Swimmers from the McDonough County Dolphins earned 28 top-16 finishes and multiple state-qualifying times at the 2026 District Championship Meet, held Feb. 28-March 1 at the YMCA of Springfield, Kerasotes Branch, with over 500 swimmers participating.
'Seventeen Dolpins competed in 69 individual events and two relays, and turned in an impressive performance,' noted Dolphins Coach Richard Musser. 'They demonstrated both competitive depth and continued growth as one of the area's strongest small-team programs.'
According to Musser, nearly every swimmer recorded at least one personal best time, a significant achievement at a championship level meet. Samantha Musser led the team with seven Top-16 finishes (five individual and two relays), with Abigail Westen adding four, and Alaric Gordon, Khaleesi Knowles and Nash Piper each contributing three Top-16 performances. In total, 11 Dolphins earned Top-16 placements.
'Their performance at 2026 District Championship Meet is a testament to the athletes' hard work throughout the season,' he added.
In addition, two girls' relays achieved state-qualifying times in the 13–14 age group. Several swimmers posted standout time drops, including Gordon (–19.34 seconds in the 200 Freestyle), Piper (–11.00 in the 200 IM), and Abigail Mossman (–7.02 in the 100 Freestyle). Across the roster, the team recorded 26 lifetime-best swims.
'This season may represent the Dolphins’ strongest performance since 2018, and certainly since the COVID years, reflecting growing depth, resilience and momentum as the team prepares for the Illinois YMCA State Swimming Championships March 13-15 at Lake Central High School in St. John, Indiana,' Musser added.
Families interested in joining the Dolphins program should contact the YMCA of McDonough County for more information.
