Now that the high school swim season is complete, we can borrow a theme from the very wise Yogi Berra. It was “déjà vu all over again”.
Once again Smyrna high school enjoyed a solid swim season. Much like virtually all of the past Bulldog squads, these one-time pups became some full-fledged Bulldogs by the end of the season.
The goal of most athletes is to improve as the year moves along. Under the expert tutelage of head coach Tony Trumphour, Smyrna made great strides. Encouraging hard work and cultivating dedication, the only swim coach in school history was rewarded by a bunch he holds in high esteem.
“I’m very lucky to have had a group like this”, says Trumphour. ”Seeing them grow and succeed throughout the season was very rewarding. One of the things you strive for as a coach Is the opportunity to connect and make kids better. Because this bunch was very cooperative and bought into the program we were able to make that happen.
In fitting fashion, the Smyrna swimmers saved some of the best for last. The Region swim meet featured nine Dogs paddling with proficiency. Julia Mangrum, Ellie Lifferth, Thomas Ketavonga, Austin Mills, Kaden Jackson, Blake Intorcia, Carson Lifferth, Tyler Addison, and Andrew Painter all sported the purple and gold with pride. Of the 14 individual swims, 10 turned in their best time of the year. The Boy’s 200 Medley and 200 Freestyle Relay teams (Mills, Intorcia, Addison, Painter) also featured their top times of the year. The 200 Free finished 14th among 45 teams while the Medley Relay was 18th of 43. Tyler Addison registered a Top Ten time in school history in both the 100 butterfly and 50 freestyle.
“These kids worked hard all year and it was great to see them finish with a strong performance”, says the coach who won seven consecutive Rutherford County swimming titles (2004 thru 2010). “They made things really enjoyable all year because they understood the value of hard work. Going to practice was fun because as a coach I got to see them grow each and every time we hit the pool. All that showed up at the Region.”
The good news for Trumphour is six of those nine Region swimmers return next year. That returning experience always can make things better for a coach.
“This was a special group for sure and I hope all of my returning swimmers are back for next season”, says Trumphour. “This team has set the bar pretty high for next year. It will be fun trying to make these kids even better.”
