The Brewton Local Area Swim Team Tigersharks splashed their way to another victory this fall as they recently attended the Auburn “War Eagle Invitational” swim meet.
Tigersharks who attended the meet: Nolan Atkinson — son of Rob and Lisa Atkinson; Cole Jernigan — son of Lee and Felicia Jernigan; Colby Morris —son of Brandee Chase Morris; Auburn Jernigan — daughter of Scott and Tracy Jernigan; Brooke Parrish — granddaughter of Prentis and Ann Parrish; Aleigh Lanier — daughter of David and Mandy Lanier; and Sara Scott— daughter of Doug and Sheila Scott
“Cole Jernigan, age 10, had an amazing meet,” swim team coach Angel Boyd said. “Cole took first place in the 9-10 boys 200-IM, 100-Back, 50-Back, 100-Free, 100-IM, and 50-Free as well as third place in the 100-Fly and second in the 50-Breast. Cole trophied, winning overall high point for the 9-10 boys. Cole is an amazing young athlete, with a big heart, strong work ethic and a determination that drives his competitive spirit. Cole has deep cut qualified in every event he has swam this season, and will swim as a member of the Southeastern Championship team in Nashville, in February.”
Nolan Atkinson, age 9, had a Southeastern qualifying weekend. Atkinson away with five SESC cuts in Auburn, and brought home a high point trophy, placing fourth overall. Boyd stated that Nolan is a true competitor, and a gifted young athlete.
‘He specializes in the freestyle and backstroke events, but has worked hard to improve his breast and fly strokes, and it certainly showed this weekend in Auburn,” Boyd said. “Nolan will also represent the Tigersharks, as a member of the Southeastern Championship team.”
Brooke Parrish also had a great meet, although she only swam the Saturday session of the meet. Parrish placed in the top-three 50-backstroke in the 13-14 girls, top-six in the 100- freestyle and 200-Breast.
“Brooke is great young athlete, who has struggled with injuries leading in to this fall season,” Boyd said. “But she working hard in the pool and swam wonderfully during this meet.”
Colby Morris also had an outstanding performance in Auburn.
“Colby dropped times in several events, and edged ever closer to achieving 11-12 SESC cuts,” Boyd said. “Colby is competitive in a very fast age-group, where cuts in some events are 20-30 seconds faster than 9-10 cuts, so, overall Colby is doing great as an 11-year-old. He continues to be the fastest boy on the Tigershark roster.”
Aleigh Lanier, a young 11 year-old-girl, is doing awesome this season, according to Boyd.
“Aleigh, who is only in her second season with the Tigersharks, had a banner swim meet dropping time in seven individual events in Auburn,” Boyd said. “Aleigh has a determination that never waivers. She is one of the most coachable swimmers I have ever had the privilege of coaching.”
Auburn Jernigan, age 13, had some great swims this past weekend as well.
“She improved her times in five events and won her 200-Breast race,” Boyd said. “Auburn, just aged up into the 13-14 girls, so she has a lot of hard work ahead of her, but I feel confident that if this determined young lady continues to work hard, she will make the All-Star Team in February.”
Sara Scott, age 9, also attended the War Eagle Invitational, and improved overall in her breast and Individual medley events.
“Sara has worked hard to improve her glide in breast stroke, and it paid off this weekend,” Boyd said. “Sara finished in the top 12 overall.”
The Tigersharks were back in action last weekend when they traveled to Mobile for the CMSA Vance Rose Invitational Swim Meet.
The Tigersharks recently competed in the Pensacola Beach Sea Turtle Triathlon.
Lanier and Morris competed in the event.
The triathlon consisted of an 150-yard gulf swim, a three-mile bike ride and a one mile run.
Morris finished 11th overall in the 11-12 age group medaling and ranking as the sixth overall 11-year-old.
Aleigh, who competed in her first triathlon, finished 10th in the 11-12 girls group, medaling and ranking fourth overall in the 11-year-old girls.
“I am extremely proud of my athletes,” Boyd said. “We are planning on participating in many more triathalons.”