SWAT Makes Splash in Fall Meets

The Southern Waters Aquatic Team (SWAT) has had an active fall season completing three USA meets over the last five weeks. SWAT began the season with the CMSA Fall Invitational October 9-11 with a third place team finish. Eighteen swimmers placed in the top ten for their age divisions.

Jackson Tunks (12, Fairhope) turned in the highest score overall and placed first in the Boys’ 11-12 division swimming to first in nine out of ten events. Five other SWAT swimmers finished in the top ten for the Boys age divisions. Griffin Mahoney (10, Daphne) placed tenth, Stephen Jellenc (13, Montrose) finished third, Kevin Pollard (14, Fairhope) finished sixth, Tyler Phelps (15, Loxley) and Michael Dubose (18, Daphne) tied for a fourth place finish and Ben Morseth (16, Jackson) finished seventh.

Olivia Hudson (13, Fairhope) placed first in the Girls 13-14 division and was joined in the top ten by teammates Trista Phelps (13, Loxley) placing fifth and Meredith Phillips (13, Daphne) placing eighth. Top ten swimmers in other Girls’ age divisions includes Emily Feldvoss (8, Daphne) finishing second, Kristen Matus (8, Point Clear) finishing fifth, and Emily Beaver (8, Loxley) finishing seventh in the 8 and under division. In the Girls’ 11-12 division were Taylor Mahoney (12, Daphne) finishing second, Sophie Feldvoss (12, Daphne) finishing fifth, Haley Kennett (11, Spanish Fort) finishing sixth and Katie Phelps (12, Loxley) in ninth place. Hannah Legg (15, Fairhope) finished fifth in the Girls 15 and over division.

SWAT traveled to the SE War Eagle Invitational held at the James E. Martin Aquatics Center in Auburn on October 23-25. Jackson Tunks received a third place trophy for the 11-12 Boys’ division. Other top ten finishers in multiple events were Olivia Hudson, Meredith Phillips, Hannah Legg, Stephen Jellenc and Kevin Pollard. Top ten finishers in a single event were Ben Morseth, Tyler Phelps, Fran Harris (13, Mobile), Kennedy Hendryx (9, Fairhope) and Taylor Mahoney.

SWAT swam to fifth place at the CMSA Vance Rose Invitational November 13-15 with thirteen top ten finishers. In Girls’ division were three second place finishers including Emily Beaver in the 8 and under division, Meredith Phillips in the 13-14 division and Hannah Legg in the 15 and over division. Also finishing in the top ten were Kennedy Hendryx (9, Fairhope) finishing eighth and Tara Suhs (12, Daphne) finishing tenth. In the 13-14 division Trista Phelps finished fourth and Francis Harris (13, Mobile) finished seventh.

Six swimmers finished in the Boys’ top ten including Jackson Tunks, who turned in the highest score overall and finished first in the 11-12 division. Stephen Jellenc was first place finisher in the 13-14 age division, and Kevin Pollard finished fourth. In the 15 and over division were Tyler Phelps finishing sixth, Thomas Shane (16, Fairhope) finishing seventh, and Ben Morseth finishing eighth.

Three Girls’ relay teams achieved third place finishes. In the 11-12 200-yard freestyle were Hailey Kennett (11, Spanish Fort), Tara Suhs, Sarah Hussain (11, Jackson), Ramsey Shane (11, Fairhope). In the 8 and under 100-yard freestyle were Emily Beaver, Caroline Curenton (7, Fairhope) Sydney Jane Hendryx (7, Fairhope) and Megan Short (8, Spanish Fort). Eight and under Girls competing in the 100-yard Medley were Syndey Jane Hendryx, Amanda White (8, Spanish Fort), Megan Short, and Emily Beaver.

“The hard work of SWAT coaches and swimmers has paid off at our Fall meets,” says Head Coach Rich Suhs. “We have added new elements to the program including our new coach, Lauren Bonfe. The swimmers are responding quite well to our practices. The times, technique, and endurance have all improved, and that’s what we are constantly striving for.”