Spring is finally on the horizon and that can only mean one thing. It’s time again for Boothbay Region High School (BRHS) senior Hannah Hills, 17, and Police Officer Larry Brown, who will be 72 on March 17, to face off for their 5th annual swimming competition. 

It all started in 2019 when the then 12-year-old Hills and Brown challenged each other to a mile swim in honor of Brown’s birthday. Hills won. The pair have competed since, sometimes adjusting the terms to accommodate for Brown's past shoulder and knee surgeries. 

This year saw Hills swimming 75 yards versus Brown’s 50 yards. The pair were joined by Hills’ brother, Byran, and Sophie White. 

“(Brown) always been huge in our town. He's meant a lot to a lot of people so ... keeping (this competition) going has kind of been like keeping his legacy going,” said Hills. 

Brown also had kind words for his competitor, describing her as a “leader” athletically, academically and theatrically. Hill, along with her fellow Drama Club members, will be heading to the state one-act theater competition later this month. “She's an extraordinary young lady.”

Hills is also a recent record breaker for the Boothbay Region YMCA Dolphins swim team, clocking in at 21: 51: 96 minutes for her 1650 Free swim. This broke the previous time held by Evy Case, BRHS class of 2018, by almost a full minute.  

“It was insane,” said Hills. Running the numbers beforehand, she knew it would be close, but she still hadn't expected the accomplishment. The post-swim exhaustion also kept her from immediately appreciating it. “I was on a high for the next two days, like ‘I can’t believe I just did that.’ It's been my goal for 12 years to have my name on that board.”  

Hills is referring to the Dolphins record board hanging on the wall above the Y pool. Her record will soon be on the board.

Ultimately, it was a tight race, but Brown took the victory lap with .44 seconds to spare. Their final times were Brown: 45.08 secs, Hills: 45.52 secs.