The Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) State Championships for Swimming took place this past weekend at the Tupelo Aquatic Center. Over three hundred of the best swimmers in Mississippi competed for medals and team points in front of hundreds of spectators. The Newton County High School Swim Team had 12 state qualified swimmers for individual events and relays. Four NCHS swimmers qualified for the All-Star Swim Meet, Mason Cheatham, Edie Pippin, Erin Tullos, and Maddux Cheatham.
In the State Championship individual swims, Mason Cheatham became the first NCHS swimmer to bring home two Silver medals, in 200yd Freestyle and 100yd Backstroke. Edie Pippin brought home two Bronze medals in the 200yd Freestyle and the 100yd Freestyle.
Erin Tullos placed 4th in the 200yd Individual Medley and 5th in the 100yd Backstroke. Freshman Maddux Cheatham placed 7th in the 100yd Backstroke and 10th in the 100yd Freestyle.
Other Cougars competing individually at State were both 8th graders KaiDee Faith Hill (200yd Freestyle – 10th, 100yd Freestyle – 9th), Emma Ward (100yd Backstroke – 10th) and senior Gage Barnett (100yd Freestyle – 12th despite injury).
