The 2024 high school swim season officially kicked off with the Rick Cohn Invitational, held at the Hopkinsville Aquatic Center, named after the late coach who inspired countless swimmers in the area. Both the Hopkinsville High School Tigers and Christian County Colonels showcased determination and talent in the season opener, delivering commendable performances in both individual and relay events.
Hopkinsville High School Tigers
The Hopkinsville girls’ swim team finished eighth overall, scoring four points in a highly competitive field. Several swimmers stood out with their strong individual performances:
- Saralynn Major: 10th in the 50-yard freestyle (30.67) and 11th in the 100-yard freestyle (1:08.78).
- Kaley Bangart: 13th in the 100-yard freestyle (1:09.88) and 19th in the 50-yard freestyle (34.36).
- Kaydon Coats: 14th in the 50-yard freestyle (33.14) and 15th in the 100-yard freestyle (1:14.87).
- Evelyn Bangart: 16th in the 100-yard freestyle (1:16.46) and 17th in the 50-yard freestyle (34.17).
- Madelin Macario: 16th in the 100-yard backstroke (1:48.48) and 24th in the 50-yard freestyle (36.64).
- Payton Trapp: 30th in the 100-yard freestyle (1:30.83) and 32nd in the 50-yard freestyle (39.89).
In relay events, the Tigers displayed their teamwork and competitive edge:
- The 200-yard freestyle relay team placed fifth with a time of 2:12.49, while a second relay team finished 11th in 2:45.80.
- The 400-yard freestyle relay team secured seventh place in 4:56.49, with a second team finishing 11th in 6:32.69.
Christian County High School
The Christian County swim teams, featuring both girls and boys, also put forth strong performances at the Invitational, with several swimmers achieving notable results.
Lady Colonels
- Addison Peck: 12th in the 50-yard freestyle (32.31) and 17th in the 100-yard freestyle (1:17.15).
- Addison Renshaw: 14th in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:40.97) and 17th in the 50-yard freestyle (34.17).
- Sarah Kate Gilliam: 22nd in the 50-yard freestyle (35.47) and 32nd in the 100-yard freestyle (1:34.05).
- Kaydence Harrison: 26th in the 50-yard freestyle (37.34) and 28th in the 100-yard freestyle (1:28.33).
- Alyssa Mase: 35th in the 100-yard freestyle (2:11.70) and 40th in the 50-yard freestyle (57.63).
The Lady Colonels excelled in their relay events:
- The 200-yard freestyle relay team finished eighth in 2:23.21.
- The 400-yard freestyle relay team placed ninth with a time of 5:44.92.
In relay events, the Lady Colonels’ efforts stood out:
- The 200-yard freestyle relay team finished eighth in 2:23.21.
- The 400-yard freestyle relay team placed ninth with a time of 5:44.92.
Colonels Boys
The young Christian County boys’ team demonstrated promise and determination, with several standout performances:
- Shemar Barker: 12th in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:35.44) and 21st in the 50-yard freestyle (31.08).
- Kolton Parker: 15th in the 100-yard backstroke (1:36.15) and 26th in the 50-yard freestyle (34.60).
- Sam Peck: 25th in the 100-yard freestyle (1:31.72) and 29th in the 50-yard freestyle (36.86).
- Jackson Downey: 26th in the 100-yard freestyle (1:38.18) and 35th in the 50-yard freestyle (43.32).
Relay performances by the boys’ team were equally commendable:
- The 200-yard freestyle relay team finished 11th in 2:29.96.
- The 400-yard freestyle relay team placed eighth with a time of 5:10.35.
A Strong Start for Both Programs
The Rick Cohn Invitational highlighted the depth and talent of both the Hopkinsville and Christian County swim teams. While the Tigers showcased strong finishes in their relay teams and individual events, the Colonels demonstrated promising potential, especially with their young boys’ team.
As the season progresses, both teams are poised to build on this momentum, with fans eagerly anticipating even greater performances in the meets ahead.
