The goal of any team is to finish better than they started. Improvement means your hard work and dedication has paid off. A quick perusal of Smyrna High School Swimming shows that this too is mission accomplished.
As one of the proudest athletic programs in Rutherford County high school sports, the Smyrna Bulldogs continue to build on a proud tradition. Choosing not to rest on his laurels with seven consecutive Rutherford County Swimming Championships (2004-2010) and numerous sectional titles accumulated over a 36-year history, this aquatic canine has developed a rather finicky personality. I'm keeping it.
The 2023-24 edition provided plenty of smiles for head coach Tony Trumphour and all the alumni. These Bulldogs worked hard throughout and used dedication and determination as the basis for improvement.
“This group was great to work with because everyone was so competitive,” said Trumphour, the only swim coach in Smyrna High School history. “We have great leadership and that work ethic helped everyone improve as the season progressed.”
Trump Hour used a goal-oriented format to evaluate the group's progress. Participating in regional swimming competitions set target times for each swimmer, allowing them to improve their personal level. Michael Cook (200 individual medley), Carson Liffers (50 freestyle, 100 breaststroke), John McLeod (50 and 100 freestyle), Austin Mills (200 freestyle), Gabriel Sutherland (100 butterflies) everyone got it right. The men's 200-meter freestyle relay team of Kayden Jackson, Carson Riferes, John McLeod and Austin Mills also had their best finish of the season, finishing in the top 16 in the region.
Throughout the illustrious history of Smyrna High School swimming, Trump Hour has recorded times and compiled top 10s in every event. His two Bulldogs on this team have added their names to this hallowed list. Carson Leffers had the seventh-fastest time in the 100-meter breaststroke, and Austin Mills had the ninth-fastest time in both the 200-meter freestyle and 100-meter freestyle.
“Swimming in the top 10 is an accomplishment considering all the swimmers who have come through this door,” Trumphour said. “I'm really proud of these two young men.”
Smyrna ended its season with five athletes testing the waters at the Tennessee State Swimming Championships. Kayden Jackson, Michael Cook, Carson Liffers, John McLeod and Austin Mills all wore purple and gold at Tennessee's biggest event.
“We had a great season, but the most encouraging thing was the growth of our up-and-coming swimmers,” Trumphour said. “Having former Bulldog swimmer Tyler Addison as an assistant was a real blessing to all of us. We had so much fun and we look forward to having the majority of this team back next year.” I am.”
