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Watauga women dominate, men strong in final swim tune-up before conference meet

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C.— Against four Northwestern Conference rivals and a pair of non-conference opponents, the Watauga High School women’s swimming team flexed their muscles on Senior Night, Jan. 15, at the Watauga County Recreation Center pool.

Watauga’s strong senior class includes Maggie Cheves, Bridget Flaherty, Autumn Gardner, Trathan Gragg, Lola Herring, Patrick Mellon, Thomas Moss, Abi Pitts, Reese Reule, Mary-Kathryn Riddle, Annabelle Stewart, Jack Wilson, and Jonah Zeruca. Photographic image by David Rogers for High Country Sports

The depth of the 2024-25 season’s roster was on display, as evidenced by the team’s relay performances:

    • In the 200 Medley Relay, the Pioneers had three relay teams, finishing No. 1, No. 2 and No. 5. The first place team featured senior Lola Herring, senior Mary-Kathryn Riddle, senior Maggie Cheves, and junior Athena Elliott.
    • No fewer than 10 Pioneer teams (40 swimmers) competed in the Women’s 200 Free Relay, coming away with No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 5, No. 6, No. 7, No. 9 and No. 12. The first place team featured Cheves, Tessa Buchanan, Addison Wilson and Elliott.
    • In the longer distance, 400 Free Relay event, Watauga had two entries, finishing No. 1 and No. 3. The first place team was comprised of junior Macie Kent, junior Ireland Laxton, freshman Francesca Martin and sophomore Addison Wilson.

First place Watauga performances in individual events included:

    • Women’s 200 Individual Medley – Lola Herring
    • Women’s 50 Free – Athena Elliott
    • Women’s 100 Free – Maggie Cheves
    • Women’s 500 Free – Addison Wilson
    • Women’s 100 Backstroke – Maggie Cheves

With that roster depth, Watauga secured plenty of points vs. each of the individual teams.

    • Watauga 128, Alexander Central 37
    • Watauga 137, Ashe County 14
    • Watauga 137, Avery County 9
    • Watauga 124, University Christian 40
    • Watauga 135, Freedom 27

Pioneer Men go 4-1

Photographic image by David Rogers for High Country Sports

In the Men’s Division, the events were often very close, reflecting in several cases reflecting stronger men’s programs in general in the Northwestern Conference. The Pioneers finished 4-1 on the night, losing only the dual competition vs. University Christian.

First place performances among the Watauga men included:

    • Men’s 200 Free – Lanson Gilbert
    • Men’s 50 Free – Michael Makdad
    • Men’s 100 Free – Silas Powell

The Watauga men’s team scores:

    • Watauga 84, Alexander Central 55
    • University Christian 73, Watauga 64
    • Watauga 92, Ashe County 8
    • Watauga 90, Avery County 8
    • Watauga 74, Freedom 67

The 2024-25 Senior Class

  • Maggie Cheves will continue swimming career at Catawba College, planning to major in Environmental Science.
  • Bridget Flaherty plans to major in Communications at a 4-year university.
  • Autumn Gardner will attend Appalachian State with plans for a double major in English and History.
  • Trathan Gragg plans to attend a 4-year university, play football and pursue a degree in kinesiology.
  • Lola Herring is leaning toward attending Colorado State, but is yet undecided about which 4-year university she will attend.
  • Patrick Mellon plans to serve the USA by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps.
  • Thomas Moss will attend a 4-year university and study Nursing.
  • Abi Pitts plans to attend a 4-year university and study Public Health on a pre-Med track.
  • Reese Reule will attend a 4-year university and pursue a major in Biology, aiming for a career as a cardiovascular surgeon.
  • Mary Kathryn Riddle plans to attend Liberty University, yet undecided as to a major.
  • Annabelle Stewart will attend Milligan University to study Environmental Science and compete on the track and cross country teams.
  • Jack Wilson plans to attend a 4-year university, play football and major in Construction Management.
  • Jonah Zeruca is leaning toward attending UNC Charlotte, but his so far undecided about which 4-year university he will attend.

All Watauga Performances:

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