St. Clair High School Boys Swim and Dive Team Wraps Up 2025 Winter Season with Promise and Perseverance
As the 2025 winter season concludes, the St. Clair High School Boys Swim and Dive team reflects on a year marked by resilience, teamwork, and individual growth. Head Coach Suzanne Likins provided an insightful recap of the season for this year’s Winter Season Recap Article Series, highlighting key contributors, challenges overcome, and the bright future ahead for this determined squad.
Key Contributors: The Backbone of the Team
Coach Likins emphasized the importance of versatility and grit among her athletes. Leading the charge was Jack Lucas, a sophomore whose strength and adaptability made him a constant presence in multiple events. “Jack is always looking for a race and brings a strong competitive spirit to the pool,” Coach Likins noted
Another standout was Zakir Jahn, who excelled in the Individual Medley (IM) and butterfly. What set Zakir apart was his ability to fill in wherever the team needed points, demonstrating invaluable flexibility.
The diving board saw tremendous contributions from Truman Jarsma, who not only led the diving squad but also scored valuable points in the 100 breaststroke event, showcasing his multi-faceted skills.
Cole Stockwell faced an unexpected shift this season after an injury altered his usual role from distance swimming to sprinting, where he became a key asset. Likewise, Will Rapier brought versatility as a sprinter and contributed crucial points throughout the season.
Lastly, Owen Johnston emerged as the team’s top distance swimmer, consistently delivering impressive performances in long-distance races and anchoring the team’s endurance efforts.
Season Overview: A Hard-Fought Battle
Coach Likins described the 2025 season as “good,” despite the challenges the team faced. With a roster of just 13 athletes, the team’s cohesion and spirit were central to their competitive edge.
“We came together and fought for every point,” she said. “The athletes cheered each other on and picked up teammates who might not have been at their best for a particular meet.”
The season was also marked by adversity, including several injuries late in the year that hindered the team’s depth. Still, Coach Likins remained optimistic about the lessons learned and the foundation laid for next year.
Defining Moments and Turning Points
Competing in a more challenging division this year, St. Clair was never overwhelmed by any opponent, a testament to the team’s preparation and grit. A highlight of the season was the team’s second-place finish at the county meet, which served as a turning point that energized the athletes to maintain momentum against other strong programs.
This success underscored the team’s ability to rise to the occasion, even when facing stiff competition.
Growth and Development: New Roles and Rising Stars
Throughout the season, several swimmers stepped into larger roles than anticipated, demonstrating growth that bodes well for the team’s future.
Ethan Murray exceeded expectations by scoring points in multiple events, proving himself a vital contributor. Meanwhile, Carter VanSingel exhibited remarkable versatility by shifting between sprint and distance events as the team’s needs dictated.
Freshman Joe Jalosky made a splash as a diver, earning a spot at regionals, and also impressed as a sprinter in the 50 freestyle. His early success points to a promising career ahead in the sport.
Facing Challenges: Resilience in Adversity
Though injuries tested the team’s depth and strength, the St. Clair swimmers maintained their composure and competitive spirit. Coach Likins praised the squad’s ability to rally around one another and stay focused despite setbacks.
While the season presented its share of tough losses, these moments reinforced the team’s resolve and underscored the importance of perseverance.
Senior Leadership: Guiding the Next Generation
Though Coach Likins did not elaborate extensively on the senior class, it is clear that their presence helped shape the team culture. Seniors often provide invaluable leadership both in and out of the pool, and their influence likely contributed to the supportive atmosphere that defined this season.
Looking Forward: A Bright Future for St. Clair Swimming
Coach Likins expressed strong enthusiasm about the team’s potential in the coming years. With 13 returning athletes, the team boasts a solid core of talent ready to build on this season’s progress.
“There is great talent here that needs to improve technique and strength in the offseason,” she explained. The focus on skill refinement and physical conditioning is aimed at enhancing overall performance and consistency.
Coach Likins projects that St. Clair will have about five swimmers advancing to state next year, along with two relay teams, signaling the program’s upward trajectory.
Offseason Focus: Building Strength and Stamina
One of the critical areas for improvement highlighted by Coach Likins is strength and stamina. Despite many swimmers participating year-round, she emphasized the importance of targeted offseason training to improve recovery times and race performance.
“Strength is a big one,” she said. “Developing stamina and power is key to shaving seconds off times and maintaining energy through meets.”
The offseason training plans will prioritize conditioning and technique drills to ensure the team’s athletes are in peak shape for the 2026 season.
Tracking Performance: Where to Find Stats
For fans and family members eager to follow the team’s progress, St. Clair’s swimming stats, including high points, best times, and meet scores, are available on SwimCloud, a popular platform for swim teams and enthusiasts.
This accessibility to real-time stats keeps the community engaged and allows swimmers to track their improvements over time.
Conclusion: A Season of Growth and Grit
The 2025 season for the St. Clair High School Boys Swim and Dive team was a testament to the power of teamwork, resilience, and adaptability. Coach Suzanne Likins’ leadership has helped shape a young group of athletes into a cohesive, competitive unit that never backs down from a challenge.
Despite facing injuries and tough competition, the team’s dedication and camaraderie shone through in every meet. The lessons learned this year—about perseverance, versatility, and supporting one another—will serve as a strong foundation for the future.
