Taking First State Title!

St. Aloysius swimmer John Phillips competes in the butterfly event during the MHSAA Class 1 state championship meet at Delta State University's Aquatics Center in Cleveland.

Pictured above is my step-grandson, John Gregory, who was featured in the Sports Section of The Vicksburg Post this past Sunday.  His school swim team, Flashes, took the first state title on Saturday, October 29th.  Grandpa Bob and I are so proud of you and congratulate you!

John - left front with black jacket.

From Staff Reports:

The St. Aloysius swim team saved the best for last, smashing personal bests and school records en route to the school's first Class 1 state championship. 

St. Stanislaus finished second at Delta State University's aquatic center in Cleveland.

"It was one day of lights out swimming." St. Al coach Bruce Ebersole said.  "We were just watching in amazement.  It was amazing how all of the times kept dropping.  This is a special group of seniors and this was a goal for them.   They really spurred each other on in practice."

In the 400-yard freestyle, the time of 3:35.68 smashed a school record as Andy Bell, Morgan Stone, Winston Hayes and Wally Wilbowo finished off the meet in style.  The time, Ebersole said, was at least two seconds better then the previous mark.  

The 200-yard freestyle relay team of John Phillips, Chris Luke, Hayes and Wibowo were also winners.  The 200-yard medley relay team took second.  In the 50-yard freestyle, Wibowo finished first and Stone was third.  Wilbowo also won the 100-yard freestyle, with Hayes in fifth.

In the 100-yard backstroke, Stone finished first and Andy Bell was third.  In the 100-yard breaststroke, Chris Luke was first and John Phillips was a few ticks back in second.

Top finishers in the girls' meet were Katie Martin, who finished sixth in the 100-yard butterfly, and Blaine Butler was fifth in the 100-yard backstroke.

Not only is John an accomplished swimmer but also a hunter at a very young age.  His first deer was a 10-point buck and you can read all about it HERE while sitting in his Dad's lap. 

John Gregory's first deer - 10 pt. buck!