Sports
VSA swimmers shine at the state championship meet

Swimmers from the Vicksburg Swim Association (VSA) made a splash at the Mississippi Swimming State Championship held in Tupelo, Mississippi on February 16-19, competing against over 250 other athletes from across the state.
Among the team’s most remarkable achievements, Jack Stanley, age 10, was named State Champion in both 50-yard and 100-yard backstroke, with a total of six top-ten finishes. Addison Billings, also age 10, earned 3rd place in the 50 Free and 5th place in the 200 Free, also with a total of six top-ten placements.
Coaches Alex Billings and Elizabeth Ferguson helped multiple other VSA swimmers demonstrate their prowess. Elle Larson, age 12, earned 8th place in the 100 IM and 7th place in the 100 Back with four swims placing top-ten.
Ashtin Wallace, age 15, placed 7th in the 100 fly and 7th in the 50 free, with all seven events placing top-sixteen. Luke Larson, age 18, finished 6th in the 200 fly and 7th in the 100 back with three swims placing top-ten.
Noah Jones, age 14, placed 8th in both the 100 and 200 Breast, with 4 events placing top-sixteen. Mateo Byrd, age 17, brought home an 8th place in the 100 back with six events placing top-sixteen. Kara Rowe, age 14, placed 15th in the 100 back and competed in two relays placing top-sixteen. Emily Cook, age 18, finished 9th in the 50 Free and 11th in the 100 Free. Chloe Barnard, age 16, placed 13th in the 100 back and competed in two relays placing top-sixteen. James McKenna, age 14, competed in both the 50 and 100 Free, as well as two relays placing top-sixteen. Alex Rowe, age 16, placed 13th in the 500 Free.
In just a years time, VSA has increased it’s number of state qualifying swimmers by 33%. The team’s percentage of top-sixteen placements has also increased from 34% in 2022 to 66% in 2023. These impressive accomplishments are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the VSA’s coaches and young swimmers. The team’s outstanding results are sure to inspire other young athletes to pursue their goals with passion and perseverance and to represent their communities with pride and excellence.
Congratulations to all the members of VSA on their outstanding performance.
If your child is interested in experiencing the exciting sport of swimming, you can find out more information by visiting the team website
or by emailing VSAcoachalex@gmail.com.