earning 355 points to Jackson County’s 236. The Fins were also the highest-scoring team on the boys' side, more narrowly outpacing Highlands 288-208. In combined totals Franklin earned 643, ahead of Jackson (402), Highlands (344), Waynesville (281) and Cherokee County (228).
Having claimed their 22nd straight league title, a select group of Fins prepared for their last date of the season, the MSL All-Star Meet July 23. Slated for the Jackson County Aquatic Center in Cullowhee, the contest is open to swimmers who have met strict time standards in specific events this summer.
Will Woolever can be reached at sports@thefranklinpress.com