GRAY DEYOSports Writer

There is no doubt the Tullahoma High School team was excited to get back in the pool, as they opened their season with a commanding win over Franklin County. The Wildcats won their first meet of the year by a score of 128-26.

In the relay events the Wildcats took first and second place. The first place squad consisted of Hallie Tipps, Jacy Kate Murray, Jessica Jones, and Claire Fogarty. The second place team was made up of Lexi Lester, Sarie Hoffner, Ella-Grace Bennett, and Lorelei Mizell.

In the individual stage the Wildcats locked many of their racers up for a spot in the Tennessee regionals in January.

Jena Gill and Sky Lee both qualified for regionals with their performances in the 200y women’s freestyle. Both Jones and Will Nelson stamped their ticket to January, with second place finishes. Jones finished second in the women’s 50y freestyle, and Nelson finished second in the men’s 50y freestyle. Tullahoma’s Murray won the women’s 50y freestyle, which sends her with Jones to compete in the event at regionals. She finished with a time of 27.10.

The Wildcats had three more racers lock in their spots for regionals with their performances against FCHS. Bennett locked in her spot in the women’s 500y free,  Tipps got her spot with her first place finish in the women’s 100y free, and Ethan Brokemarkle not only got his ticket to go to regions with his 49.19 time in the 100y men’s free, but he also qualified for state.

West and East Middle were also a part of the event that took place on Nov. 14th. East finished tied for first with Franklin Co. Christian Homeschool at 26 points and West finished right behind the two schools with 18 points.

Dallas Lopez and Damion Conner both qualified for Middle School Champs at the first meet of the season. Lopez qualified in the 200y men’s and Conner qualified with his 30.90 time in the men’s 50y free.

THS, East, and West Middle School all showed well in their opening meet and they will look to continue their early season success in their meet on the 19th, against rival Coffee County.