AFTER a long 22 years, Mount was successful in winning the P.M. Cutbush Shield in a tight struggle against Gambier, with just five points the difference, when the 2023 Mount Gambier High School Swimming Carnival was held last week.
It was the first whole-school swimming carnival since 2020, due to the impact of Covid and the building of the Wulana Recreation and Convention Centre.
Lake finished third 126 points back, while Tower had to settle for fourth.
Throughout the course of the day, students participated in four championship events, the freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly and backstroke.
In those events two records were broken, both by Haydn Lowe.
He broke the 15/16 Boys 50m freestyle record by 1.09 seconds in a quick time of 27.71.
In addition he smashed a 30-year record in the 15/16 Boys 50m breastroke, with his time of 36.76 seconds knocking the previous record of 41.20 set in 1993 out of the park.
A number of novelty events were also on offer.
Those included tug of war, plus pool noodle and boogie board relays.
The land-based event of cornhole was popular, with students enjoying the fast-paced competition of the new event.
The four Ironperson events were eagerly anticipated again, which were competed over a slightly shortened course due to the new layout of the venue.
Mount Gambier High School special sport coordinator Kerran Wingard thanked all involved in the running of the event.
“A massive congratulations must go to all house captains and vice-captains who worked tirelessly throughout the day to ensure students made it to events on time and were achieving their best,“ he said.
“The number of students who continually participated in events regardless of the weather was extremely pleasing.“
Next on the sporting calendar will be the athletics carnival which will see the houses compete in track and field events for the Ian Gould Shield.
It promises to be a tight contest between all four houses, with Mount aiming to complete the swimming-athletics double.
