RUSSELLVILLE – After making a splash with a girls’ runner-up showing in the conference meet, El Dorado’s swim season had a bit of a soggy finish. The team was shorthanded in the final meet due to COVID protocol.
That didn’t stop the athletes who competed from turning in solid efforts Saturday at the 5A State Swimming & Diving Championships in Russellville. That included junior Payton Allman, who turned in an All-State performance and Rachel Murphree who claimed a medal.
“We actually were planning on taking 10 to State, but due to circumstances, our team only had four athletes that were able to make the trip,” said El Dorado coach Courtney Canady. “We didn’t have any PRs, but we gave it our all.”
Allman finished second in the boys’ 100 backstroke with a time of 58.08. The event was won by Russellville’s Aiden Griffith in 53.52.
Allman was also fourth in the 100 butterfly (58.23). Murphree claimed a spot on the medal podium by finishing fifth in the girls’ 100 butterfly (1:17.24).
The top six places in each event earned medals. Top two in each event earned All-State.
Jana Powell was seventh in the 200 freestyle and eighth in the 500 freestyle. Braden Major was ninth in the 500 freestyle.
“We plan on working hard during the off season so we can get another chance to make a podium swim at state next season,” said Canady. “As a team, we focus on improving each and every day, so we’re not solely focused on just winning. Having fun and improving have always been our main two goals.
“Overall, I’m proud of the way the team competed this year. Everyone’s attitudes and hard work through the season remained high, and we competed at a high level each meet.”