Looking ahead, the combination of returning talent, focused offseason training, and a renewed commitment to strength and technique promises a bright future for the St. Clair swimmers. With five athletes poised for state competition and two relay teams ready to make waves, the program is set to continue its climb in the regional and state rankings.
Coach Likins and her team look forward to building on this season’s successes and transforming challenges into victories in the years to come.
For more information and to keep up with the team’s performances, visit SwimCloud and follow the St. Clair High School Boys Swim and Dive team throughout the year.
 and butterfly. What set Zakir apart was his ability to fill in wherever the team needed points, demonstrating invaluable flexibility.
The diving board saw tremendous contributions from Truman Jarsma, who not only led the diving squad but also scored valuable points in the 100 breaststroke event, showcasing his multi-faceted skills.
Cole Stockwell faced an unexpected shift this season after an injury altered his usual role from distance swimming to sprinting, where he became a key asset. Likewise, Will Rapier brought versatility as a sprinter and contributed crucial points throughout the season.
Lastly, Owen Johnston emerged as the team’s top distance swimmer, consistently delivering impressive performances in long-distance races and anchoring the team’s endurance efforts.
Season Overview: A Hard-Fought Battle
Coach Likins described the 2025 season as “good,” despite the challenges the team faced. With a roster of just 13 athletes, the team’s cohesion and spirit were central to their competitive edge.
“We came together and fought for every point,” she said. “The athletes cheered each other on and picked up teammates who might not have been at their best for a particular meet.”
The season was also marked by adversity, including several injuries late in the year that hindered the team’s depth. Still, Coach Likins remained optimistic about the lessons learned and the foundation laid for next year.
Defining Moments and Turning Points
Competing in a more challenging division this year, St. Clair was never overwhelmed by any opponent, a testament to the team’s preparation and grit. A highlight of the season was the team’s second-place finish at the county meet, which served as a turning point that energized the athletes to maintain momentum against other strong programs.
This success underscored the team’s ability to rise to the occasion, even when facing stiff competition.
Growth and Development: New Roles and Rising Stars
Throughout the season, several swimmers stepped into larger roles than anticipated, demonstrating growth that bodes well for the team’s future.
Ethan Murray exceeded expectations by scoring points in multiple events, proving himself a vital contributor. Meanwhile, Carter VanSingel exhibited remarkable versatility by shifting between sprint and distance events as the team’s needs dictated.
Freshman Joe Jalosky made a splash as a diver, earning a spot at regionals, and also impressed as a sprinter in the 50 freestyle. His early success points to a promising career ahead in the sport.
Facing Challenges: Resilience in Adversity
Though injuries tested the team’s depth and strength, the St. Clair swimmers maintained their composure and competitive spirit. Coach Likins praised the squad’s ability to rally around one another and stay focused despite setbacks.
While the season presented its share of tough losses, these moments reinforced the team’s resolve and underscored the importance of perseverance.
Senior Leadership: Guiding the Next Generation
Though Coach Likins did not elaborate extensively on the senior class, it is clear that their presence helped shape the team culture. Seniors often provide invaluable leadership both in and out of the pool, and their influence likely contributed to the supportive atmosphere that defined this season.
Looking Forward: A Bright Future for St. Clair Swimming
Coach Likins expressed strong enthusiasm about the team’s potential in the coming years. With 13 returning athletes, the team boasts a solid core of talent ready to build on this season’s progress.
“There is great talent here that needs to improve technique and strength in the offseason,” she explained. The focus on skill refinement and physical conditioning is aimed at enhancing overall performance and consistency.
Coach Likins projects that St. Clair will have about five swimmers advancing to state next year, along with two relay teams, signaling the program’s upward trajectory.
Offseason Focus: Building Strength and Stamina
One of the critical areas for improvement highlighted by Coach Likins is strength and stamina. Despite many swimmers participating year-round, she emphasized the importance of targeted offseason training to improve recovery times and race performance.
“Strength is a big one,” she said. “Developing stamina and power is key to shaving seconds off times and maintaining energy through meets.”
The offseason training plans will prioritize conditioning and technique drills to ensure the team’s athletes are in peak shape for the 2026 season.
Tracking Performance: Where to Find Stats
For fans and family members eager to follow the team’s progress, St. Clair’s swimming stats, including high points, best times, and meet scores, are available on SwimCloud, a popular platform for swim teams and enthusiasts.
This accessibility to real-time stats keeps the community engaged and allows swimmers to track their improvements over time.
Conclusion: A Season of Growth and Grit
The 2025 season for the St. Clair High School Boys Swim and Dive team was a testament to the power of teamwork, resilience, and adaptability. Coach Suzanne Likins’ leadership has helped shape a young group of athletes into a cohesive, competitive unit that never backs down from a challenge.
Despite facing injuries and tough competition, the team’s dedication and camaraderie shone through in every meet. The lessons learned this year—about perseverance, versatility, and supporting one another—will serve as a strong foundation for the future.
Looking ahead, the combination of returning talent, focused offseason training, and a renewed commitment to strength and technique promises a bright future for the St. Clair swimmers. With five athletes poised for state competition and two relay teams ready to make waves, the program is set to continue its climb in the regional and state rankings.
Coach Likins and her team look forward to building on this season’s successes and transforming challenges into victories in the years to come.
For more information and to keep up with the team’s performances, visit SwimCloud and follow the St. Clair High School Boys Swim and Dive team throughout the year.){kind=tracking}
Share With