PICAYUNE — The Piranhas traveled to Laurel on January 15th through 17th to compete in the Winter Invitational. As a team they placed 4th overall competing against teams from Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. There were 14 teams total, competing over the weekend.
Kylie Burnnette, one of the youngest Piranhas at 5 years old, competed all weekend in the Eight and Under Division and brought home the High Point trophy for that age group. Not only did Kylie win the high point but another 5 year old, Piranha Amber Bounds, took 3rd in the Eight and Under Division that Kylie won. “To see these two girls doing so well and being so young, is really a special thing to watch,” said Coach Lisa Lossett.
Kylie and Amber competed against kids eight years old and younger all weekend. Kylie beat out the second place girl from Jackson by six points, by scoring 126 for the team. “This is extremely rare. She had to compete in all four strokes both 25 yards and 50 yards legally and two 100 yard events to win that trophy. Usually six and unders’ can’t do all four strokes. This is a huge accomplishments for these girls and I am so proud of them,” said Coach Beverley Griffing.
Swimmers having a perfect meet for all best times were Jaycee Morrison, Sam Miller, Alesha Cerniglia, Kamryn Clymer, and Colin Leake, They swam at least 10 events each that weekend and cut time in all of them. Other Piranhas making the spotlight by swimming best times and placing high for the Piranhas were Thomas Vohres, Connor Ruffin, Anna Kinchen, Kenzie Griffing, Bennett Holland, Emily Arthur, Lauryn Arthur, and Delora Denney.
“I can’t say enough how proud I am to see our program grow and so many new kids having fantastic meets. I am so Proud to see their hard work start to pay off,” said Coach Lisa.
The Piranhas will be attending their Mississippi State Championship Meet in Laurel on February 19, 20, and 21. They have to make qualifying times to go to state and as of now with only one meet on the schedule left — a last chance meet in Jackson February 6 — they have 48 swimmers qualified for more than 148 events.
“This is truly going to be a good state meet for us. These kids have busted tail since August to get to this point and I believe we will stay with the Saint’s theme and finish strong,” said Coach Ray.
