NEVADA, Mo. — The Joplin High School boys swim team started off the 2023 season on a high note by beating Nevada 468-335 in a dual on Thursday.
“Overall, our boys had a great first meet,” Joplin coach Aaron Stump said. “We won nine of the 11 events. We also had best times from both Nathan Wardlow and Parker Hinman, which is a testament to the work they put in year-round. Those two guys, along with our senior swimmers Ian Vermillion and Jackson Mordica, have really helped mentor the newer swimmers on our team. They are the reason we’re going to have a strong season.”
Joplin’s 200-yard medley relay team of Wardlow, Mordica, Hinman and Vermillion took first in 1:52. The Eagles also won the 400 freestyle relay, as Hinman, Vermillion, Isaiah Thom and Wardlow recorded a time of 3:53.
The JHS team of Owen Mordica, Jordan Goins, Jackson Mordica and Thom took second in the 200 freestyle relay in 1:49.
Winning individual events for the Eagles were Wardlow (200 freestyle, 100 backstroke), Hinman (200 IM, 500 free), Thom (50 free, 100 free) and Gideon Speer (100 butterfly).
Nevada won the 200 freestyle relay in 1:47, with Trace Gould, Jayden Thankamani, Cooper Pennington and Kolton Evans competing.
Nevada’s Gould won the 100 breaststroke in 1:09.
Joplin will compete in Monett on Tuesday.
