This year, the MAIS swim meet was a little different than in years past. Normally, it is held at the Courthouse on Lakeland Drive, but this year, it took place at Delta State University in Cleveland, MS. This caused Prep fewer students to attend, which made Dr. Nealey, who serves as the swim team coach, a tad nervous. Despite his concerns, Prep won the meet for the 45th consecutive year.

The swimmers had to be at Prep at 5:45 in the morning on September 19. This was dreadful because, in years past, students would only have to drive five minutes down the road, but this year, they had to take a bus and drive two and a half hours to get there. Walking down the aisle of the bus was quite the obstacle because students were sprawled out all over the floor. Once the Prep team got there, warm-ups started right away. Warm-ups were from 9:00 to 9:15, but the meet did not start till 10:00.  

Many Prep students had outstanding performances. Junior Ashton William Heath won two gold medals. He got first place in two events: the 100 yard IM with a time of 55.35 seconds and the 50-yard back with a time of 25.83 seconds.

Seniors Jack Zhu and Caroline Thomas also had a good day, winning the boys’ and girls’ 50-yard freestyle respectively.

Prep also had a good representation in the relay events. Prep boys Ashton William Heath, Alex Roberson, Parkman Speights, and Jack Zhu and Prep girls Eliza Burnham, Mary Parker Plunkett, Mackenzie Nichols, and Caroline Thomas won the 200-yard freestyle relay events. Overall, the swimmers showed out and represented the school well.

The swimmers and coaches encourage students to participate in future swim meets. It is a very fun and easy going day that most students tend to enjoy. Prep just won it once again, but the school is striving for its 46th consecutive win next year.

See a gallery of swim meet photos by Adrienne Carter here.