By Coach Steve Hott, Highlands Swim & Dive Team
Photos by Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News
With several other area swim teams canceling out due to weather concerns on Saturday, the Highlands varsity swim team made the journey to Franklin for what turned into a triangular-meet between 3A Franklin, 3A Smoky Mountain, and 1A Highlands.
Highlands varsity swim team from left are Tate Wilson, Jesus Mendoza, Conner Hughes, Paulo McRea, Finneaus Garner, Aniah McKim, and Coach Steve Hott at a meet in Franklin on Saturday.
Swimming for Highlands boys are Finneaus Garner, Aniah McKim, Conner Hughes, Paolo McRae, and Jesus Mendoza who finished 2nd as a team, ahead of Smoky Mountain.
Highlands Paulo McRae competing in a freestyle relay in Franklin on Saturday.
Swimming solo and representing Highlands girls team is Tate Wilson, who finished 3rd.
Highlands Tate Wilson crushing the butterfly over the weekend in Franklin.
The boys won all their events including the 4×100 yd freestyle relay, McRae in the 200 Individual Medley, Garner in the 100 free, and McKim in the 100 breaststroke.
Highlands Conner Hughes competes in a freestyle relay.
Highlands Jesus Mendoza competes in the backstroke.
Garner and McRae each scored 23.5 pts, and McKim brought home 22.5 pts.
Highlands Finneaus Garner leads the pack during a freestyle-relay. Pictured at the top of the article
Hughes and Wilson both had 3rd and 4th place finishes, Hughes in the 100 and 50 free, and Wilson in the 50 free and the 100 butterfly.
Highlands Aniah McKim racing in a freestyle relay.
In relays, Hughes scored 18.5 pts and Wilson scored 11.
Highlands Paulo McRae dives into the pool during a relay race.
Mendoza swam well placing 4th in the 100 backstroke and garnering 5 pts in the 50 free.
Highlands Jesus Mendoza several laps into a backstroke race.
Highlands’ next meet begins at 5 p.m. on Jan. 20 at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School.
Highlands Aniah McKim takes first in the breaststroke.
Highlands Coach Steve Hott keeping a watchful eye and precise track of time at a meet in Franklin.
Highlands Tate Wilson enthusiastically cheered on racers regardless of what teams were competing in the heat.
Highlands Finneaus Garner steps up to begin a freestyle relay.
Highlands Conner Hughes grabs a quick breath during a freestyle relay.
Highlands Finneaus Garner and Aniah McKim catching what appears to be witty and clever smack talk from a Franklin swimmer.