Ellsworth High School Boys Swim Team Makes Waves in a Record-Breaking 2025 Winter Season
Under the guidance of Coach Jim Goodman, the Ellsworth High School Boys Swimming and Diving Team completed one of its most impressive seasons in recent memory. With a strong mix of experienced seniors, versatile underclassmen, and a culture of commitment, the 2025 season was defined by achievement in the pool, excellence in the classroom, and leadership across the board.
The Eagles emerged as champions of the Penobscot Valley Conference (PVC) and claimed a third-place finish at the State Championships, competing valiantly against schools with significantly larger rosters. Their 7-1 regular season record was a testament to the team's depth and determination. But as Coach Goodman emphasized, their success was about far more than medals — it was about growth, teamwork, and relentless effort from every swimmer.
Team Effort Fuels Championship Run
While many programs rely on a few standout athletes, Ellsworth’s strength this season came from its unity. “The entire team made major contributions during the season,” said Coach Goodman. “All contributed to the overall success, which resulted in winning the Penobscot Valley Conference championship and placing third in the state.”
That collective effort was reflected meet after meet, with swimmers steadily improving their personal bests and pushing one another to achieve more. However, several standout performers helped lead the charge.
Leading the Pack: Swett, Jester, Erlanson, and More
Senior Kobe Swett was a true force of nature this season. Not only was he a dominant diver, but he also contributed significantly to distance and other swimming events. His versatility and competitive edge earned him dual honors as PVC Swimmer of the Year and Diver of the Year, accolades that speak volumes about his influence in and out of the pool.
Joining him as key contributors were Cavan Jester, Andy Erlanson, Noah Frost, Charlie Birdsall, Tyler Hollenback, and Eden Klein — all of whom earned high point totals in their individual strokes. These swimmers consistently placed first in their events and relays at the conference meet and secured top positions at the state level as well.
Both Swett and Jester were also named to the Maine State All-State Team, while the group as a whole earned Conference All-Star Team honors, a reflection of their consistent excellence and leadership throughout the season.
Academic Achievements Match Athletic Success
Excellence at Ellsworth High School isn't limited to athletic competition. The boys' and girls' swimming teams combined to achieve an overall team GPA of 3.714, earning them the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (NISCA) Scholar Team Award. This academic honor shows that the team’s success extends beyond the pool — they are well-rounded student-athletes who understand the value of balance, discipline, and hard work.
Coach Goodman was especially proud of this aspect, noting that the dedication required for athletic success carried over into the classroom seamlessly: “The team performed in an excellent manner academically throughout the season.”
No One Moment, Just Constant Growth
When asked about turning points or key moments that defined the season, Coach Goodman emphasized that it wasn’t about a single race or one meet. Instead, it was the steady improvement of the team as a whole — the kind of growth that comes from daily effort.
“It was a continuous process of improving every meet,” Goodman explained. “Each swimmer worked hard to make best times for their events as the season progressed.” This long-term mentality kept the team focused on improvement and peaking at just the right time for the championship meets.
Rising to Challenges with Grit and Grace
Injuries, fatigue, and the pressure of competition are part of every swim season, but Ellsworth handled adversity with resilience and class. “The team responded as expected — with integrity, dedication to the sport, and sportsmanship,” said Goodman. That mindset helped them persevere through tough training weeks, bounce back from setbacks, and maintain focus on their long-term goals.
Whether it was recovering from a tough loss or adapting to lineup changes, the athletes leaned on each other and kept their collective eyes on the prize.
Seniors Set the Standard
Though the Eagles are graduating a small senior class, their influence will linger long after they depart. Led by Kobe Swett, the seniors offered not just performance but mentorship and a winning mentality.
“The seniors brought experience and mentorship for the younger swimmers,” said Goodman. “They fostered a spirit of winning, teamwork, and sportsmanship.” Their impact wasn’t just seen in relays or podium finishes — it was felt in the positive tone they set at practices, the encouragement they gave to freshmen, and the example they provided in academic dedication.
Looking Ahead: Building on a Strong Foundation
With only a few seniors graduating, Coach Goodman is enthusiastic about the team’s prospects for next season. “We have a solid cadre of excellent swimmers returning,” he said. The program is also welcoming a small but talented incoming freshman class, providing depth and fresh energy to the lineup.
This continuity ensures that Ellsworth will not be starting from scratch next year. Instead, they will be building on a foundation of experience, skill, and a proven winning culture. With many of the top performers returning, expectations for another championship-caliber season are well within reach.
Offseason Development: More Than Just Swimming
Improvement for Ellsworth swimmers doesn’t end with the final buzzer of the winter season. Many of the athletes will continue honing their skills through club swimming or other spring sports. This cross-training approach keeps them active, enhances their athletic versatility, and contributes to their overall development.
“The swimmers all have other activities to get involved in,” said Goodman. “Some are age-group club swimmers, and they will improve their skills. Others do spring sports, which help them become well-rounded individuals.”
This emphasis on total growth—physical, mental, and academic — is part of what makes the Ellsworth program so effective and enduring.
Final Thoughts
In a season full of accomplishments, the Ellsworth High School Boys Swimming and Diving team proved that excellence is a product of teamwork, consistency, and strong leadership. From capturing the PVC title to placing third in the state against larger schools, the team showcased the very best of what high school athletics can offer.
