Cheers filled the Midlakes pool as former swimmers raced again, some matching times they set more than a decade ago.
Nearly 60 alumni returned to Midlakes High School on December 27 for the program’s first Alumni Swim Event, drawing more than 100 fans and supporters to Clifton Springs.
The morning centered on reunion races and the unveiling of the new Wall of Champions, which honors former Section V champions and state qualifiers.
About 50 alumni jumped back into competition, swimming a full race card that included the 200-meter individual medley relay, 50-meter freestyle, butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and the 200-meter free relay. Divers also took part, performing three dives each. Current Midlakes swimmers competed in timed exhibition races.
One of the standout moments came from Katie Baldwin, Class of 2010 and a 2022 Midlakes Athletic Hall of Fame inductee. She won the 50-meter freestyle exhibition race in 25.20 seconds, exactly matching her time from the 2009 state qualifier meet. That swim came just one-tenth of a second shy of her long-standing school record.
Aquatics Director Jack Hauber opened the event by highlighting recent pool upgrades and reflecting on decades of record-setting performances by Midlakes swimmers. Many of the alumni in attendance competed under Hauber and longtime coach Tom Mitchell.
Organizers said word-of-mouth helped fuel the strong turnout, with former swimmers quickly spreading the news among past teammates.
Proceeds from the event will support the Midlakes Swim and Dive Program. Permanent Wall of Champions plaques are on order and expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
With the strong response, school officials said future alumni swim events are under consideration, possibly as soon as next year or on a five-year cycle.
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