CANTON, OH - The energy was high for all teams and fans inside C.T. Branin Natatorium for the OHSAA Division I State Meet. The Aqua Cats emerged after taking first at the District Championship a week ago. The State Meet showcased the team's hard work and dedication. 11 student-athletes represented the Blue and Gold at the State Meet in 2024. Despite the fierce competition, The Wildcats clinched a commendable fourth-place finish, a testament to their prowess and grit all season long. 

Senior Josh Toothman ended his impressive Wildcat career as a state runner-up in the 50-yard Freestyle with a time of 20.09. In that event, Toothman became the fifth fastest swimmer in the state's history and set another program record in the 50 Free. He would place third in the 100-yard Freestyle with a time of 45.02. Toothman will continue his academic and swimming career at Cornell University. 

Senior Tyler Williams was also a podium placer at the State Meet. He would capture eighth in the 200-yard Freestyle with a time of 1:41.43. He would also claim seventh in the 100-yard Free with a time of 46.20. 

Freshman Jaimeson Hong showed his potential for the Aqua Cats for the next three years as a State Placer in the 100-yard Backstroke with a time of 50.74. 

The relay teams for the Wildcats had a tremendous showing, earning podium finishes in the 200-yard Medley, 200-yard Freestyle, and 400-yard Freestyle. 

When all was said and done, the Wildcats would claim fourt place in Canton with a team score of 166. The St. Xavier Bombers protected their crown and repeated as OHSAA Division I State Champions. It is the program's state-leading 44th swimming and diving title. 

The full event recap for our Aqua Cat Swimmers can be found below. A huge thank you to Debbie Toothman, who supplied event recaps throughout the season and postseason. The athletic department and communications team send our gratefulness for her recaps!

200 Medley Relay:

5th- Hong, Banks, Fitzgerald, Murtha 1:32.04

200 Freestyle:

8th- Williams 1:41.43

29th- Santoro 1:46.73

200 Individual Medley:

11th- Hong 1:53.50

21st- Johannessen 1:56.96

50 Freestyle:

2nd- Toothman 20.09

29th- Murtha 22.12

100 Butterfly:

22nd- Fitzgerald 51.66

23rd- Banks 51.86

100 Freestyle:

3rd- Toothman 45.02

7th- Williams 46.20

27th- McIntyre 48.28

200 Freestyle Relay:

5th- Williams, Santoro, Toothman, Banks 1:24.28

100 Backstroke:

6th- Hong 50.74

32nd- Murtha 54.55

100 Breaststroke:

12th- Banks 57.92

30th- Johannessen 1:00.32

32nd- Saxon 1:00.52

400 Freestyle Relay:

4th- Toothman, Santoro, Hong, Williams 3:06.60