BOWLING GREEN, OH - The 2024-25 Aqua Cats have again protected their District Crown, becoming the Northwest District Champions for the fifth time since joining the NW District in the 2012-2013 season.
With a stunning performance at the 2025 NW District Championships, the Wildcats dominated the competition and secured a remarkable six spots at the Ohio High School State Championship meet.
Beginning with the relay teams, the Wildcats were exceptional, securing first place in all three relays, earning them an automatic qualification for the prestigious State Championships:
- 200-Yard Medley Relay: The team of Jaimeson Hong, Jude Banks, Connor Fitzgerald, and Thor Johannessen posted a 1:29.82 finish, breaking both the District record (set by St. Francis last year) and the Saint Ignatius record at the Viking Invitational in December of 2024. With this time, they are seeded first for the State Meet.
- 200-Yard Free Relay: Thor Johannessen, Ethan Harvey, Connor Fitzgerald, and Chris Saxon teamed up for a time of 1:24.47, securing first place.
- 400-Yard Free Relay: The team of Thor Johannessen, Ethan Harvey, Jaimeson Hong, and Jude Banks completed the relay at 3:06.00, earning them another win and a state qualification.
A number of Wildcat swimmers qualified for individual events as well, with top finishes across the board:
- 200-Yard Free:
- 200-Yard IM:
- 50-Yard Free:
- 100-Yard Fly:
- 100-Yard Free:
- 500-Yard Free:
- 100-Yard Back:
- 100-Yard Breast:
A total of six Saint Ignatius swimmers have qualified to compete at the 2025 Division I Ohio High School State Championship meet, set for Friday, February 21 (Prelims) and Saturday, February 22 (Finals):
- Jude Banks (JR): 200 Medley Relay, 200 IM, 100 Breast, 400 Free Relay
- Connor Fitzgerald (SR): 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay
- Ethan Harvey (JR): 200 Free, 100 Free, 200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay
- Jaimeson Hong (SO): 200 Medley Relay, 200 IM, 100 Back, 400 Free Relay
- Thor Johannessen (SO): 200 Medley Relay, 50 Free, 200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay
- Chris Saxon (JR): 50 Free, 200 Free Relay, 100 Breast
With these incredible results, the Wildcats are set to have a strong presence at the OHSAA State Meet. The team is poised to make waves, with multiple swimmers aiming for top finishes in their events and relays. The State Meet will occur at the historic C.T. Branin Natatorium in Canton, Ohio.
Congratulations to all the swimmers, coaches, and supporters on an outstanding season so far. Tickets for the meet can be purchased on the OHSAA Website. The NFHS Network will carry the live stream; a subscription is required, and itcan be viewed here.
