TRM swim dazzles at sectionals

The T.R. Miller Swim team secured top finishes at sectionals this past Friday and Saturday at Bishop State College in Mobile. The boys team finished second overall and the girls team placed sixth overall, with many of its members qualifying to the state championships in Auburn next month.

Swim coach Angel Boyd said the team swam an amazing meet.

“The time standards for state were tough, and the competition at sectionals were cut throat,” Boyd said. “Our Tigers stepped up to the challenge and showed how mighty they can roar. I’m so proud of our entire team. They are an amazing group of young men and women, and a pleasure to coach.”

Tigers who attended sectionals were:

• Cole Jernigan;

• Dawson Varner;

• Sailor Smith;

• Dean Thelen;

• Sara Scott;

• Elizabeth Glass;

• Mac Baxter;

• Chris Guthrie;

• Jocelyn Carpenter;

• Caleb Kent; and

• Nolan Atkinson.

Jernigan, who amassed a great season going into sectionals, continued to shine as he qualified for state in the preliminaries in both of his individual events, the 200 freestyle and the 50 freestyle. Cole then proceeded to final in both events scoring deep points for the Tigers.

“(Jernigan) is a true leader, who works hard, cares for his teammates and has such a humbleness about him,” said Boyd. Baxter had a banner weekend swimming the 200 and 500 freestyles individually in addition to the team relays. He moved on to finals in both events  securing the 200 Freestyle championship cut for State, and swimming his way to a third place overall finish in the 500 freestyle, to secure a spot in that event at state as well.

“(Baxter) continues to amaze me everyday, through his leadership and work ethic,” Boyd said.

Atkinson and Scott made finals in the 200 freestyle earning valuable points for our TRM Tigers.

The TRM boys medley relay team of Jernigan, Baxter, Kent and Atkinson qualified for the state championship after finishing in the top-three in the finals.

The TRM girls medley relay team of Carpenter, Scott, Smith and Glass qualified for the state championship after placing in the top-three in the finals. TRM beat out Satsuma, Houston Academy, Faith Academy and Goshen to secure the spot to Auburn.

The boys’ 200 freestyle relay team of Atkinson, Thelen, Baxter and Jernigan finished second overall at sectionals. The team made the cut in the preliminaries to swim at state.

The girls’ 200 freestyle relay team of Glass, Carpenter, Smith and Scott swam a stellar preliminary to earn a spot at state.

“They were determined to swim their way to state, and nothing was gonna stop them,” said Boyd. “I’m so proud of the team work and effort these girls showed this weekend. They showed up and showed everyone what it means to come from TR Miller.”

The boys team finished second overall in 1-5A finishing behind the defending State Champion St. Paul Saints.

The Girls which consisted of only four swimmers from TRM, ended up sixth overall, beating out teams such as Satsuma, Andalusia, Bayside, Straughn, and Cottage Hill.

The Tigers will travel to Auburn for the AHSAA State Championship meet Dec. 9 and Dec. 10.

The Tigers are coached by Boyd and school sponsor, Lisa Atkinson.