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Sports Column
Smoky Mountain's swimmers enjoyed a tremendously successful season as far as individual honors go.
Leading the way was the state championship captured by Allie Lewis in Raleigh while Megan Owens and Nick Cox also excelled at the state meet.
The Mustangs and Lady Mustangs did well as teams although they continued to be hampered when going up against larger squads that can secure more points with their depth.
"We had the largest team of boys we've had in a number of years, maybe ever," Coach Johanna Lewis said. "It was a real pleasure to work with such a wonderful team of boys and girls. Everybody was very dedicated to being as successful as we could be."
In addition to sometimes having to face squads with more than 50 swimmers while fielding 26, SM was also hurt by the lack of a pool over the Christmas break. The swimmers could not use the facilities at Western Carolina University during that time, and Lewis reiterated her desire to see a county facility with an indoor pool.
"We got off to a good start, but not having anyplace to practice over Christmas hurt us," she said. "If we had a practice facility, it would have made a difference for all of us."
Coach Lewis noted that SM's lone club swimmers - Allie Lewis and Megan Owens - were able to continue practicing over the break. Their work obviously paid off at season's end.
Seniors for the Lady Mustangs were co-captains Lewis, Liz Tierney and Corey Smith.
"Allie finished a tremendous career," the coach said of the swimming star who is also her daughter. "Being her coach has been an enjoyable experience. I think she'll be an outstanding swimmer in college (at UNC-Wilmington)."
Lewis set a state 3-A meet record in winning the 100 butterfly while achieving an All-America time. She was second and had an All-American consideration time in the 200 individual medley. She finished with six team records, was named Mountain Athletic Conference swimmer of the year and was chosen the most valuable swimmer at the conference meet.
"Liz stepped up in the distance events," Coach Lewis said. "She worked out a lot so she was able to swim those events. She was a pleasure to have on the team the past three years."
"Corey finished a four-year varsity career, and was another solid distance swimmer," Lewis said.
Charlie Graning was the lone senior for the men.
"Charlie came out this year and made a great sprinter," the coach said.
Lady Mustang juniors were Bonnie Adams, Hazel Brewin, Carrilea Potter, Paige Roberson, Ada Stephens, Alice Sardinha, Hanna Tarasenko, Sarah Thompson and Karem Ayude.
"Bonnie really came into her own as a 200- and 500-yard swimmer," Lewis said. "She didn't mind swimming the tough races."
"Hazel was a part of two fast relays that scored points for us," the coach said.
"Carrilea is so versatile and so coachable," Lewis said. "She did a great job."
"Paige did a remarkable job at the conference meet in the 50 free and 500 free," the coach said. "She showed a lot of versatility by being able to do that."
"Ada moved back from Asheville High in January and did well on the medley relay at the conference meet," Lewis said.
"Alice did a great job in the breaststroke for us," the coach said.
"Hanna and Sarah helped us out in the 50 and 100 freestyles," she added.
"Karem swam the 50 free for us and helped us on the medley relay," Lewis said.
Juniors for the Mustang men included co-captains Cox, Kyle McCay and Nick Savell along with Bryon Houghton and Lance Jaggers.
"Nick Cox had fabulous regional and state meets setting a new record in the backstroke," Lewis said. "He finished sixth at the state meet and should be a great swimmer next year."
Cox was the conference co-swimmer of the year.
"Kyle made tremendous improvement," Lewis said. "He dropped 20 seconds in the 200 free. He's a very valuable guy."
"Nick Savell was willing to do anything to help the team," she said. "He helped recruit a lot of guys for the team."
"Bryon was valuable in the breaststroke and should do even better next year," she said.
"Lance was important to us in the medley relay and backstroke," the coach said. "He was able to swim the 500 when needed."
Sophomores for the Lady Mustangs were Owens and Kaitlyn Kluge.
"Megan had an outstanding season," the coach said. "Her fifth-place finish in the 500 freestyle at the state meet was the highest for any girl from Western North Carolina except for Allie."
"Kaitlyn became valuable for us in the IM," Lewis said. "That's not a favorite race for a lot of people, but she was willing to take that on."
Sophomores for the Mustang men were Travis Brotherton and J.D. Large.
"Travis joined the team after Christmas and helped out a little bit," the coach said. "He was a welcome addition to the team, and I hope he swims the full season next year."
"J.D. did a wonderful job, especially in the 50 free," she said. "He also helped us some in the IM."
Lewis was especially pleased with her trio of freshmen men - Grant Schallock, John-Luke McCord and Joey Cox.
"They took on a lot of events that most people don't want to swim," she said.
"Grant is an amazing athlete," the coach said. "He has the talent and the work ethic."
"John-Luke did an excellent job and took on a lot of events that weren't popular to swim." Lewis said. "I really appreciate that."
"Joey was a lot of fun to have on the team," she said.
The coach expressed appreciation to her assistant, Marlies Owens, as well as Janice Harris, David Claxton and Otto Spilker at WCU for their assistance. She also thanked Athletic Director Si Simmons for his support.
"I think the boys should be really strong next year," she said. "The girls are losing Allie Lewis, but we have some other kids coming up."
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