The Jamestown Community College men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams will be competing in the NJCAA Championships, beginning Wednesday at Erie CC. Submitted photo

Expectations are high for the Jamestown Community College men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams as they head into this week’s national championships at Erie Community College, and for good reason. The women are the defending national champs, while the men took third a season ago.

“I’d like to see us there again, and I think we can do it. I think it is an achievable goal, and I think we can do it again,” said sophomore Ashlynn Swan.

“As a team, I think we can get second place, and if we get first, it would be great. Second place, if not first, is the main goal right now,” added sophomore Kyle Dean.

“There’s a sense of pressure on the women’s team to replicate our past successes at nationals. But in the same breath, most of this team is new. For them it’s a fresh start, and their goal is to remain on top. Instead of solely fixating on the overall team outcome, we can shift our focus to individual performances. Ultimately, while the desire to repeat past successes is strong, it’s important to approach this competition with a mindset geared toward personal excellence and team spirit. But it’s also a motivating factor to push ourselves even further,” added a proud head coach, Todd Conklin.

The Jayhawks are flying high heading into championship week. The ladies are coming off winning the Region 3 crown, and the men finished second. Keeping that momentum going will be a key to hoisting more plaques in 2025.

“I think we all just keep working together and stay positive. We are all doing good in practice, and I think in the end, that will make our times keep going up,” said a smiling Cameron Milewski.

“The goals and expectations for nationals this year are high, especially after a strong performance at regionals. It’s crucial to keep the momentum going; we need to focus on refining our skills and maintaining a strong team dynamic. Visualization of our races will be an important part of being prepared,” said Conklin.

First-year Jayhawk Kyle Dean took home some individual hardware in the form of the Region 3 Male Swimmer of the Championship Meet and Year. He sees those accolades as something that can push him and his teammates.

“I don’t think there is pressure, but it puts an expectation out there that I need to do better. There is always room for improvement. I need to give credit where it is due. I need to credit my coaches and my team,” said Dean.

The Jayhawks are a young team, with just two returners from last year, Anna Jones and Ashlynn Swan. Both earned All-American status in 2024. For Swan, it may be her last time diving. The 2025 Region 3 Female Diver of the Championship Meet understands what is on the line.

“I would like to finish above where I finished last year. Right now, I am ranked second, so I hope to finish second or first, but I have some big competition at first,” said Swan.

Another benefit for Jamestown is to head right back to ECC, where they not only hosted regionals and a league meet, but the majority of the Jayhawks grew up swimming in those same waters.

“I swam at ECC’s pool forever. I was there every weekend growing up, so it is home turf. It will take some of the edge off of it being nationals,” mentioned sophomore Anna Jones.

“I would say it is a benefit because I swam there through high school, and we swam there for regionals and had a meet there,” said freshman Desiree Putt.

“Being familiar with ECC’s pool is a significant advantage. We know the environment and the nuances of the competition space, which can help boost our confidence. Familiarity can give swimmers a psychological boost. The knowledge that they have successfully competed in the pool could lead to better overall performances,” added Conklin.

Even the Jayhawks who aren’t native Western New Yorkers have become familiar with the now-friendly confines of the Burt Flickinger Athletic Center in Buffalo.

“I definitely enjoyed swimming there after our first meet was there and regionals were there. I enjoy the feeling of the pool, and I am happy the nationals are there. I am comfortable with the pool and the speed of the environment,” raved South African Zach Johnson.

The Jayhawks are in their final week of preparations. A practice week that head coach Todd Conklin, the reigning Women’s National Coach of the Year, can’t stress its importance enough.

“This week is crucial for our preparation. It’s a time to refine our techniques and get to peak physical condition and mentally prepare ourselves for competition. Additionally, it’s a good opportunity for team bonding and building confidence in each other,” he said.

The Jayhawks hit the championship waters with practice at ECC starting Tuesday. The national title swims begin on Wednesday and run through Saturday.