Keely Pennington and Sarah Smith pose with Ryan Marshall (center) at the he 2011 Area 16 Special Olympics Aquatics Meet. The women are his speech teachers at MTSU. TMP/D. Hunter

Siegel High swim coach Brandon Bushling, with help from the Stars swimmers themselves, coaches the team, known as the Speedboats.

It was an electric atmosphere as parents and friends cheered on all the participates.

The other counties involved in the meet include, Davidson, Williamson, Sumner, Wilson, Coffee and Hamilton. About 75 swimmers took part in the event.

“I hope we can do this every year,” Speedboat member Richard Mason said. “It was awesome.”

Mason, who has been swimming for the past few years, is known as the team leader of the group. He is always giving advice and encouraging the other swimmers.

The oldest member of the team, Mason, 39, competed in four events on Saturday, including a win in the 50-meter freestyle.

“It was awesome,” Mason said after his performance. “I didn’t practice much, because I’ve had headaches in the last few weeks.” He also added his times and speed have improved since last year.

Last year, Siegel swimmer Ryan Marshall dominated the field in his events, and it earned him a trip all the way to the USA National Games meet in Nebraska, in which he received two gold’s for his performance. His specialty is the Butterfly, and on Saturday he did not disappoint.

Marshall swam to wins in the 25- meter Butterfly and the 50- meter Butterfly races. The Siegel senior, also was a part of the 4 x25 Free Relay and 4 x25 Medley Relay winning teams.

His dad, Steve, said the eighteen-year old have had a busy senior year.

“He has really enjoyed this year and has really focused on school, swimming, and all of the senior act ivies,” Steve Marshall said. “These have really kept him busy throughout the school year.”

However, the rest of the Rutherford County swimmers also did well. Jarod Akkerman won the 25-meter Freestyle. Adam Boyd finished runner-up in three different races. Tanner King was a member of the 4 x 25 Medley Relay winning team. Evan Connor Osborne finished third in his only race the 25-meter Freestyle. Sean Rielley picked up four wins in the 50-meter Freestyle, 25-meter Breaststroke, and was a member of the 4 x 25 Medley Relay and 4 x 25 Freestyle Relay teams.

Zack Sutton won the 25-meter Freestyle, while Hunter Thornhill finished in the top spot in the 25-meter Backstroke. Jack Vermulm won twice in the 100-meter Freestyle and was a part of the 4 x 25 Free Relay squad. Finally, Ethan Wilson won four times, including the 50-meter Backstroke and 50-meter Breaststroke. He also was a part of the winning team in the 4 x 25 Medley Relay and the 4 x 25 Freestyle Relay.