Taylor Covington Four local swimmers continue their quest for the gold as they compete in the Southeast Junior Olympic Regionals in Rock Hill this weekend.

Cherokee County Family YMCA (CCFY) Blue Dolphins team members Matthew Mullinax,Taylor Covington, Lauren Kirby and Mariah Skinner qualified for the swim meet, placing in the top 10 during the recent Carolina Swim League State Championships.

“I am very proud of all four of these young swimmers,” said Cherokee County Family YMCA Blue Dolphins head coach Kevin Covington. “Their results are a testament to their hard work and dedication.”

The team’s assistant coach is Brittany Martin.

Mullinax, 12, will be making his first appearance at regionals this year after recording four top 10 finishes at state competition in February.

Currently a member of the Gaffney High School swim team, he set a team record in the 50- yard freestyle for boys 11-12 years old this season.

Lauren Kirby Covington, 12, will be making her fourth appearance at regionals, qualifying this year for the 50-yard butterfly, freestyle and backstroke competitions, as well as the 100-yard individual medley.

She is a six-time state champion, in addition to claiming an overall age division title during her Carolina Swim League career.

Kirby, 9, will be making her first trip to regionals this year after qualifying in the 50-yard breaststroke.

During her career, she has won three Carolina Swim League state titles, and recently set a team record in the breaststroke for swimmers in the 9-10 year old age bracket.

Also getting her first crack at regionals is nineyear old Mariah Skinner. She qualified to compete in the 50- yard backstroke. Last summer, Skinner recorded a top 10 finish overall for those in a division reserved for swimmers 7-8 years old.

Matthew Mullinax The competition will run March 19 through 21 in Rock Hill.
Mariah Skinner