For the 27th consecutive year, the St. Xavier Swimming and Diving program placed in the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association's (NISCA) Top 10. The Long Blue Lane finished 4th overall. Hinsdale Central (IL) repeated as champions. This season's finish marked the 20th time for St. X in the Top 4.

The rankings are based upon strength and depth of high school teams from across the nation. Cincinnati St. Xavier has claimed the title twelve times (2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2008, 2007, 2003, 2002, 2002, 1999).


 

Eighteen athletes factored in the scoring:

Walker Bailey [SR] 4 Events Owen Gee [FR] 3 Events

Liam Bien [SR] 3 Events Chase Grisi [JR] 4 Events

Tucker Charles [SOPH] 3 Events Jonathon Naylor [SR] 4 Events

Andrew Clippard [JR] 3 Events Alex Nixon [JR] 4 Events

Nathan Coffman [SOPH] 1 Event Andrew Policastro [JR] 1 Event

Sam DeMarco [JR] 4 Events Brayden Scott [JR] 3 Events

Gino Eckert [SR] 4 Events Nabil Sinno [JR] 2 Events

Jaeger Ellerman [SR] 4 Events Aiden Smith [JR] 2 Events

Josh Garza [SR] 1 Event Cole Smith [SOPH] 1 Event

TOP 8 TEAMS

Hinsdale Central (IL) 6314 Phillips Academy (MA) 5920

St. Xavier (KY) 6170 St. Charles (OH) 5875

Cherry Creek (CO) 5977 McCallie (TN) 5773

St. Xavier (OH) 5922 Loyola (CA) 5746
 

SWIMCLOUD, a worldwide source for swimming results and rankings, placed St. X third using a "championship" format and fifth using the dual meet calculations.

*NISCA ALL-AMERICAN SELECTIONS*

Led by 5-time All-American Chase Grisi [JR] and 4-time All-American Jaeger Ellerman [SR], the AquaBombers placed 8 swimmers on this prestigious list.
 

Tucker Charles [SOPH] 200 Medley Relay

Andrew Clippard [JR] 200 Free Relay

Sam DeMarco [JR] 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay

Gino Eckert [SR] 200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay

Jaeger Ellerman [SR] 200 Medley Relay, 100 Free, 100 Breast, 400 Free Relay

Owen Gee [FR] 200 Medley Relay

Chase Grisi [JR] 200 Free, 100 Fly, 100 Free, 200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay

Alex Nixon [JR] 400 Free Relay

For Clippard, DeMarco, Eckert, Gee and Nixon, it was their first time as all American. The relays were again dominant – all placing in the top 16.



 

*STUDENT ATHLETES INDEED*

NISCA also named its Academic All-Americans. To qualify, athletes must post a minimum of a 3.75 GPA and have completed their senior year.

ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN

Walker Bailey Liam Bien Diego Boord George Bradbury

Tyler Bush Charlie Cathey Jaron Dimaculangan Jake Dougherty

Gino Eckert Sam Franke Josh Garza Will Moran

Caleb Pfammatter Thomas Pitstick Jacob Schlessman Peter Wilkens

Average Cumulative GPA of the Sr. Class: 4.01 Weighted


 

A SEASON TO REMEMBER

- OHSAA Division I State Runner-up

- Southwest District Champions (62nd overall, 57 consecutive)

- Sectional Champions (55th consecutive)

- GCL Champions (80th overall, 65th consecutive)

- 10 of 11 event wins at Fred Cooper Invitational

- Coach Tim Beerman inducted into LaRosa's High School Hall of Fame

- Coach Dave Albert Cincinnati, Southwest District and GCL Coach of the Year

- Andy Kendrick '90 inducted into the St. X Hall of Fame



 

- COACHES' COMMENTS –

"We accomplished so much in and out of the water this year. I have been blessed to be a part of the Long Blue Lane. I am very grateful to our athletes, my colleagues and for the support of so many families involved with the program," offered coach Dave Albert.



"Working with this group of swimmers was a reaffirmation of what focus and dedication can produce.  Our student athletes and their families are to be commended for a "remarkable season," noted coach Jim Brower



"St. Xavier Swimming and Diving has remained relevant on the National level for over 60 years.  Our athletes, current and past, should take satisfaction in knowing they are part of something special.  We as coaches take none of the successes for granted and congratulate all involved in our journey together," summarized coach Tom Keefe.