VICKSBURG, Miss. – Ashtin Wallace has been named the Vicksburg Daily News Swimmer of the Year, thereby making him the recipient of the Afton Wallace Award. Wallace is a senior at Warren Central High School, where he has guided the Vikings to another triumphant season as the North State Champions.
“My senior year was fantastic because we had an extraordinary team and an outstanding coach, so this was everything we aspired to achieve,” Wallace expressed.
Throughout his entire senior year, Wallace established himself as a formidable competitor. In October, he aided WC in securing a second consecutive North State Title under the guidance of Head Coach Terry Wong. Just weeks later, Ashtin became a state champion by clinching first place in the 200 IM with a finishing time of 2:6.75. He also earned second place in the 100-yard butterfly.
The state meet improved even more as Wallace claimed two additional gold medals in the 400 freestyle and the 200-yard medley.
“Winning those gold medals felt amazing, but it also reminded me that I was nearing the end of my high school journey, so I knew I needed to elevate my performance since I aim to swim in college,” Wallace added.
Wallace began his swimming journey in elementary school just before junior high when Coach Matthew Mixon from his future club team noticed him swimming at the Wilkinson-Verbeck YMCA. By seventh grade, Wallace secured a position with the Vikings, where he created lasting memories with his teammates.
“My favorite memory involves riding with my friends to every meet and cheering for my team because that’s always thrilling,” Wallace recalled. “The only reason I’m here today is because of the wonderful people surrounding me; my parents and coaches have supported me throughout every step of the journey.”
Wallace was easily honored with this inaugural award, having exhibited exceptional leadership during his final year at WC.
This accolade was named in honor of Afton Wallace, who was a passionate swimmer at Warren Central prior to her passing in 2015.
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