(academyvikings Instagram)
Academy’s swim team wrapped up its 2025-26 season at the Division II OHSAA state championship meet, with divers competing first on Wednesday, February 25, followed by swimming preliminaries on Thursday, February 26, and finals on Friday, February 27. The Vikings had nine swimmers and one diver qualify for states; the boys finished 15th and the girls 24th.
Kicking off states, Rylan M. competed on Wednesday, February 25, as Academy’s sole diver. In his first year as a swimmer turned diver, Rylan finished 32nd at his first state diving appearance with an 81.55.
On Thursday, February 26, all attention turned to swimming as Academy’s boys squad of Ethan L., William D., Justin L., and Wystan C. kicked off the preliminary round in the 200 Medley Relay, clinching a qualifying spot for the A-final in 7th (1:37.11). Next came Kayla R.’s state debut in the 200 Freestyle, finishing 31st with a 2:03.19. As the only freshman on the entire boys’ side in the 200 Freestyle, Wystan qualified for the B-final in 15th (1:45.76).
Ethan finished 24th in the 200 IM (2:01.53). Maddie E. claimed her A-final spot in the 50 Freestyle, finishing 4th with a 24.01, and William came in 22nd with a 22.38. Wystan finished 23rd in the 100 Butterfly (54.03), and Maddie clinched her second A-final with a 52.93 and a 7th-place finish in the 100 Freestyle. Kayla followed in the 500 Freestyle, swimming a 5:41.64 for 28th. The boys’ 200 Freestyle relay squad of Max B., Boris K., Justin, and Luke L. came in 23rd with a 1:34.14.
The backstroke duo of Ethan and Luke placed 11th (53.70) and 23rd (56.11), respectively, with Ethan qualifying for the B-final. William rounded out the individual event swimmers, finishing in 5th in the 100 Breaststroke (58.73), and the 400 Freestyle relay team of Ethan, Luke, Wystan, and William closed out the preliminary session in 12th (3:18.71). The Vikings headed back to their hotel late at night, had their traditional post-prelims Olive Garden team dinner, and rested up for finals the next day.
It proved to be a tiring finals session on Friday, February 27, as swimmers felt the buildup from two days of competition and travel. Ethan, William, Justin, and Wystan claimed the Academy’s first podium position of the night, finishing 8th in the 200 Medley relay (1:38.76). Wystan went on to swim back-to-back in the 200 Freestyle, finishing 15th (1:46.02). Maddie came in 6th (24.04) in the 50 Freestyle and 7th (52.93) in the 100, capping off her senior year with two individual medals. Ethan upgraded his preliminary finish from 11th to 10th in the state in the 100 Backstroke (53.87), and William came in 7th in the 100 Breaststroke (59.14) for his first individual podium placement. The 400 Freestyle relay team of Ethan, Luke, William, and Wystan capped off a tiring two nights of competition for the Vikings with a 13th-place finish (3:19.59).
The Aquavikes closed their 2025-26 season with the boys in 15th and the girls in 24th, and numerous top-8 finishes at states. Although the season didn’t turn out as some swimmers might have hoped, with lots of time gained at states, it was well-fought and exciting, and it proves what dedication and hard work can do for a team. The Aquavikes will certainly feel the absence of their 4 seniors next year but will return with renewed determination for the season ahead.
Congratulations to all the swimmers and divers on a fantastic season, and best of luck to the class of 2026!
