The Tullahoma High School swim team made a remarkable showing at the 2025 Tennessee State Final Meet held at the University of Tennessee’s Allan Jones Aquatic Center in Knoxville Feb. 7-8, 2025. With a fierce sense of determination and skill, the Wildcats took to the pool with the goal of not only competing but leaving a lasting impression on Tennessee’s elite swimmers.

Four Wildcat girls and two boys made state this year, and delivered performances that showcased their commitment, hard work, and sportsmanship. The competition saw schools from all corners TN come together, but it was clear that the Wildcats were there to make a statement.

The highlights of Tullahoma’s weekend were finalists Ethan Brotemarkle, who placed 14^th in his individual 200y freestyle, and the girls 200y freestyle relay team, made up of Jessica Jones, Hallie Tipps, Jacy Kate Murray, and Lorelei Mizell, who placed 13^th overall.

The six teammates had to qualify for the State Championship by making competitive time cuts earlier in the season.

Ethan Brotemarkle swam the 100-yard (PB) and 200-yard freestyle, Jessica Jones swam the individual 100-yard butterfly (PB) and 100-yard backstroke (PB), and the 200-yard medley and 200-yard freestyle relays, Lorelei Mizell swam the individual 50-yard freestyle (PB), and 200-yard medley and 200-yard freestyle relays, Jacy Kate Murray swam the individual 50-yard freestyle (PB) and 100-yard breaststroke, and 200-yard medley and 200-yard freestyle relays, Will Nelson swam 500-yard freestyle (PB), and Hallie Tipps swam the individual 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard backstroke (PB), and 200-yard medley and 200-yard freestyle relays. Note: PB indicates the athlete achieved a personal best.

While this ends the official high school season, some of the swimmers qualified for the even more elite 2025 Southeastern Winter SC Championships in Huntsville on February 22nd and 23rd.  The swimmers will be attending with their local club teams: Lorelei Mizell swimming for Tullahoma Swim Club. Hallie Tipps and Ethan Brotemarkle swimming for the Stingrays Swim Team located in Winchester, TN.

On the relay front, the Wildcats proved their collective strength.  The girls’ relay teams made waves in the 200-yard freestyle relay event.  Murray led off, keeping the Wildcats within one swimmer length of the leaders, followed by Mizell and Jones who closed the gap, and finally a rocket finish by Tipps, bringing the ladies in at a team best. Although the team didn’t podium, with three freshmen and one sophomore on the relay team, this finish positions the ladies for a great off-season schedule and big hopes for next year.  The relay, often a true test of teamwork, was a significant achievement for Tullahoma, as the team had to race against some of the fastest swimmers in the state.

Head Coach Wade Brotemarkle praised his team for their hard work and focus throughout the season, emphasizing how each swimmer contributed to the overall success at the state finals.

“I am so proud of this young team and the drive they have to improve with each meet.  The future is bright for Tullahoma Swim and I can’t wait to watch,” said Brotemarkle.

Their performance at the state finals marks a bright future for the program, one that promises to grow even stronger in the years ahead.  The Wildcats now look forward to the next season, where they will continue to build on the success they’ve achieved this season.