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ST. XAVIER BOMBERS ATHLETICS

ST. XAVIER BOMBERS ATHLETICS
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2.25.25 - Swimming State Runner Up

Swimming & Diving Photos by: Cincinnati Enquirer

AquaBombers Race To State Runner-Up

AquaBombers Race To State Runner-Up
 
Following the State meet in Canton last year, it was evident that Columbus St. Charles would be the favorite to claim this year's title. St. X graduated 168 of its 302 points, while St. Charles graduated no one and was clearly in the driver's seat. Ultimately that is what occurred, but the circumstances surrounding the actual outcome were anything but clear cut.

In many ways, the 2025 OHSAA Swimming & Diving Championship resembled an eleven-round bout between 2 heavyweights. As the two squads went toe to toe, they produced the most compelling State meet ever. The final score for Columbus St. Charles of 311 to St. X's 310 marked the closest finish in the 98-year history of the event. There were six lead changes, including four in the last five events. The climax came as the "Charlies" swam a school record of 2:59.97 to out-touch the Long Blue Lane by .05 seconds. All eight athletes involved posted lifetime best efforts as the packed house at C.T. Branin reacted to a remarkable race.
 

How unusual was the outcome:
  • 1st time two teams have scored more than 300 points
  • Closest margin of victory in points (one) and time (.05)
  • St. X's total points would have produced a championship in 85 of the 98 years the meet has been contested (12 of 13 were St. X triumphs)
  • 12th highest point total by St. Xavier team
  • Highest point total by Top 2 teams in history
  • St. X has taken home a trophy for 36 consecutive years
Top 5 team scores
  • St. Charles                   311
  • St. Xavier                    310
  • Upper Arlington          192
  • St. Ignatius                  166
  • Mason                         142.5
Leading the way for the "Men in Blue" were multi-medalists Jaeger Ellerman [SR] (200 Medley Relay – 3rd, 100 Free – 3rd, 100 Breast – 3rd, 400 Free Relay – 2nd) and Chase Grisi [JR] (200 Free – 1st, 100 Fly – 3rd, 200 Free Relay – 2nd, 400 Free Relay – 2nd). Joining Ellerman on the 200 Medley were Tucker Charles [SO], Owen Gee [FR], Sam DeMarco [JR]. The 200 Free saw Andrew Clippard [JR], DeMarco and Gino Eckert [SR] join Grisi. The 400 Free Relay was handled by Eckert, Alex Nixon [JR], Grisi and Ellerman. All relays achieved All-American status. Nixon produced the other medal outcome with a silver in the 500 Free.
 

The medalists had plenty of company in the scoring column as St. X scored in every event, with multiple scores in six of the individual events. Also representing the AquaBombers were Safet Hatic [SO], Brayden Scott [JR] and Nabil Sinno [JR].

Besides the 3 relays, All-American status will be in play for:
  • Grisi 200 Free (Automatic)
  • Grisi 100 Fly (Consideration)
  • Ellerman 100 Free (Consideration)
  • Ellerman 100 Breast (Automatic)
  • Bailey 100 Breast (Consideration)

 
  • - INSIDE THE NUMBERS -
  • Gold 1 – Silver 2 – Bronze 4
  • Top 8 – 14
  • Top 16 – 8
  • St. X projected to score 269 – scored 310
  • 7 events faster than last year
  • 84% of St. X swims factored into scoring total
  • 22 St. X Top 50 times (15 Top 25)
  • 80% of swimmers had BLT's (Best Life Times)
  • 5 rookies at Canton
  • "Classifieds" – Seniors (6), Juniors (5), Sophomores (3), Freshman (1)
  • Since 1970 – 44 State Championships / 8 State – Runner-ups
  • Every class had a scorer
  • Over 2500 individual swims/dives this season for AquaBombers
  • 2 of 3 relays faster than last year
  • 54 All-American automatic or consideration from Ohio State meet
  • 38% of swims at State were from SW District
  • 44% of scoring swims at State were produced by Seniors
  • 6 of Top 12 teams from SW District
  • 3 of Top 25 teams from GCL
 
  • - COACHES COMMENTS -
"We understood for a year the challenge of becoming competitive with St. Charles. Our guys responded extremely well. Certainly, there is disappointment to be so close, but that will not diminish what they achieved. We had the opportunity to coach a group of student/athletes who focused on getting better each day. We also congratulate our friendly rivals from Columbus for the greatest Ohio State meet in history. Kyle Goodrich does a great job," commented assistant head coach Tom Keefe.

"What a meet.  The emotional ebbs and flows were palpable. Our swimmers stepped up event after event and raced their hearts out. There is a love and respect for each of them as we have journeyed together. So many successes in and out of the pool. I consider myself blessed to have been a part of the Long Blue Lane for over 20 years and this meet is one I will never forget," offered head coach Dave Albert.

"Coming home to the swimming "hub of the universe" is always special. Looking back over the year, no one could have expected a competition like this. St. Charles is a great team, and I am very proud of our guys for letting them know we were in Canton to race them until the last stroke. Two high quality programs demonstrating their abilities at the most exciting high school venue in the country," noted assistant head coach Jim Brower.

"It is a grueling season.  But when you have the chance to watch and be a part of this level of our sport, you have to be impressed. 2024-25 has been a challenging season in many ways.  However, our coaches, athletes, families and fans dedicated themselves to making dramatic improvements. It was on full display from start to finish," reflected coach Eric Breissinger.
 

 
All photos used courtesy of the Cincinnati Enquirer: https://www.cincinnati.com/
 
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Players Mentioned

Walker Bailey

Walker Bailey

Senior
Liam Bien

Liam Bien

Senior
Tucker Charles

Tucker Charles

Sophomore
Andrew Clippard

Andrew Clippard

Junior
Sam DeMarco

Sam DeMarco

Junior
Gino Eckert

Gino Eckert

Senior
Jaeger Ellerman

Jaeger Ellerman

Senior
Eli Franke

Eli Franke

Senior
Owen Gee

Owen Gee

Freshman
Chase Grisi

Chase Grisi

Junior
Safet Hatic

Safet Hatic

Sophomore
Alex Nixon

Alex Nixon

Junior

Players Mentioned

Walker Bailey

Walker Bailey

Senior
Liam Bien

Liam Bien

Senior
Tucker Charles

Tucker Charles

Sophomore
Andrew Clippard

Andrew Clippard

Junior
Sam DeMarco

Sam DeMarco

Junior
Gino Eckert

Gino Eckert

Senior
Jaeger Ellerman

Jaeger Ellerman

Senior
Eli Franke

Eli Franke

Senior
Owen Gee

Owen Gee

Freshman
Chase Grisi

Chase Grisi

Junior
Safet Hatic

Safet Hatic

Sophomore
Alex Nixon

Alex Nixon

Junior

Scoreboard