At the end of every season, each program thanks its seniors for four amazing years. This year, we need to recognize the senior class in the Saint Ignatius swimming & diving program early on in the year.
Every senior class is special in its own way. But this year's group of 11 seniors on the Wildcats' swimming & diving team is unique.
The most obvious difference is its size. The Aqua Cats' class of 2020 is its largest in quite some time. Head Coach Mike Lehto believes it is the largest he's ever coached. Lehto served as head coach from 1988-94, and as assistant coach during the early 2010's before returning as head coach in 2015.
"This is one of the biggest I've been associated with as assistant or head coach," Lehto said. "The number of seniors this year is the largest. And then you take a look at the talent. We don't have a superstar in this group, but we have plenty of capable swimmers."
As Lehto said, the Wildcats do not necessarily have one all-star swimmer who stands head and shoulders above the rest. Instead, the Aqua Cats have 11 talented seniors who work together as a group to achieve big things.
And it's been that way since these young men entered the program in 2016 as freshmen.
"When we got this group as freshmen, it was unique," Lehto said. "They overtook leadership roles. Over half the team was freshmen. Freshmen won't tell seniors what to do, but they led by example. From the start, it was a very talented group across the board. We had some guys go to States as freshmen in 2017."
Over the course of the last four years, those freshmen kids evolved in men. They matured, learning lessons from coaches and teammates along the way.
Lehto has thoroughly enjoyed watching them mature, as has this writer. It's been a pleasure to watch them grow up.
"We're seeing the leadership component come through. They've learned," Lehto said. "Cormac Nolan and John Soeder have seen what it takes to lead the team, and they've stepped up their game. Each year, the team concept has grown with us. These guys have stuck together all 4 years. It's the strongest leadership since I've been around."
Indeed, Nolan and Soeder have stepped into key leadership roles. Nolan received the #34 Jim Skerl Award at the winter sports rally a few weeks ago, given to one exceptional young man who embodies "AMDG," and the values held by the late, great Jim Skerl '74.
Nolan is a unique young man, too. The Lakewood native did not start swimming until he came to Saint Ignatius. The track & field star joined the swimming & diving team as a freshman, and became a quick study.
"Cormac's work ethic is amazing," Lehto said. "He came over from the track program and worked his butt off during the season and offseason with club. He's not a flashy guy in the water. He just comes in, encourages teammates, and works hard in the water and in the weight room. He's also become more vocal as far as leadership and getting buy-in with the guys."
Other exceptional stories abound. Kian Carmichael used to be a swimmer and a diver (like his older brother), who recently switched to just swimming. Not long ago, Noah Keim took up diving, but he's been a quick learner for the Wildcats.
To best tell the story, here are bios for each of the 11 seniors:
Kian Carmichael
When you began swimming: Age 3
Grade school: St. Bernadette
Years on the team: 4
Why do you love Saint Ignatius swimming? I love the environment of people that surrounds you day to day, that push you to the levels of competition Saint Ignatius is known for.
Favorite event: 100 breast
Who do you swim for besides yourself: I swim mostly for the class of both juniors and seniors.
College[s] of choice and field of study: University of Cincinnati, Mechanical Engineering
A special memory from Saint Ignatius swimming & diving: Wrestling John Hessler as a Freshmen at the winter dinner
Piece of advice for younger swimmers: Cherish both the times of sorrow and times of success, both form you into the man you will become.
Coach Lehto says: A diver and swimmer who will qualify for Districts and States. He had a nice offseason. Word association: Versatility.
Robert Gavigan
When you began swimming: Age 8
Grade school: Sts. Joseph & John
Years on the team: 4
Why do you love Saint Ignatius swimming? The relationships that I've formed that will carry on past high school
Favorite event: 50 breast
Who do you swim for besides yourself: My friends and parents
College[s] of choice and field of study: Ohio State or University of Pittsburgh / Pre-med or business
A special memory from Saint Ignatius swimming & diving: Singing hold the line with the boys on the bus rides
Piece of advice for younger swimmers: Always work on your weaknesses, don’t just give up
Fun fact: Hopes that Saint Ignatius builds a pool where Carroll Gym is
Coach Lehto says: He's a character. One of our top breaststrokers. Can swim multiple events. Word association: Surprise factor.
Daemyen Haywood
When you began swimming: Age 6
Grade school: University School & Lawrence School
Years on the team: 4
Why do you love Saint Ignatius swimming? I swim for my love of the water ever since I was 6 weeks old. Also for the friends that I have on the team.
Favorite event: 100 free
Who do you swim for besides yourself: My Grandfather and Family
College[s] of choice and field of study: The University of South Carolina and Florida State University / Engineering
A special memory from Saint Ignatius swimming & diving: Making States the first time my sophomore year
Piece of advice for younger swimmers: Don’t steal blankets from hotels and use it at a meet.
Coach Lehto says: Lots of talent. Sprint freestyle, backstroke. State Qualifier potential. Word association: Pure athlete.
