Monday’s Sports Report: C. Oregon swimmers find success at state meet; Bend Swim Club puts CO swimming on the map

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The 2025 State Swimming Championships kicked off this weekend, and several Central Oregon swimmers had a ton of success.

The Bend High girls swim team shattered last year’s record, scoring 121 points to claim their third consecutive state title.

Bend’s Maddie Thornton was named 5A Swimmer of the meet after winning four gold medals. Her teammate, Emma Bronson, broke the state record in the 100 butterfly, while senior Hadley Hayes took first in the 100 breaststroke.

The Redmond girls secured a second-place finish.

On the boys’ side, the Summit Storm placed second, with the Wolfpack finishing fourth. Summit’s Landon Egeland won two individual events and added another gold in the 200 medley relay.

Caldera’s star swimmer, Campbell McKean, claimed two more individual golds, bringing his career total to six state titles and earning Swimmer of the Meet honors.

Celebrating Central Oregon’s Swimming Success

Congratulations to all the swimmers who placed at state! Many of them have trained relentlessly for years here in Central Oregon, with the Bend Swim Club playing a huge role in their success.

We spoke with the club and some youth athletes about their achievements and the future of the program.

"It's a special place, and it's a cool spot. And like I said, our goal is just to keep building good athletes and, you know, kind of create a great atmosphere for the whole town," said Jim Nickell, who took over as head coach of the Bend Swim Club this past September.

"When I got to meet these guys, see their work ethic, see their team spirit, see their camaraderie, their character and that kind of thing—it's been fantastic," Nickell continued.

With 40 years of coaching experience, he has trained 200 Division I athletes.

"We've got a set of four kids graduating this year. All four are phenomenal, not just as swimmers. They've all signed with really good schools, but they've also got amazing work ethic and incredible character," Nickell said.

Four swimmers are heading to Division I schools, including six-time state champ and Olympic Trials qualifier Campbell McKean. "Bend Swim Club has always been supportive of brand-new coaches and new swimmers moving up or moving in. They've been really supportive through my whole career. I think it's really fun," McKean said.

These athletes have grown and developed through the Bend Swim Club. "They learn their skills, so they get better, they have fun, they've got teammates and friends around them. It just builds that momentum moving forward," Nickell added.

For many middle school swimmers, training with the club has been pure joy. "I love all my coaches, and I love everyone here. And I love how much better and faster my coaches push me to be," Sisters Middle School student Ryah Nordell said.

"Oh, I love that there are so many people, and I get to make friends outside of school. They really push you to be your best, but they do it all respectfully and kindly," middle schooler Presley Supplee said.

Bend Swim Club holds a USA Swimming Silver Medal ranking, one of just 20 clubs nationwide at this level and just below the 20 Gold Medal clubs.

Nickell hopes to elevate Bend Swim Club into one of the nation’s top 20 programs. "And I think the aspiration is to build a program that can reach gold medal status. The key for us is just to add that depth, build those kids," Nickell said.

For more information on the club, visit BendSwimClub.com.