On Thursday, June 17, the Highlands Hurricanes swim team traveled to Sylva, NC to compete with the Jackson County Swim Team at their home pool.
Led by meet high-scorers Blake Kenter, Jr. Olympian Jelehna McKim, and Jr. Olympic qualifier Justin Powell, who each scored 25 points, the Hurricanes won handily 536-156.
Kenter and Powell also had four Allstar qualifying swims. McKim had one and a Jr. Olympic qualifying swim.
Jelehna McKim celebrates after finishing first in Highlands on June 10. All photos from article are from first meet of the season on June 10 in Highlands.
All 30 Hurricanes who swam scored in the meet. They brought home 165 ribbons, 87 of them blue which is first place.
Of particular interest were new National Team members Jr. Olympians Maddie Cohen and Finneaus Garner who both qualified again for the AAU Jr. Olympics to be held in Houston, TX in late July. Both qualified in the 50 free-style. Cohen scored 21 pts, and Garner 15. Cohen and Garner also had three Allstar qualifying swims each.
Highlands Vivian Kennedy finishes up the butterfly portion of the race.
Jr. Olympian Jelehna McKim broke two team records in the 15-18 girls 100 butterfly and 100 back-stroke, scored 25 pts, and had a Jr. Olympic & an Allstar qualifying swim.
Tate Wilson broke the team record in the 13-14, 100 back-stroke by scoring 24 pts.
Highlands Hurricanes are ready to get to it at the first meet of the season in Highlands.
Vivían Kennedy, Gweneth Higgins, and Jayce Powell all scored 24 pts. CC Barry scored 22 pts.
Jr. Olympians Aniah McKim and Chase Kenter each scored 21 pts. McKim and Kenter also each had three Allstar qualifying swims. Kenter had two Jr. Olympic qualifying swims.
Highlands Elias McKim (foreground) and Justin Powell compete in the butterfly at home.
Emelina Hernandez, Anabella Batista and Jr. Olympian Jack Sumner all scored 20 pts. Batista had two Allstar qualifying swims. Sumner had three.
Corena Dearth, Beata Higgins, and Jr. Olympian Elias McKim each scored 19 pts. Dearth had three Allstar qualifying swims. McKim had three Allstar qualifying swims.
Highlands Timmy McDowell competes in the back stroke against Jackson County.
Asa Garner scored 18 pts and one Allstar qualifying swim.
Caedmon Higgins scored 16 pts and had three Allstar qualifying swims. Penélope McRae scored 15 pts.
Jordan Powell and Ian Batista added 14 pts each. Powell also had two Allstar qualifying swims.
From left are Highlands Alex Lopez and Jayce Powell getting their minds right with a light game of chess before the competition.
Jojo Cohen and Max Jestin scored 13 pts. Cohen had three Allstar qualifying swims.
Paolo McRae scored 11 pts and had two Allstar qualifying swims.
Highlands Hurricanes let everyone know they came to win.
Conner Hughes and Alex López scored 10 pts. Hughes had three Allstar qualifying swims.
Miley Zagal scored 8 pts and Tirienne Higgins scored 6 pts.
Highlands Elias McKim rocking freestyle while Justin Powell hasn’t surfaced yet (foreground).
The Highlands Hurricanes Swim Team is a Highlands Recreation Park Team that practices at the Rec Park Pool Monday through Thursday evenings.
A Highlands Hurricane competes in the back stroke during the first meet of the season.
For more information about the next swim meet, please call 828.421.4121.
Highlands Jayce Powell snags some last minute advice from mom before the race begins.
Hurricanes supporting each other after a hard fought race.
Highlands Corena Dearth celebrates her first ribbon won in a swimming competition.
By Steve Hott, Highlands Hurricanes Head Coach
Photos by Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News
Go CANES!!!