The Adair County swim team, coached by Michael Little, turned in a strong and successful season, highlighted by numerous regional qualifiers and multiple entries advancing to the first round of the state competition.
Several swimmers earned spots in the regional finals across individual and relay events. Hunter Ballou qualified in the 200-yard medley relay, 200 individual medley, 200 freestyle relay and 100-yard breaststroke. Nathan Ballou advanced in the 200 medley relay, 200 IM, 500 freestyle and 200 freestyle relay. Bryson Hadley qualified in the 200 freestyle, 100 backstroke and 400 freestyle relay.
On the girls side, Brianna Hillock reached regionals in the 200 medley relay, 200 freestyle, 100 butterfly and 400 freestyle relay. Heather McCloud qualified in the 200 IM, while Kai’Den Roach advanced in the 200 freestyle and 400 freestyle relay. Anna-Beth Sharpe competed in the 200 medley relay, 100 freestyle, 100 backstroke and 400 freestyle relay. Ellie Staten qualified in the 200 medley relay, 200 IM, 100 butterfly and 400 freestyle relay.
Additional regional qualifiers included Rodrigo Ossola in the 200 medley relay, 200 freestyle relay and 100 breaststroke; Cole Stockton and Pierce Stotts in the 400 freestyle relay; Mia Wilkerson in the 200 medley relay, 100 breaststroke and 400 freestyle relay; and Preston Wilson in the 200 medley relay, 50 freestyle, 500 freestyle and 200 freestyle relay.
Adair County also made an impact at the state level, advancing several entries to round one of the state competition. The boys’ 200 medley relay team of Hunter Ballou, Rodrigo Ossola, Nathan Ballou and Preston Wilson advanced, with Kai’Den Roach and Cole Stockton serving as alternates. Nathan Ballou also advanced individually in the 200 IM and the 500 freestyle.
On the girls side, Hillock qualified for the opening round of state competition in the 200 freestyle. The girls’ 400 freestyle relay team of Mia Wilkerson, Anna-Beth Sharpe, Ellie Staten and Brianna Hillock also advanced, with Tatum Bolden and Heather McCloud listed as alternates.
Under Little’s leadership, the Adair County swim program continued to show growth and depth, closing the season with strong postseason performances at both the regional and state levels.
By Amy Pike
amy@adairvoice.com