With a talented returning core, a stellar coaching staff, and a legacy of integrity and work ethic, the future is bright for the Eagles in the seasons ahead.
For full stats and meet results, fans can visit the Maine Principals Association website.
 and claimed a third-place finish at the State Championships, competing valiantly against schools with significantly larger rosters. Their 7-1 regular season record was a testament to the team's depth and determination. But as Coach Goodman emphasized, their success was about far more than medals — it was about growth, teamwork, and relentless effort from every swimmer.
Team Effort Fuels Championship Run
While many programs rely on a few standout athletes, Ellsworth’s strength this season came from its unity. “The entire team made major contributions during the season,” said Coach Goodman. “All contributed to the overall success, which resulted in winning the Penobscot Valley Conference championship and placing third in the state.”
That collective effort was reflected meet after meet, with swimmers steadily improving their personal bests and pushing one another to achieve more. However, several standout performers helped lead the charge.
Leading the Pack: Swett, Jester, Erlanson, and More
Senior Kobe Swett was a true force of nature this season. Not only was he a dominant diver, but he also contributed significantly to distance and other swimming events. His versatility and competitive edge earned him dual honors as PVC Swimmer of the Year and Diver of the Year, accolades that speak volumes about his influence in and out of the pool.
Joining him as key contributors were Cavan Jester, Andy Erlanson, Noah Frost, Charlie Birdsall, Tyler Hollenback, and Eden Klein — all of whom earned high point totals in their individual strokes. These swimmers consistently placed first in their events and relays at the conference meet and secured top positions at the state level as well.
Both Swett and Jester were also named to the Maine State All-State Team, while the group as a whole earned Conference All-Star Team honors, a reflection of their consistent excellence and leadership throughout the season.
Academic Achievements Match Athletic Success
Excellence at Ellsworth High School isn't limited to athletic competition. The boys' and girls' swimming teams combined to achieve an overall team GPA of 3.714, earning them the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (NISCA) Scholar Team Award. This academic honor shows that the team’s success extends beyond the pool — they are well-rounded student-athletes who understand the value of balance, discipline, and hard work.
Coach Goodman was especially proud of this aspect, noting that the dedication required for athletic success carried over into the classroom seamlessly: “The team performed in an excellent manner academically throughout the season.”
No One Moment, Just Constant Growth
When asked about turning points or key moments that defined the season, Coach Goodman emphasized that it wasn’t about a single race or one meet. Instead, it was the steady improvement of the team as a whole — the kind of growth that comes from daily effort.
“It was a continuous process of improving every meet,” Goodman explained. “Each swimmer worked hard to make best times for their events as the season progressed.” This long-term mentality kept the team focused on improvement and peaking at just the right time for the championship meets.
Rising to Challenges with Grit and Grace
Injuries, fatigue, and the pressure of competition are part of every swim season, but Ellsworth handled adversity with resilience and class. “The team responded as expected — with integrity, dedication to the sport, and sportsmanship,” said Goodman. That mindset helped them persevere through tough training weeks, bounce back from setbacks, and maintain focus on their long-term goals.
Whether it was recovering from a tough loss or adapting to lineup changes, the athletes leaned on each other and kept their collective eyes on the prize.
Seniors Set the Standard
Though the Eagles are graduating a small senior class, their influence will linger long after they depart. Led by Kobe Swett, the seniors offered not just performance but mentorship and a winning mentality.
“The seniors brought experience and mentorship for the younger swimmers,” said Goodman. “They fostered a spirit of winning, teamwork, and sportsmanship.” Their impact wasn’t just seen in relays or podium finishes — it was felt in the positive tone they set at practices, the encouragement they gave to freshmen, and the example they provided in academic dedication.
Looking Ahead: Building on a Strong Foundation
With only a few seniors graduating, Coach Goodman is enthusiastic about the team’s prospects for next season. “We have a solid cadre of excellent swimmers returning,” he said. The program is also welcoming a small but talented incoming freshman class, providing depth and fresh energy to the lineup.
This continuity ensures that Ellsworth will not be starting from scratch next year. Instead, they will be building on a foundation of experience, skill, and a proven winning culture. With many of the top performers returning, expectations for another championship-caliber season are well within reach.
Offseason Development: More Than Just Swimming
Improvement for Ellsworth swimmers doesn’t end with the final buzzer of the winter season. Many of the athletes will continue honing their skills through club swimming or other spring sports. This cross-training approach keeps them active, enhances their athletic versatility, and contributes to their overall development.
“The swimmers all have other activities to get involved in,” said Goodman. “Some are age-group club swimmers, and they will improve their skills. Others do spring sports, which help them become well-rounded individuals.”
This emphasis on total growth—physical, mental, and academic — is part of what makes the Ellsworth program so effective and enduring.
Final Thoughts
In a season full of accomplishments, the Ellsworth High School Boys Swimming and Diving team proved that excellence is a product of teamwork, consistency, and strong leadership. From capturing the PVC title to placing third in the state against larger schools, the team showcased the very best of what high school athletics can offer.
With a talented returning core, a stellar coaching staff, and a legacy of integrity and work ethic, the future is bright for the Eagles in the seasons ahead.
For full stats and meet results, fans can visit the Maine Principals Association website.)
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