Melissa Hughes established herself as one the finest swimmers to ever compete for Big Piney High School. During her four years as a swimmer, Hughes set or broke seven school records as well as one conference record. After twenty-five years, Melissa still owns the school record for the 100 yard backstroke.
As a freshman, Melissa broke the school record in the 100 yard backstroke while placing fifth at the Wyoming State Swim Meet. She also teamed with three other Lady Punchers to set a school record in the 200 medley relay.
During her sophomore season, Hughes placed second in the 100 yard back and the 50 yard free. Both of these high finishes earned her Wyoming All-State Swim honors. She also teamed with others to a third place finish in the 400 yard free relay. Along the way in this her second season, Melissa set school records in the 100 yd back, the 50 yd free, and the 100 yd free. Her versatility was proven as she qualified for the state meet in every event except diving.
Melissa's junior year was just as impressive if not more so as she brought home gold in the 100yd back. She also earned a second place medal in the 50yd free. School records were again set in the 100yd back as well as the 200yd IM. Her 100yd back earned her a prestigious NISCA Top Ten Award for her sixth fastest time in the state in all classes.
Hughes senior year was again highlighted by qualifying all events (except diving) for the Wyoming State Meet. Individually, Melissa finished second in the 100yd back and third in the 50yd free. She did bring home another gold medal as part of a talented 400yd Free Relay. Melissa added a Southwest Wyoming Conference record to her list of accomplishments by winning the 100yd free at the conference meet.
During Melissa’s four years, the Lady Punchers finished in the top four at state in three years with an outstanding runner-up finish in her senior year.
Now a mother of two young athletes, Melissa works as a registered nurse at Goshen County Public Health and lives with her husband Tim on a ranch near Torrington.