JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Just 11 months to the day after Carson-Newman swim coach Paige McCord was introduced to the community as the program's first leader, the Eagles hit the water for the first time as a program with its Inaugural Splash – an intra-squad meet – Thursday evening at the Maddox Pool.
A packed house filled the stands at the Maddox Pool and extra seating in the MSAC's three gym area and indoor running track adjacent to the pool.
The Eagles kicked off the event by pouring cups of water taken from Mossy Creek into the pool.
"I knew tonight was going to be packed," McCord said. "I thought it was a good first show for everyone and I'm certainly appreciative of the community that came to support us as we made history."
Amanda Henderson (Bartlett, Tenn.) claimed the first ever event, winning the women's 50-yard freestyle with a 25.40 second mark. Henderson also took home a first place finish in the 50-yard butterfly, turning in a 27.32, beating out Whitney Owen by three tenths of a second.
On the men's side, Stephen Parsons (Auburn, Ala.) took home firsts in the 100 individual medley and 50 butterfly with times of 50.45 and 24.06, respectively.
"We've been doing a little bit of sharpening skills," McCord said. "But mostly it's just been hard work and the desire to swim fast in college."
Drew Rutledge (Lexington, S.C.) blazed a 48.96 in the 100-yard freestyle.
The Eagles now turn their attention to Limestone, who makes the trek to Mossy Creek Oct. 12.
"We've just got to get back in the pool and get to work," McCord said. "Our big focus will always be conference and Limestone will give us a taste of the competition that we'll actually be seeing there."
Swimmers hit the water for that meet at noon. Live results will be available at cneagles.com.
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