Pair of Top Five finishes lead Cats to IN Top 20

Special to the News

A historic 2025-26 Mount Vernon High School Boys Swim season has come to an end over the weekend at the state finals in Indianapolis. The team finished in the top 20 at 19th with 31 points, the highest finish in over a decade.

The Wildcats were led by senior Ozzy Jankowski’s finishes of third in the 100 butterfly and fourth in the 100 backstroke, breaking his own school records in both the events. Jankowski’s preliminary 100 butterfly time was an automatic All American time standard of 48.37 and a winter Junior National cut. His 100 backstroke time of 49.74 was an All American consideration time, to be released in June.

The 200 Freestyle team of Jankowski, sophomore Camas O’Daniel, sophomore CJ Gentry, and senior Clayton Green finished in 27th place, holding close to their Sectional showings. Three of the four swimmers were first time State participants and swam very well and gained invaluable experience. Jankowski’s 50 free lead-off time ranks third on the Mount Vernon All Time Top 16 list. Alternates Ryan McCollum, John Bohleber, and Sam Reinitz provided excellent deck presence for the team and set their sights on future goals to return again.

This season has maintained the tiny but mighty mantra, making waves at every competition.

Coach Errin Jankowski told the seniors, “Congrats to seniors, Clayton, Ozzy, and Ryan! Your leadership and guidance to your teammates has set the vision and held the standards high. Congratulations and good luck in your futures. Your foundation of hard work and determination will make you strong men in your communities and families.”