Wooster swimmers eye another standout season with strong leadership, rising talent

The Wooster boys and girls swimming and diving teams are preparing for another big season in the pool. Below is a preview of each team heading into the 2025-26 season, which will begin Nov. 24

Boys

Wooster is down in numbers this season, with its smallest roster in quite some time.

“What we do have is an amazing senior group of leaders who will rise to the challenge and be excellent role models for our team,” 32nd-year coach Chris Matthew said.

Returning letter-winners include seniors Landon Wolf, Calin Baxstrom and Arch Mealey; juniors Chris Cadmus, Aidan McMillan, Anthony Sibilia and David Taylor; and sophomores Leo Mix-Duval, Aedan Carmony, Caleb Tietz and Jack Shindollar.

Promising newcomers include freshmen Sean Cadmus and Vinnie Peretti.

“We have lots of talent in McMillan, Shindollar and more who plan on being state qualifiers again this year,” Matthew said. “We need to fill lots of relay spots, but this team is up for the challenge.”

The Generals finished second at last year’s Ohio Cardinal Conference meet.

“Ashland and Lexington boys always show up for the OCC meet, and with the addition of Dover, it will be a very competitive meet,” Matthew said. “We always get up for that meet and perform out of the ordinary. We’ll be ready.”

Girls

After winning the OCC title last season, Wooster is primed for another big year.

“This year’s senior group is shaping up to be fantastic leaders, which is necessary for success at all levels,” Matthew said. “They’re putting in the necessary preseason work to set up for season 2025-26. As always, we are looking forward to a great season.”

Returning letter-winners include seniors Hailey Padden, Piper Udell, Leticia Halene, Abi Strand-Fox and Jeli Perez; juniors Alessandra Gerber, Kenzie Grimwood, Ellie Hansen, Olivia Kelly and Sydney McAfoose; and sophomores Paige Baumgartner, Kate Fearon and Allie Greenwalt.

Promising newcomers include freshmen Addison Runkle, Arianna Gebby and Anna Rittgers, who all have a background in YMCA and summer swimming.

“We enter this season with junior powerhouse and two-year individual state qualifier Alessandra Gerber, who looks to continue her streak and be there again this year,” Matthew said. “I think the senior leadership is super-positive and strong, with Halene, Udell, Strand-Fox and Padden leading the way. They are amazing student-athletes who I know are going to have an amazing senior season.”

Winning another OCC championship is the goal.

“We will always battle to win the OCC,” Matthew said. “It’s one of our team’s goals each year. Dover is the new addition to the OCC this season, and they are strong in all sports including swimming/diving. Ashland and Lexington are always fierce competitors and show up at the meet ready to win.”