Eagles Open Swim Season with Strong Showing at Magnolia Invitational

CLEVELAND, Miss. – The Meridian Community College men's and women's swimming & diving teams opened their 2025-26 season on Friday with standout performances at the Magnolia Invitational, hosted by Delta State University at the Ronald G. Mayers Aquatics Center.

The meet featured MCC alongside Delta State, William Carey, and Millsaps. For the Eagles, the season debut brought several national qualifying times and new team records.

On the men's side, sophomore Sydney Cooper turned in strong results, qualifying for nationals in both the 50 Free (24.51, 7th place) and the 100 Free (59.84, 11th place). He also placed 10th in the 100 Breast (1:23.26). Freshman Matthew Kirkland led the way with an impressive day in the pool, setting two new team records and qualifying for nationals in all three of his events: the 100 Breast (1:07.20, 8th place), the 50 Free (24.76, 8th place), and the 200 IM (2:17.35, 4th place).

For the women's team, freshman Hallie McDonald made her mark by placing 3rd in the 50 Free (28.82) and 7th in the 100 Free (1:04.86), qualifying for nationals in both events.

"This was a great way to start our season," Heggie said. "We had several national qualifiers and new team records right out of the gate, and I'm proud of the way our swimmers competed against strong programs."

The Eagles will continue their season schedule in Flowood, MS on November 8, 2025 when they join Millsaps College and Rhodes College in a meet.