The calendar year may have changed but one thing has remained the same. Success and Smyrna swimming are again in the same sentence.
During the illustrious history of Smyrna high school swimming, the Bulldogs have never had a losing season. Division and Rutherford County championship banners line the walls of the Tony Trumphour Aquatic Center so that means the water is deep when it comes to tradition. In typical Bulldog fashion, this current edition of aquatic canines lived up to expectations.
As a master of always getting the most from his lineup of swimmers, head coach Tony Trumphour saw execution of his game plan yield another Division title. Finishing unbeaten in girls, boys, and team standings, the Dogs will hang yet another championship banner.
“A lot of our championship was about kids swimming things they may not normally swim”, says Trumphour, the only swim coach in Smyrna high history. “We were able to fill out a complete lineup and kids stepped up to the challenge. Our development as a group throughout the year was extraordinary.”
Smyrna continued to shine after the Division season with strong showings at the Region and State meet. Many swam personal best times while the Dog relay teams paddled at a prolific rate. Hayden Fry, Carson Liffeth, Kaden Jackson, and John Maclead placed 13th overall at the Region Meet in the 200 yard Individual Medley. This same fearsome foursome claimed 10th place in the 200 yard freestyle relay. Gavin Landes, Gabriel Raffo, Gabriel Southerland, and Jacob Costa finished 16th in the 400 yard freestyle relay event.
The Tennessee State Swim Meet saw Carson Lifferth make Smyrna high history. Turning in his best swim of the year in his final dive into the pool as a Bulldog, this senior broke the school record in the 50 yard freestyle (22.70)
“I am really proud of Carson and happy to see him reach a goal he has been chasing all season”, says Trumphour. “He nailed his turn and did more swimming than breathing. It was a great way to cap off the season. For a team with no club swimmers, it was a region meet to be very proud of. I appreciate all those who support Smyrna high swimming. We had another great group of seniors that will be missed and look forward to seeing improvement next year from all of our returning swimmers.”
