Columbus East’s Gavin Day performs a dive during a meet against Seymour Jan. 18 at Columbus East High School.
The Republic file photo
Columbus East and Columbus North each sent an individual and at least one relay team to the Boys Swimming State Finals last year, and they’ll look to send a few more this season.
Here is a look at those two boys swim teams, along with Jennings County, for the 2024-25 season:
Columbus East
The Olympians return senior Gavin Day, who was a sectional champion and finished 11th in the state in diving in earning The Republic Boys Swimmer and Diver of the Year honors.
“Gavin had a great year last year,” East coach Doug Trueblood said. “I think we’re excited to see if he can improve on his state performance from last year and get up into that top 10 and maybe even top five.”
Columbus East’s Misha Machavariani competes in the 100-yard breaststroke during the boys swimming sectional Feb. 17 at Columbus North High School.
The Republic file photo
Senior Misha Machavariani swam on both the Olympians’ state-qualifying 200-yard medley and 400 freestyle relay teams. Seniors Todd Hundley and Keaton Stephenson each were on one of those relay teams.
Seniors Ethan Hall and Eli Isaacs also return with significant experience.
“They’ve been key parts of the team over the last four seasons,” Trueblood said. “We’re looking for them to grow and bring along the younger guys.”
One of those younger guys is freshman Josh Pendleton, who has been a standout at the club level for several years. Pendleton can swim a variety of events.
“He gives us definitely a boost,” Trueblood said. “He’s able to do pretty much anything. He has such a wide range with his club experience. His club work has got him more than ready for high school season. He’s looking great. He will be competitive in any event that we put him in.”
Sophomore Jameson Kessler is both a swimmer and diver. Other top swimmers include sophomore Ryan Lienhoop and juniors Ethan Kessler and Mason Bean.
“I think right now, they’re working pretty hard,” Trueblood said. “They hit the ground running from the offseason. From Day 1, they’re putting in the work. A couple of them are out of shape, but they’ll be fine come mid-December.”
Columbus North
The Bull Frogs welcome back senior Diego Cotero Tapia, who was a state qualifier in the 100 butterfly in his first year at North after moving from Mexico.
Columbus North’s Diego Cotero Tapia competes in the 100-yard butterfly during the boys swimming sectional Feb. 17 at Columbus North High School.
The Republic file photo
Cotero Tapoia and junior Aarush Mahato swam on the state-qualifying 200 freestyle relay team.
“We have a chance to take those two relays back again, and then some individuals,” North coach Mike Cunningham said. “It should be a fun year.”
Senior Nicolas Bowers, junior HP Devaguptapu and sophomore Hudson Clock are the other top returners.
Junior Isaac Niewedde, who swam as a freshman, is back out for the team this year, along with sophomore newcomer Sebastian Jackson. Eli McIntyre leads a solid group of freshmen.
Dagan Kleffman and Gary Streeval are the top divers.
“It’s pretty exciting,” Cunningham said. “We have about the same size team as we did last year. We have a bunch of young swimmers coming in as freshmen ready to add to the program.”
Jennings County
The Panthers had only four swimmers when practice began.
“We’re still pretty small,” Jennings coach Morgan Webster said. “We’re not quite to the numbers we once were, but we have a pretty good group of guys that are willing to work hard, even though they’re a small group.”
Sophomore Charlie Witt was a Floyd Central Sectional finalist in the 500 freestyle. Senior Preston Harriman swam the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke.
Junior cross-country runners Zach Wahlman and Max Rodriguez are new to swimming.
“Those two have caught the sport really quick, as true athletes do,” Webster said. “We have a couple more that have been practicing with us here and there.”
