Cranbrook Swimming Rallies for Third Straight State Title Amidst Adversity
The 2025 winter season for Cranbrook Kingswood Boys’ Swimming was one marked by early setbacks, internal reflection, and ultimately, a championship triumph. Under the direction of Head Coach Paul Ellis, the team claimed its third consecutive state title, capping off a season that tested their resilience and revealed the heart of a true champion.
Despite a rocky start, Cranbrook’s journey to the top of the podium serves as a compelling reminder that greatness isn’t just measured by wins, but by the growth forged in adversity and the power of a team united by purpose.
A Season That Began With a Wake-Up Call
Coach Ellis didn’t sugarcoat it—the season did not start on a high note. Coming off two consecutive state championships, complacency crept in. The leadership core was underprepared, and early signs pointed to a group that had perhaps underestimated the grind required to stay on top.
The team’s first dual meet against Seaholm High School was a harsh wake-up call, with Seaholm nearly doubling Cranbrook’s score. That early loss forced the swimmers to confront a crucial question: were they content riding the coattails of past success, or would they rise to meet the expectations that came with wearing the Cranbrook cap?
The response, though not immediate, was resounding. Coach Ellis challenged his athletes to refocus, commit to the process, and raise the standard each day in training. The following month was filled with intense practices, accountability, and a shared recommitment to team goals. From that point on, the Vikings began a steady climb that culminated in a historic third state title.
Key Contributors: Stars and Steady Performers
Despite dealing with a mononucleosis diagnosis for much of the season, AJ Farner was a cornerstone of Cranbrook’s success, capturing two individual state titles and delivering clutch performances whenever he was able to compete. His presence and perseverance set the tone for what it meant to battle through adversity.
Perhaps the most consistent and versatile contributor was Ethan Xu, whose reliability in both dual meets and championship competitions gave the team a dependable advantage. Xu answered the call every time and brought energy and excellence to every swim.
Supporting this core were Ryan VanDyke, Calvin Meeker, Sean Lu, and Joe Wiater, all of whom played critical roles at the championship meets. Each delivered top-8 finishes in their individual events, and Joe Wiater added a state title in the 100 breaststroke, highlighting the depth and strength of Cranbrook’s squad.
Rising Stars: From Consolation to Contenders
While Cranbrook benefited from star power, it was the development of key swimmers that helped them elevate as a team. Three swimmers in particular—Eric Liu, Blake Schwab, and Ethan VandenHaute—made huge strides this season.
These athletes transitioned from consolation heat swimmers last year to top-tier competitors this year, each scoring in two individual events at the state meet. More than just point earners, they served as training leaders and model teammates, demonstrating the focus and consistency needed to raise the collective bar.
Championship Mindset in Pressure Moments
Throughout the season, the coaching staff continued to raise the expectations, and the team met every challenge head-on. By the time the big meets arrived—county, league, and states—the Vikings were battle-tested and mentally prepared.
“When the lights came on, they were ready to explode,” said Coach Ellis.
The results spoke for themselves: Cranbrook swimmers posted massive time drops and top finishes across the board. It was the kind of performance only possible through hard-earned trust, relentless training, and belief in the process.
Senior Class: Learning Through Leadership
This year’s senior class faced scrutiny, but also seized an opportunity for growth. Coach Ellis candidly described their early-season mindset as unfocused and inward, in contrast to the elite leadership seen in past years.
But instead of writing them off, Ellis gave them a challenge: define the team’s goals and take ownership of the path to achieving them. The seniors responded, shifting their focus and demonstrating resilience when it mattered most.
“This group relied heavily on their training in the past, faced the challenges I put in front of them, and gave our team a great demonstration in how to overcome challenges and prepare to be successful at the highest level,” Ellis reflected.
Culture Reset: The Next Chapter
Looking forward, Coach Ellis sees incredible potential in his returning swimmers. With some of the most talented and versatile athletes in the state, the ceiling is sky-high.
“If they prepare consistently in the offseason, I believe we could see some varsity and state records fall next year,” Ellis predicted.
But beyond the individual accolades, Ellis knows that the future success of the program hinges on something deeper: team culture. The previous two seasons were defined by tight-knit camaraderie and unified purpose, spearheaded by some of the greatest captains in Cranbrook history.
This past year, that sense of collective identity wavered slightly, as focus shifted inward. Now, with a new group of rising seniors, the opportunity exists to rebuild and recenter the culture around shared values, accountability, and daily excellence.
“These rising leaders have a great opportunity to leave their stamp on the program,” said Ellis. “Not just through fast swims, but through how they lead and build something bigger than themselves.”
Final Reflections: A Legacy of Grit
The 2025 Cranbrook swimming season will be remembered not just for the championship trophy in the case, but for the character forged in the fire of early setbacks.
It’s easy to celebrate success, but far more telling to examine how that success is earned. For Cranbrook, it was earned through reflection, leadership evolution, and a renewed commitment to excellence. In the end, they weren’t just defending a title—they were defining a standard.
As the next generation of Vikings takes the baton, they do so with a powerful example behind them and an exciting future ahead.
For full meet results and stats, visit:
🔗 Cranbrook Kingswood Swim Stats on Swimcloud
Written for the 2025 Winter Season Recap Series.
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