West Ottawa swimmers earn state relay titles and strong showings
West Ottawa athletes dominated with state champion 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay teams. The boys finished fourth in the 100 breast and 11th in the 50 free at the state meet. Senior Julian Holland set program and OK Red records in the 100 breast. Jacob Fin ised distance swimmer turned sprint contributor with marked improvement in sprint freestyle.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ottawa
West Ottawa Water Works
Julian
West Ottawa
OK Red
MSU
Steve Bowyer
Austin Brown shines in diving for Hamilton High
Austin Brown, a junior at Hamilton, finished sixth at the D3 state meet in diving. He won the OK Green Conference and D3 regional championships, with coaches praising his leadership and progress throughout the season.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Junior Water Works
Austin
Eric Talsma
Joel Bruinsma Adds State Meet Relay Honors at D2
Joel Bruinsma of Holland WATER WORKS finished 14th in the 50 freestyle at the D2 state meet. He swam on the ninth place 200 medley relay and the 10th place 400 freestyle relay, plus contributed to the 15th place 200 freestyle relay. Drag race swimmer, loves to race.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Holland Grade
Senior Water Works
Zeeland
Junior Water Works
Ottawa Grace
Marc van Soest
Holland
Junio Water Works
Tyler
West Michigan
Jon Shears
Zeeland swimmer DeJonge places at state meet in three events
Philip DeJonge finished 18th in the 200 freestyle and swam in the 500 freestyle at the Division 1 state meet. He also contributed to Zeeland's fifth place in the 400 freestyle relay. Mare Van Soest notes the goal was near and anticipates his growth at Oakland in the fall.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Zeeland
Oakland
Mare van Soest
Sam Gruenler swims strong at Di state meet
Sam Gruenler placed seventh in the 500 free and twelfth in the 200 free at the Di state meet and contributed to ACC’s ninth place freestyle relay. His coach notes that his scoring at state marked his first top-eight all state finish in the 500 free and reflects his strong work ethic.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sam
Steve Bowyer
Jacob Heeres Christian shines at D3 state finals
Jacob Heeres Christian placed third in the 100 freestyle and sixth in the 50 freestyle at the D3 state meet. He was part of the state champion 200 freestyle and 400 freestyle relay teams. Todd Smeenge notes he is a great athlete and a born leader who remains humble while uplifting teammates.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Christian Grade
Junior Water Works
Jacob
Todd Smeenge
Water Works
Ian
Senior Potential Highlighted by Marc for Kollen
Marc praises Jonathan Kollen as a tremendous pool worker with talent. He notes that next year’s senior season could be very exciting, underscoring Kollen's growing skill and promise for the program.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Marc van Soest
State swimming stars finish strong in finals and relays
Ryan Langdon placed 10th in the 100 fly and 16th in the 50 free while earning senior leadership on relays. Grace teammates Derek and Ian won state titles in backstroke and 200 IM with relay golds and strong medley performances. Hamilton and other swimmers posted top-12 finishes in sprints and distance events with coaches praising leadership and growth mindset.
Sam Smith nets ninth in 200 free and 11th in 100 free
Steve notes Sam Smith finished ninth in the 200 free and 11th in the 100 free at the D1 state meet. He contributed to the state 400 free relay and shifted this season from the 50 free to the 200 free, delivering a strong swim that backs his status as a top returner next year.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sam
Steve Bowyer
Swimming recruits set for next season with strong state showings
Khadin Soto finished sixth in the 100 breaststroke and 22nd in the 100 freestyle at D1, ending a season with lifetime bests in every event. He plans to return as a top UK breaststroker and a state leader. Coach Bowyer praises Leo for work ethic and humor, while Riley lands state medals and drives team pursuit of perfection. Tyler earns praise for dedication and West Michigan success.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Khadin
Steve Bowyer
Leo
Todd Smeenge
Brad Windemuller praised as relays anchor for next season
Todd notes Brad Windemuller plays a vital relay role on the state champion team. Though not the fastest on the squad, his contributions propelled success and position him as a key part of future seasons.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Brad
Todd Smeenge
Also Mentioned on This Page
Holland Sentinel
Julian Barrios
Jacob Boersema
Austin Brown
Joel Bruinsma
Philip DeJonge
Sam Gruenler
ACC
Jacob Heeres
Jonathan Kollen
Ryan Langdon
Ryan
Derek Maas
Derek
Holland Christian Grace
Luke
Austin Mills
Michigan State
Brendan Ritchie
Hamilton Grade
Coach
Brendan
Luke Mason
Ian Miskelley
Connor Robertson
Sam Smith
Khadin Soto
Riley
Levi VanAst
Riley VanMeter
Tyler Vo
Brad Windemuller
Holland Christian
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!