Jack Johannessen
When you began swimming: Age 6
Grade school: Roxboro Elementary & Middle School (Cleveland Heights)
Years on the team: 4
Why do you love Saint Ignatius swimming? I enjoy spending time with my teammates
Favorite event: 100 breaststroke
Who do you swim for besides yourself: My friends and family
College[s] of choice and field of study: College undecided / study biomedical engineering
A special memory from Saint Ignatius swimming & diving: Freshman year when we had to fit 8 people into the back seat of a car because there weren’t enough drivers
Piece of advice for younger swimmers: “Hard work will always pay off in the end”
Fun Fact: Jazz pianist and only student in 5th year honors Mandarin Chinese (taking Chinese since 2nd grade)
Coach Lehto says: Most improved senior. Worked to make it. His goal is to get to States and place Districts. Word association: Tenacity
Brian Johnson
When you began swimming: Age 5
Grade school: Seton Catholic School
Years on the team: 4
Why do you love Saint Ignatius swimming? Because of the brotherhood we have developed
Favorite event: 100 butterfly
Who do you swim for besides yourself: Friends, my dad
College[s] of choice and field of study: Medical studies at Ohio State, University of Pittsburgh, University of Michigan, or Boston College
A special memory from Saint Ignatius swimming & diving: Overnight trips
Piece of advice for younger swimmers: Trust the process
Coach Lehto says: "Jerry" Johnson. Worked his way onto the State medley relay in the butterfly. Lightbulb has clicked. Keeping focus. One of top contributors. Word association: Developed.
Noah Keim
When you began diving: Age 15
Grade school: St. Angela Merici
Years on the team: 3
Why do you love Saint Ignatius swimming? How supportive the team is
Favorite dive: 201c (Back Dive tuck)
Who do you swim for besides yourself: Tom, Will, Chuck, my parents, and my team
College[s] of choice and field of study:
Canisius College, University of Dayton, Cleveland State /
Special Education (Moderate-Intensive)
A special memory from Saint Ignatius swimming & diving: When Anthony Fragassi got kicked out after swimming an extra 50 in a meet
Piece of advice for younger swimmers: Don’t overthink it. Just have fun and do your best.
Coach Blankenship says: While a man of very few words, Noah has shown himself as a true Man of Others through his hardwork and attitude. He strives to be a better diver but more importantly, the best young man he can be.
Cam Marcie
When you began swimming: Age 8
Grade school: Learwood Middle School
Years on the team: 4
Why do you love Saint Ignatius swimming? It’s fun swimming for a talented team.
Favorite event: 100 freestyle
Who do you swim for besides yourself: Contributing to our team drives me to swim my best.
College[s] of choice and field of study: College undecided / Study business marketing
A special memory from Saint Ignatius swimming & diving: My trip Freshman year to the National Catholic Invite and my Junior year to Barcelona, Spain
Piece of advice for younger swimmers: Manage your time well.
Fun Fact: I learned to downhill ski at age 3, I love football, and I will play Rugby for Saint Ignatius this spring.
Coach Lehto says: One of the hardest workers we have in the pool. Constantly goes at it every day. Admire how hard he wants to work. Does everything he has to do. Word association: Work ethic
Cormac Nolan
When you began swimming: Age 14
Grade school: Lakewood Catholic Academy
Years on the team: 4
Why do you love Saint Ignatius swimming? I love the guys surrounding me. They have become my best friends and pushed me every step of the way.
Favorite event: 100 butterfly, 50 free
Who do you swim for besides yourself: LESD
College[s] of choice and field of study: College undecided, study neuroscience
A special memory from Saint Ignatius swimming & diving: The Maryland B 200 free relay going a state record time but being denied a finals spot because the officials were too scared.
Piece of advice for younger swimmers: Cherish every moment, although it doesn’t always seem like it the good outweighs the bad in the end.
Fun Fact: I learned how to swim my freshman year, the team has stuck with me every step of the way to develop me to the level I’ve been able to achieve in this sport.
Coach Lehto says: Leadership first, both in the water, weight room, and with the team. #34 Jim Skerl Award honoree. Word association: Glue guy.
John Soeder
When you began swimming: Age 8
Grade school: Saint Mary of the Assumption in Mentor
Years on the team: 4
Why do you love Saint Ignatius swimming? We push each other to be the best we can be
Favorite event: 50 free
Who do you swim for besides yourself: For my teammates
College[s] of choice and field of study: Bowdoin College / Biology
A special memory from Saint Ignatius swimming & diving: My favorite memories with the team are from our trips to Maryland for the National Catholic meet
Piece of advice for younger swimmers: Trust the process
Coach Lehto says: Big John. He's developed into one of our premier sprinters in team history. Will go down as one of our top freestylers. Great guy who isn't a vocal leader. John will work hard. Word association: Humble. Gets the job done
Luke Slabe
When you began swimming: Age 7
Grade school: Saint Dominic
Years on the team: 4
Why do you love Saint Ignatius swimming? I enjoy spending time with my teammates and they make me laugh
Favorite event: 200 freestyle
Who do you swim for besides yourself: Friends and Family
College[s] of choice and field of study: Undecided, but hopes to travel the world, especially Africa
A special memory from Saint Ignatius swimming & diving: The Spain trip
Piece of advice for younger swimmers: Working hard every day will pay off at the end of the season.
Coach Lehto says: What swimming is all about. Not the fastest guy in the water, but comes to every workout, bonus workout, smile on his face. Word association: Perfect teammate
John Zaky
When you began swimming: Age 7
Grade school: Saint Raphael
Years on the team: 4
Why do you love Saint Ignatius swimming? The encouragement I receive from my teammates and coaches
Favorite event: 100 butterfly
Who do you swim for besides yourself: My mom
College[s] of choice and field of study: Undecided / Study medicine
A special memory from Saint Ignatius swimming & diving: Going to the National Catholic Invite in Maryland for the first time during my junior year
Piece of advice for younger swimmers: Working hard every day will pay off at the end of the season.
Coach Lehto says: Steady improvement through the years. Talented freestyle butterfly. Word association: Hard worker