Hold onto your swim caps, because the 2026 NCAC Championships delivered a nail-biter of a finish that will have swimming fans talking for years! In a thrilling comeback, the Kenyon College women's team snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the final 400-yard freestyle relay, while the Denison University men successfully defended their title. But here's where it gets controversial: was Kenyon's strategic relay lineup a stroke of genius or a risky gamble? Let's dive into the details and you decide.
The 2026 North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Championships, held from February 10-14 in Granville, Ohio, showcased the best of collegiate swimming in the 25-yard short course format. With live results available on Sidearm Stats and daily recaps on SwimSwam, fans were treated to a front-row seat as records fell and rivalries intensified. For a deeper dive, check out the recaps for Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3.
Women’s Recap: A Comeback for the Ages
Heading into the final event, the Kenyon women trailed Denison by a mere three points. The stage was set for a dramatic showdown in the 400 free relay. Denison’s Olivia Morse gave her team an early edge with a blistering 51.30 lead-off split, just 0.05 seconds ahead of Kenyon’s Molly Haag (51.35). But Kenyon’s strategy was clear: save their fastest swimmers for the back half. Gwen Eisenbeis kept Kenyon in contention, though they still trailed at the halfway mark. Then, Kate Bogan unleashed a stunning 50.02 split on the third leg, propelling Kenyon into the lead. Anchor Lisa Torrecillas-Jouault sealed the deal with a jaw-dropping 49.27 split, securing the win in 3:21.71. Denison finished second in 3:23.21, but the damage was done—Kenyon had clinched the title.
And this is the part most people miss: Torrecillas-Jouault’s heroics didn’t stop there. Earlier in the evening, she claimed the 100 free title with a personal best of 50.46, edging out teammate Bogan (50.75). This time vaults her to #4 in Division III this season, up from her previous #5 ranking. Haag also shone, dominating the 1650 free in 16:40.29, completing a clean sweep of the 200, 500, and 1650 freestyles. Eisenbeis, fresh off her 100 back win, completed the backstroke double with a lifetime-best 1:59.91 in the 200 back, shaving nearly half a second off her previous best. Kelsey Van Eldik added to Kenyon’s tally with a narrow win in the 200 breast (2:14.19), out-touching Denison’s Drue Thielking (2:14.74).
Denison’s women fought valiantly, with Phoebe Ferguson opening the evening by winning the 100 IM in 57.21. Emily Harris continued her stellar meet, adding the 200 fly title (2:01.81) to her earlier 400 IM win. Her season-best 2:00.95 in the 200 fly ranks her #3 in the NCAA.
Final Women’s Scores:
1. Kenyon College — 1944
2. Denison University — 1853
3. DePauw University — 1377.5
4. John Carroll University — 1037
5. College of Wooster — 991
6. Oberlin College — 681
7. Wittenberg University — 579.5
Men’s Recap: Denison’s Dominance Continues
The Denison men left no doubt about their supremacy, opening the final day with a 1-2 punch in the 1650 free. George Goins dominated in 15:24.75, finishing 24 seconds ahead of teammate Ben Campbell (15:38.47). Goins’ season-best 15:20.72 ranks him #2 in Division III. Jack Hill completed a remarkable trifecta, winning the 100 IM in 48.81, adding to his earlier victories in the 200 IM and 200 free. Denison closed the meet in style, winning the 400 free relay in 2:54.42, with Nick Hensel’s 43.14 split leading the charge.
Kenyon’s men also made their mark. Djordje Dragojlovic claimed his second individual win of the meet, taking the 100 free in 43.58, just shy of his season-best 43.13 (#2 in D3). Ethan Manske added a win in the 200 fly (1:48.41), while Wabash’s Ryan West stunned with a lifetime-best 1:46.42 in the 200 back, dipping under the NCAA qualifying mark. John Carroll’s Bart Kubis made history, winning the 200 breast in 2:00.78, a first for his school in the NCAC.
Final Men’s Scores:
1. Denison University — 1958.5
2. Kenyon College — 1741.5
3. John Carroll University — 1192.5
4. DePauw University — 1095
5. Wabash College — 1030
6. College of Wooster — 789.5
7. Oberlin College — 786
8. Ohio Wesleyan University — 450
9. Wittenberg University — 173
Food for Thought: Kenyon’s relay strategy paid off, but was it too risky? Could Denison have countered differently? And what does this mean for next year’s championship? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the debate alive!
About Anya Pelshaw:
Anya has been a SwimSwam staple since June 2021, serving as both a writer and social media coordinator. She’s covered the 2022-2025 Women's NCAA Championships, 2023 US Summer Nationals, and the 2024 European Championships, bringing fans closer to the action. Read more about Anya.
