Brookwood senior from Cairo holds four GISA swimming records
Brookwood senior Hunter Hinson signed a swimming scholarship agreement with the University of Alabama on Friday morning at Brookwood. Hinson, who was recruited by universities in at least three states before deciding to continue his competitive swimming with Alabama, is the son of Lofley and Barbara Hinson of Cairo.
"When I set foot on Alabama's campus, I knew that's where I wanted to go," said Hinson.
His swimming coach, Terry Maul, head coach of the Area Tallahassee Aquatic Club, was on hand to watch Hinson sign the scholarship agreement. Hinson competed with his club team, ATAC, and participated in statewide competitive swimming for Brookwood. He competed at Junior Nationals in December in Columbus, Ohio, making finals in the 100-yard butterfly, 100-yard backstroke and the 200-yard butterfly.
Among the highlights of Hinson's swimming accomplishments and awards as a Brookwood student, competing in the Georgia Association of Independent Schools:
10th Grade
Three 1st place finishes
One 2nd place finish
Set new state record in the 500-yard freestyle
11th Grade
Four 1st place finishes
New state record in the 100-yard backstroke
New state record in the 200-yard freestyle
Broke his own record from the previous year in the 500-yard freestyle
Named All American in the 100-yard butterfly & 100-yard backstroke
Ranked 8th in the nation in the 200-meter butterfly
12th Grade
Four 1st place finishes
Set state record in the 100-yard Butterfly, breaking a 14-year record Broke his own record in the 200-yard freestyle from the prior year
Maintained his 500-yard freestyle record
Named All American in the 100-yard butterfly
Last year, Hinson and Jackson Brannon, now a Brookwood junior, brought home the second place trophy in the GAIS state meet. This past February, Hinson and Brannon placed 5th overall in the boys' division, and Emmaline Brannon, a Brookwood 6th grader, placed 8th in the girls' division at the GISA event. The Brannons also are from Cairo.
Hunter Hinson's family brought a cake to the scholarship signing, to commemorate the student's choice of the University of Alabama.
Brookwood Athletic Director Robert East and Headmaster Mike Notaro joined 11th grader Jackson Brannon, the other half of the Upper School's swim team, to watch Hinson sign his scholarship.
Brookwood Athletic Director Robert East, ATAC swim Coach Terry Maul and Headmaster Mike Notaro were on hand for Hunter Hinson's scholarship signing ceremony.
Hinson's family gathered for the scholarship signing ceremony. Pictured left to right, front row: ATAC swim Coach Terry Maul; Hunter Hinson; Cecil Hinson, Hunter's grandfather. Back Row: Don Belcher, grandfather; Haley Hinson, sister; Ann Belcher, grandmother; Sue Hinson, grandmother; Barbara & Lofley Hinson, parents.
(Terry Maul is from Tallahassee, Don & Ann Belcher are from Bainbridge. Everyone else is from Cairo.)
