MOUNT PLEASANT — The North Sanpete High School swim team made quite the splash in its first meet of the season, shattering five school records and delivering a powerful preview of what could be a landmark year for the program. Competing against Juab, Manti, Wasatch Academy and Gunnison Valley, the Hawks showed depth, determination, and standout talent across the board.

The action ignited immediately in the opening event. The women’s 200 medley relay team — Chesney Howard, Kaybrie Kelso, Katie Jones and Aspen Tui — stormed to a thrilling finish and a new school record of 2:16.22, setting the tone for the night and sending energy surging through the team bench.

Sophomore Knight Palmer kept the momentum building with an electrifying swim in the men’s 200 freestyle. His time of 1:57.61 not only claimed a new school record but also followed his impressive appearance at the Western Zones Championship in California earlier this year. Palmer’s breakthrough summer clearly carried into the high school season.

The women’s team added even more fireworks. After missing her freshman season due to injury, sophomore Ellie Irving made a triumphant return, crushing the school record in the 500 freestyle with a determined 6:12.67. Her comeback performance brought some of the loudest cheers of the evening.

Not to be outdone, junior Kaybrie Kelso earned her second school record of the meet, powering through the 100 breaststroke in a commanding 1:21.86. Kelso played a major role in the Hawks’ dominance, contributing to multiple wins and energizing the team throughout the night.

The Hawks capped the meet with one final record-breaking feat in the women’s 400 freestyle relay. Paige Day, Ellie Irving, Chesney Howard and Kaybrie Kelso combined for a blistering 4:27.48, sealing the team’s fifth new record of the evening and highlighting an impressive display of teamwork and determination.

Head coach Tiffany Clyde, along with assistant coaches Brady Smith and Bella Yonk, praised the athletes for their focus, fearless racing, and positive attitudes.

“I’m so incredibly proud of our kids,” Clyde said after the meet. “They have been training with purpose and so much positivity, and it shows in their performance. We had so many standout races today — remarkable personal records and milestones. But I also hope that my kids always remember that they are so much more than numbers and stats on a page or even a record board. Their value and worth can’t be measured in minutes and seconds. Their amazing hearts and indomitable spirits will carry them through all this life has to offer. Regardless of what happens in the pool, these kids are all winners.”

Clyde brings her own competitive passion to the team. This summer she raced at the USA Triathlon Multisport National Championships in Omaha, qualifying for the 2026 World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain in both the sprint triathlon and standard aquabike events.

Looking ahead, the Hawks are preparing for their annual Aqua-Thon fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 22, where they’ll raise funds to upgrade equipment essential for running meets at the Mt. Pleasant Aquatic Center. Businesses and individuals wishing to support the program can contact the finance office at North Sanpete High School.

With a record-setting opening performance, a roster full of rising stars, and a community eager to cheer them on, the Hawks are poised for an exciting and memorable season.