FORT PIERCE — The year 2026 will go down in Jamestown Community College (JCC) athletics' lore as the women's swimming and diving team won their fourth straight national championship, while the men's team claimed their first-ever national title at the NJCAA championships hosted by Indian River State College.
Jamestown's ladies (Emily Swan, Addison Lawson, Desiree Putt, Sophia Gervasio, Roxanne Lothian, Willow Chase, Katrina DeGroff, and Cassie Lyon) won their fifth crown in six years by securing 409 points, a 186.5 point margin over Genesee Community College (GCC), while the men (Zach Johnson, Christian Merrill, Cameron Milewski, Diego Villarroel, Daniel Peterson, and Samuel Hersom) edged GCC by 21 points for that elusive championship plaque.
"I am absolutely thrilled and proud of this group of young athletes, who have put in an incredible amount of work," said head coach Todd Conklin. "Our swim program is truly thriving and a national powerhouse. It's fantastic to see us continue to dominate," he continued.
The Jayhawks earned the team accolades by piling up 67 All-American swims from the top to the bottom of the Jayhawks' roster. The women's team accounted for 41 All-American times, including 21 1st Team honors. As for the men, 26 All-American statuses were accumulated, including a pair of 1st Team from Cameron Milewski in the diving well.
11 of those All-American swims were also part of new records for both JCC and Region 3. Zach Johnson did much of the damage for the men's team. The South African sophomore broke the 50 breast program and regional mark, the 100 individual medley program and regional record, and the 100 free and 100 breast program records, plus joined Samuel Hersom, Daniel Peterson, and Cameron Milewski as the 400 free relay record holders. Johnson's efforts earned him the highest individual honor, the Swimmer of the Year award.
"It was a successful end to a successful week. It was a great end to my two years at JCC," said Johnson. As for being part of the first men's team to hoist the championship trophy, he said, "It's an incredible feeling. I'm grateful to be a part of and to contribute to."
"Breaking 11 new program records and 67 All-American honors is a testament to our success, hard work, and dedication. Winning our fourth consecutive women's national championship and fifth overall is amazing, and adding our first-ever men's national title is the icing on the cake. I've wanted this men's title for a long time. I couldn't be prouder of these achievements," added Conklin.
JCC's ladies also added their names to the Jayhawks' record boards, with Emily Swan setting the 500 free top time, Cassie Lyon knocking off the 1,000 free record, and Roxanne Lothian setting the 100 breast and 400 individual medley program records.
"We worked really hard this season, so I'm happy we all got what we came for essentially," said Lothian. "It was an honor to be part of so many records and so much winning," she continued.
The biggest smile on the night may have come from the coach of the 14 swimmers, Todd Conklin, who guided two national champions and earned Coach of the Year for his efforts.
"Being named national women's coach of the year by my fellow coaches is a tremendous honor, and I'd like to express my gratitude to Bill Rollinger, Bill Spaulding, and Claire Johnson, as well as all the athletes, without whom I wouldn't have received such an honor," mentioned Conklin.
The Jayhawks have built one of the greatest foundations for a college swim program. With seven freshmen on the roster, there's a bright future for Jamestown. The ladies, who eye five straight titles in 2026-27, while the men have aspirations to make it back-to-back banners inside the JCC physical education complex when they return next season.
"There's never been a more exciting time to be a Jayhawk and be part of a national championship team, with 2026-27 right around the corner," grinned a happy Coach Conklin.
JCC will look to defend both national titles when the 2026-27 season begins in September.
