Get ready for an exciting dive into the world of swimming championships! The battle for dominance is heating up at the NCAC Championships.
In the heart of Ohio, the 2026 NCAC Championships are unfolding, and the competition is fierce. From February 10th to 14th, Granville is buzzing with the energy of these aquatic warriors.
Night 2: A Tale of Two Dominant Teams
As the sun set on the second night, the Denison men maintained their lead, while the women's teams of Kenyon and Denison were locked in a tie. But here's where it gets interesting...
Men's Recap: A Home Pool Advantage
The Denison men, swimming in their home pool, dominated three out of four events. Sophomore George Goins, a force to be reckoned with, clocked an impressive 4:26.22 in the 500 freestyle, a performance that echoes his NCAA Division III 'B' final win last year. But the 200 IM event truly showcased Denison's strength, with Jack Hill leading his teammates to a 1-2-3 finish. And this is the part most people miss: John Carroll's freshman Jacob Florio, a newcomer to the NCAC, set a program record with a 1:48.69, an achievement that didn't go unnoticed.
A Close Call in the 50 Free
Kenyon's Djordje Dragojlovic took the win in the 50 free with a time of 19.96, but Denison wasn't far behind. Their 2-3-4 finish showcased the team's depth. Nick Hensel, Cam Blevins-Mohr, and Samuel Hibbert all contributed to this impressive showing.
The Relay: A Title Defense
The evening concluded with Denison's men defending their 400 medley relay title. The team, consisting of Ben Bevill, Liam Nelson, Samuel Hibbert, and Jack Hill, touched the wall in 3:12.79, just shy of the NCAC record they set last year. An incredible display of teamwork and speed!
Women's Recap: Kenyon's Dominance
The Kenyon women had an extraordinary night, sweeping all four swimming events. Senior Molly Haag kicked things off with a win in the 500 free, followed by Kelsey Van Eldik's victory in the 200 IM. But it was Lisa Torrecillas-Jouault's win in the 50 free that had everyone talking. She out-touched her teammate Kate Bogan, setting a personal best time in the process.
The Relay: A Team Effort
Kenyon's 400 medley relay team, comprising Gwen Eisenbeis, Kelsey Van Eldik, Nora Kortuem, and Torrecillas-Jouault, swam to victory in 3:40.97. Torrecillas-Jouault's anchor leg, with a time of 49.79, was a highlight. However, Denison's Lu-si Minnich prevented a complete sweep by winning the 1-meter diving event with a score of 421.30. Despite this, Kenyon's diving team contributed significantly, with four top-five finishes.
Scores After Day 2
The battle for the top spot is intense:
- Kenyon College - 719
- Denison University - 602
- DePauw University - 475
- John Carroll University - 325
- College of Wooster - 256
- Wittenberg University - 226
- Oberlin College - 213
- Ohio Wesleyan University - 174
Anya Pelshaw: Your Guide to the Championships
Anya Pelshaw, a SwimSwam writer and social media coordinator, has been covering these championships since 2021. Her expertise and passion for the sport bring these events to life. Don't miss her insights and updates!
As the competition unfolds, who will emerge as the ultimate champions? Stay tuned, and feel free to share your predictions and thoughts in the comments!
