Mason Comets girls Swim takes the GMC crown for the Fourteenth year in a row

Risha Chada | Staff Writer

Senior Kylie Dennison helps Mason Comets Swim capture 14th straight GMC title

It has been fourteen years, and there is no sign of stopping. 

On Saturday, January 30, at the Mason natatorium, the Mason Comets girls swim team faced the arduous task of continuing their stronghold on the Greater Miami Conference (GMC).  The swimmers and divers managed to secure yet another GMC Championship in dominating fashion, with the next closest competitor, the Sycamore Aviators, over 200 points behind.

In a coaching career that has spanned over four decades, head coach Mark Sullivan is no stranger to winning championships. Sullivan was pleased with his team’s effort but he believes one of the key components to this team’s success is their ability to compete for team goals over individual accolades.

“What I love about our kids is that they look beyond their personal goals,” Sullivan said. “They embrace team spirit and try to win for the entire team.”

Senior Kiara Anchrum paved the way for the Comets’ win with powerful performances on Saturday. Over the course of the meet, Anchrum swam the 200 yard medley relay, 100 yard butterfly and 200 yard freestyle.

“I’ve been a part of this team since I was a freshman, and it’s really inspiring to be part of such an amazing group,” Anchrum said. “There’s definitely days when I feel like I need a break, but it’s all worth it when you score a win for the team.”

Senior Reese Lugbill placed first in the 200 yard individual medley and 100 yard breaststroke and swam breaststroke in the 200 yard medley relay, contributing to Mason’s overall win. Lugbill believes the supportive team environment that the Comets have long fostered is one of the reasons they have done so well this meet over the years.

“We leave a legacy and pass it down,” Lugbill said. “In the future I know the Comets will be in great hands because we have some great girls on the team.”

Senior Emma Dalton also helped lead the Comets this past weekend. Even with the Comets’ GMC reign lasting over a decade, Dalton said that she has never felt pressured to win because she has always had the support of her teammates. In Saturday’s competition, Dalton, as well as Anchrum and Lugbill, helped set a new GMC record for the 200 yard medley relay with a time of 1:46.06. Dalton also swam the 50 yard freestyle, 200 yard freestyle relay, and the 100 yard backstroke throughout the remainder of the meet.

“I love the team environment we have, making sure everyone feels like they’re part of the win,” Dalton said. “It’s never too much pressure because we’re all trying to do our best.”

Photo by Rilee Malloy

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