Members of the MSMS Blue Waves Swim Team advanced to the upcoming State Championship following qualifying times during the North Half Championship meet. The Bue Waves placed second overall following Friday’s meet held in Cleveland. From 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., the all-day swim meet gathered all qualified swimmers from the northern part of the state and allowed them to compete in a variety of events ranging from the 50 Yard Breaststroke to the 500 Yard Freestyle.

Before the meet, Captain Angie Harri said, “I don’t feel as prepared as I was last year for North Half. I still think I am going to qualify for State though because there are only seven people competing for the eight spots that are needed to qualify. I plan to attend practice at least three times a week leading up to both North Half and State meet and I hope to place in the top three in the 200 Yard Freestyle event.”

Junior Madison McLean said, “I feel somewhat ready for North Half, but I know I need to practice more before State meet though.”

In the week leading up to North Half and State meet McLean said, “I will try to eat healthier and get plenty of sleep so my body will be in the best condition for my events. My goals for North Half are to remain in first place for the 200 IM and win the 100 breaststroke.”

After the meet, Captain Rhet Hailey said, “I’m super proud of the way our team performed at the meet. We placed 2nd overall which is super exciting and almost everyone qualified for their event at State meet.”

“Personally, I feel I did good, but there is definitely room for improvement. And I plan to kill it at State!” Hailey said when asked about his performance.

Those swimmers who qualified will compete at the State Meet on Oct. 31 in Tupelo.

A full list of results from the meet can be found as MSHSAA.