Tiger Shark Swim Team Finishes Up Impressive Season With State Honors

The Tiger Sharks competed against approximately 30 teams from all over the state.

Commerce had strong performances by a number of individuals, particularly Kate Massey, who swam well in several events including a first-place finish in the girls’ 11-12, 50 butterfly.

The Tiger Shark Relay teams were on point as well, earning awards in almost every relay event.

The 14-under girls’ 200 freestyle relay team narrowly missed out on a first-place time by a marginal .45 seconds.

“Even though you place well in your district, you are never sure how you will perform at the state level,” said Tiger Shark coach, Pam Minish. “There were several teams we had never seen before. It’s a tough meet. Placing here really means something.”

Even with stiff competition, almost every single Commerce swimmer spent time on the awards podium.

“They (the swimmers) did an outstanding job,” said Tiger Shark head coach Nick Moulton. “It was a learning experience for some of our younger swimmers. We will definitely be back for more next year.”

As the recreation swim season comes to a close, coach Minish finds the conclusion bittersweet.

“It was a very rewarding year,” said Minish. “They all did such a great job. I don’t know what to do on Monday mornings now. I think the kids will feel the same way.”

The Tiger Sharks will have to wait patiently for the next season to roll around, but for now, they can relish in the many accomplishments they have shared this summer.

Swimmers Placing at state were:

Boys 8-u: Austin Ackerman, second place, 25 backstroke (21.5) and fourth, 25 freestyle (17.86).

Girls 8-u: Lauren Massey, third, 100 individual medley (1:35.74) and fourth, 25 butterfly (18.18), Madison Epps, eighth, 25 backstroke (24.92), Lauren Massey, Madison Epps, Logan Collins and Ansley Ayers, fourth, 100 freestyle relay (1:20.65).

Girls 10-u: Samantha Davidson, third, 25 freestyle (15.37).

Girls 12-u: Kate Massey, first, 100 individual medley (1:10.56) and second, 50 butterfly (30.27), Kennedy Smith, Kate Massey, McKenzie McRee and Kaylee Vandiver, third, 200 medley relay (2:23.57), and Kennedy Smith, Kate Massey, McKenzie McRee and Kyla McCook, fifth, 200 freestyle relay (2:07.94).

Girls 14-u: Kendall Moon, third, 50 breaststroke (37.07) and fourth, 50 backstroke (32.88), Anna Hardy, fifth, 50 freestyle (28.50), Kendall Moon, Anna Hardy, Jessie Pritchett and Ashley Harold, fourth, 200 medley relay (2:16.46) and second, freestyle relay (1:57.95).

Boys 18-u: Jonathan Book, seventh, 100 freestyle (54.57) and eighth, 50 freestyle (24.20), Dalton Dean, fourth, 50 backstroke (28.47), Jonathan Book, Dalton Dean, Dawson Knick and Clay Pritchett, fourth, 200 medley relay (1:51.53) and eighth, freestyle relay (1:43.23).

Girls 18-u: Hayden McRee, fifth, 100 individual medley (1:11.16) and fifth, 50 breaststroke (37.50), Hayden Mcree, Hannah McRee, Emmie Burley and Allison Blatchford, eighth, 200 medley relay (2:16.77).