Eagles Set Records and Earn National Qualifying Marks at Flowood Meet

An MCC Eagles swimmer races freestyle through a lane flanked by black and gold Millsaps lane dividers, shot from above at the waterline. A Millsaps "Makos" pennant is visible overhead marking the lane number.

November 10, 2025

FLOWOOD, Miss. – The Meridian Community College men's and women's swimming & diving teams turned in a strong performance Saturday in a tri-meet against Millsaps College and Rhodes College, held at the GRIT Training Center in Flowood, Miss.

The Eagles took three competitors to the event — sophomore Sydney Cooper, freshman Matthew Kirkland, and freshman Hallie McDonald — and each delivered standout swims, setting multiple school records and national qualifying times while achieving 100% season-best performances.

Kirkland led the way for the men's team, setting three new school records while earning NJCAA national qualifying marks in each event. Kirkland posted a 2:01.65 in the 200-yard freestyle (5th place), a 1:00.56 in the 100-yard backstroke (2nd place), and a 27.51 in the 50-yard back time trial, all new program bests.

Cooper continued his strong sophomore campaign by placing 3rd in the 50-yard breaststroke (35.65) and 5th in the 100-yard freestyle (56.16), with both swims meeting NJCAA national qualifying standards. He also clocked a personal-best 24.08 in the 50-yard freestyle time trial.

McDonald delivered an excellent meet for the women's side, placing 3rd in the 100-yard freestyle (1:03.11) and 4th in the 50-yard backstroke (36.32), along with a strong 28.77 in the 50-yard freestyle time trial.

As a team, MCC swimmers combined for multiple NJCAA national qualifying times, new program records, and season-best performances across the board against tough four-year competition.

Head Coach Wade Heggie praised his swimmers for their progress and competitive effort.

"Our athletes swam with confidence and composure," Heggie said. "All three had their best performances of the year, and to have 100% season-best times with multiple national qualifiers shows how hard they've been training. We're proud of where we are and excited for what's ahead."

The meet marked another milestone in the Eagles' growing program as they continue to build momentum heading into championship season. Meridian will return to action November 20–23 at the Thanksgiving Invitational hosted by Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss.

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