The buzzer rings, and the crowd goes wild. It’s race time! WJ’s swimmers dive into the water, giving it everything they’ve got. Every stroke counts as they push themselves to the limit, and when they touch the wall, they know they’ve given it their all.
“I really enjoyed this season and getting to have one last run with our group of amazing senior leaders. This is a group and an experience I will never forget,” sophomore Andrew Gerstenmaier said.
So far, this season has been one of the best for Walsh Jesuit. Six swimmers qualified for the state meet in 2025. Senior Caleb Smesko and Andrew Gerstenmaier both made it to the finals in the 100-yard backstroke. Smesko finished 10th, and Gerstenmaier placed 13th.
“I was super happy to make the meet and cement myself as one of the top swimmers in the state. I was super grateful to be able to do this with my teammates,” said Smesko.
Along with Smesko and Gerstenmaier, Kaylee Davidson qualified for diving, and swimmers Brendon Lewis, Brian Slaght, and Ethan Marquart joined the relay teams. Slaght was in the 200 medley relay, and Marquart swam in the 400 free relay. Smesko, Gerstenmaier, and Lewis also competed in both relays.
“States was incredible. It might be my only chance, so I’m just grateful to have done it with such an awesome group. I wouldn’t change a thing,” junior Brian Slaght.
The girls’ team also had an impressive season in 2024-2025. Despite a small roster of only eight athletes, the team placed 8th at sectionals. They also saw their first state-qualifying athlete since 2021, Kaylee Davidson, who qualified in diving.
“Before qualifying for states, I needed to perform my best at the district meet. It was never a given that I would make it at all, but I was so excited when I did and was able to move on to states. Even though I didn’t perform as well as expected, I am feeling very confident about diving next season,” Davidson said.
Junior Lexi Perciak, a key member of the girls’ team, shared some insight into what made this season special for the team. “We’re like a family because we spend so much time together; sometimes I feel like I see my teammates more than my actual family. While we don’t talk too much in the pool, we usually get Starbucks or Crumble before practice, so that’s time to hang out. We’re all just really close and love to swim, even if the early morning lifts or two-hour practices are exhausting,” Perciak shared.
While the boys’ team made waves with an 8-2 record and state finishes this season, the girls’ team exceeded expectations, showing that more is not always better when it comes to success. Both teams are looking forward to a strong future.
“Next year is looking strong, too, because we’ll have a solid incoming class,” said Lexi Perciak. “We had a surprisingly great season this year. After we lost some really great seniors last year, we were not sure how things would go, but overall, it turned out really well.”
As both teams reflect on their achievements, it’s clear that the Warriors are ready to build on this success. “Both teams had an extremely successful season with a very small number of athletes, and we are so proud of all the success we have accomplished,” said junior Abby Cerone.
With an eye on next season, both teams are eager to expand upon their successes. The future looks even brighter with a strong coaching staff and a talented incoming class.
“I believe next year has many opportunities to have a great team with an expected large incoming class. I think we can be great,” said junior Riley Cook.
