Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – September 29, 2025 – The Jonesboro Jets Aquatic Club hosted the Jack Deacon Invitational USA Swim Meet this weekend.

The event was held at the Jonesboro City Pool and Recreation Center. A post on the City of Jonesboro Facebook page called the event the largest USA swimming event Jonesboro has hosted in 25 years.

The meet honored the legacy of Jack Deacon, who helped form Jonesboro’s first swim team in 1958. Deacon also chaired the Jonesboro YMCA Swim Team Committee for some 12 years and later served as President of the Arkansas AAU while officiating at countless state swim meets.

“Deacon’s dedication laid the foundation for generations of competitive swimmers in our city and across the state,” the Facebook post said.

The invitational also celebrated the growth of the Jets Aquatic Club, now home to more than 100 year-round swimmers.

Alana Rodriguez was named the recipient of the Marie Deacon Landon Spirit Award honoring Jack Deacon’s daughter.

“What a great Swim Meet this weekend! A big thank you to all of the Jets swimmers, parents and visiting teams for providing officials and timers that helped make this weekend a huge success,” wrote Jets Aquatic Club President Tim Byrd. “There is lots of excitement about our upcoming new facility and returning to Jonesboro next year. A big shout out to the City of Jonesboro as well for providing us with the facility, cleaning crews and the help to make this meet shine like it did.”