Swim program returns to Murphy
By Anna Mitchell Staff Writer

ANNA MITCHELL/Sentinel photo A swimmer from Hendersonville takes advantage of the Hiwassee Pool & Wellness Center at the first Murphy swim meet in 10 years.

The cloudy weather on Thursday didn't stop the Hiawassee Pool & Wellness Center from holding its first swim meet in 10 years. The water teemed as kids of all ages swam their hardest, as a supportive crowd cheered from the sidelines.

The Murphy Swim team competed against the Henderson Hammerheads with 48 swimmers on the Murphy team, and

13 swimmers for Henderson. The crowd rallied the swimmers on as they swam freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke, and medley races.

Children as young as six and as old as 19 swam against each other. The hardwork and determination of the swimmers was apparent with every stroke that was taken at the meet, especially with six-yearold Valen Hargett. The crowd applauded the brave work of Valen, as his father Dillion Hargett coached his son slowly but surely to the finish.

For many of the kids, the swim team not only serves as a way in which to compete, but an opportunity to develop a sense of comfort in and around water.

ANNA MITCHELL/Sentinel photo Two swimmers race to the finish in an exciting medley race. Murphy and Hendersonville competed in the first swim meet in Murphy in many years. Murphy led the meet when it was called before it was completed because of lightning. The crowd enjoyed watching the swimmers compete.

While the meet was called on account of lightening, family and friends enjoyed coming out and watching the races as well as seeing swimming finally return to Murphy.

ANNA MITCHELL/Sentinel photo Travis Gibson helps Murphy swimmers practice before the swim meet at the Hiawassee Pool & Wellness Center. Swimmers as young as six and as old as 19 competed in freestyle breaststroke, butterfly and medley races. ANNA MITVCHELL/Sentinel photo Left, Valen Hargett bravely swims to the finish line at the swim meet. Above, Katie Beaver gives her best effort at the first swim meet in Murphy in 10 years.