Finneaus Garner ranked 4th in state
By Steve Hott, Head Coach Highlands Varsity Swimming and Diving
The Highlands Varsity Swim Team hosted its first ever home swim meet at the Rec Park on Jan. 12 and competed against Franklin, Rabun Gap Nacoochee School (RGNS), Smoky Mountain, and Summit Charter.
Highlands Rec Park Pool was the venue for the first ever meet hosted by the Highlands varsity swim team on Jan. 12.
Missing a key swimmer for most of the meet, the Highlanders (8 swimmers) finished 3rd behind Franklin (33 swimmers) and RGNS (22 swimmers).
The Highlanders were lead by Finneaus Garner, Aniah McKim and Chase Kenter who all scored 57 pts. Each finished 1st in 3 events and 2nd in an event.
Highlands Chase Kenter leads the pack in Highlands on Jan. 12.
Junior Finneaus Garner is ranked 4th in the state in the 50 freestyle.
Highlands Finneaus Garner at a meet in Franklin on Jan. 6.
Sophomore Aniah McKim is ranked 12th in the state in the 100 breaststroke.
Highlands Aniah McKim takes first in the breaststroke in Franklin on Jan. 6.
Conner Hughes scored 53 points, Jack Sumner 50, Tate Wilson 29, Paolo McRae (only available for 1/6 of the meet) 26.5, and Tate Wilson 29.
Highlands Conner Hughes races freestyle in Franklin.
All 7 of the above are Jr. Olympians.
Aniah McKim and Tate Wilson are Academic All-American Swimmers.
Highlands Tate Wilson races at a meet in Franklin on Jan. 6.
Jesus Mendoza-Tentle was most improved Highlands swimmer of the meet again with 2 Personal Records (PR’s).
Highlands Jesus Mendoza-Tentle races freestyle at the first ever varsity swim meet at the Rec Park Pool.
Over the course of the meet, Highlands broke 6 pool records. Finneaus Garner broke the 7 year old 50 yard freestyle record. Aniah McKim broke his own record in the 100 yard breaststroke .
Highlands Swim and Dive Head Coach Steve Hott chats with volunteers and swimmer Paolo McRae.
Natalie Claire Ballard broke both the 7-year-old 200 yard freestyle and her own 100 yard backstroke record.
Rylee Cassada (Franklin) broke the 5-year-old women’s 50 freestyle record.
The Highlanders next meet is this Friday, Jan. 19 at Rabun Gap Nacoochee School at 5 p.m.
Highlands Chase Kenter races freestyle in Franklin.
Highlands Jack Sumner races the butterfly in Franklin on Jan. 6. Also pictured at the top of the article.
Highlands Aniah McKim takes off at the beginning of a race in Franklin.
Highlands Tate Wilson and Finneaus Garner wait for a race to begin at a meet in Franklin.
Highlands Paolo McRae races freestyle in Franklin.
Highlands Conner Hughes congratulates relay teammate Finneaus Garner after race in Franklin.