The562’s coverage of aquatic sports in Long Beach in 2025-26 is sponsored by Watersafe Swim School.

With high standards to meet and success to build on, the 2026 boys’ swimming season is bound to be competitive and exciting.  

Wilson

For decades, the Bruins have perched atop the Long Beach boys’ swimming landscape, and this season is no different as they enter as back-to-back Moore League champions. 

But head coach Brandon D’Sa has made one thing clear to his players: with great success comes a high standard. 

“Our program has always had these really high expectations, and we always try to maintain those,” D’Sa said. “There’s a cultural expectation for our team to continue to succeed. There’s an individual expectation to uphold that culture, as well as a want and love for swimming.” 

D’Sa’s goals for the team this year are the same as every season: secure a three-peat in Moore League, and make an even deeper run in CIF, with the goal of finishing in the top-10 in the Southern Section. 

The Bruins return several core swimmers from last season, including seniors Kai Bramble and Keegan Abing, two freestyle specialists. Bramble won More League last season in the 50 and 100 free, while Abing won the 500 free and put together a strong showing in CIF, qualifying for the CIF finals. 

Sophomore Aidan Conrey is another key returner. He shared the gold with Bramble in the 50 free, as both swimmers remarkably tied at 22.03. D’Sa touted Conrey’s growth this offseason, and considers him an important piece of the team this year. Another swimmer mentioned was senior Jesse Knight, a pivotal player who finished second in backstroke last season.

There are several younger players that D’Sa is excited to see out in the water. One of them is Fox Weiss, who’s impressed his coach so far with his ability to keep up with the upperclassmen in training. Another is Shane Radaich, a backstroke specialist known for his speed. 

Long Beach Poly

After finishing second in league last season, Long Beach Poly is focused on the little things this year. Head coach Ishmael Pluton believes addressing the technical details could be the difference maker in close races. 

“We want to know that we’ve put in the work on our stroke technique and our fitness so we can swim our absolute fastest, with zero regrets about our preparation,” Pluton said.

Leading the Jackrabbits this season is senior Lucas Jue – one of the most acclaimed swimmers in Southern California. The Louisville commit set a league record in the 200 free last year with 1:38.21, finishing .02 seconds faster than former Jackrabbit Colin Geer did two years prior. Jue also tied the school’s highest mark in the 100 backstroke, while in CIF finals, Jue secured second place in two individual races in Division 1. 

Pluton expects the star swimmer to peak in his final season.
“Expect some wild and record breaking swims for his senior season,” he said. 

The Jackrabbits return several other players that make the squad well-equipped in both speed and distance. Seniors Townsend Kato and Mateo Gomez are two sprinters who have leaned on strong water polo play to make them even faster in the water. Senior Charlie Peck and sophomore Aiden Greenwood were highlighted as “holding down the fort” with their endurance. 

Senior Jacob Churchill was highlighted for his resilience entering this season, battling back from a dislocated shoulder he suffered in the 200 IM finals on the 1st stroke of butterfly. Despite the injury, he still finished the race – a toughness he has carried through this offseason. 

“I expect Jacob to be ready to swim even faster this season to make up for a finals meet he didn’t get to finish,” Pluton said. 

Alongside a strong class of returners, Poly also welcomes four freshmen that show immense potential–Mateo Vasquez, Elijah Livingood, Brayden Ogawa and Romeo Lobedecis, with the latter two being standout divers. 

Millikan

The Rams’ goals this season extend far beyond times and titles. First-year head coach Lucas Garrison strives to continue on what his predecessors have built –  a competitive culture that instills consistency, accountability and effort in each practice. He believes that will be key to ensuring the highest quality play in league play and CIF meets. 

“We’re focused on developing leadership and creating a positive environment where athletes support one another and take pride in representing Millikan High School,” Garrison said.

Seniors Josh Linder and Noah Martinez headline the upperclassmen class that has shown not just worth ethic, but also leadership in the pool. After two strong freshmen seasons, sophomores Maddox Phan and Micah Marcheal will hope to continue making strides in multiple events. Garrison labels these four players as keys to setting a strong standard. 

“Their experience, competitiveness, and commitment set the tone for the rest of the team, and we’re looking forward to seeing them step into even bigger leadership roles this season,” Garrison said. 

Millikan also welcomes an influx of freshmen that will make up its young core. Garrison praises the energy, depth and potential they bring to the program, noting their willingness to learn and the strong fundamental skills they possess.

“This freshman group is an important part of Millikan’s swimming future,” Garrison said. “Transitioning our freshman class, who for the most part have only played water polo, will be a fun project to teach the more technical side of swimming.” 

Garrison expects his more experienced players to be a mentor for these swimmers. That, combined with the addition of Millikan alum Nick Yoon to the coaching staff, paint a promising picture for the Rams this season and beyond.  

Jordan

The Panthers are on the heels of one of their most successful seasons in recent years. Jordan finished fourth place in Moore League and had several swimmers qualify for CIF, both individually and as part of relays. Jordan coach Brenden Gruneisen’s excited for his team to continue to grow. His primary goal for the season remains the same: improvement across the board. 

“These boys have known me long enough to know that’s always what I’m focused on,” Gruneisen said. “And they also know that, so long as the effort and commitment is there consistently, they will be able to look back and be proud of their times at the end of the year.”

The Panthers’ top swimmer last season was John Delgadillo, who returns for his senior year. He qualified for CIF in the 100 butterfly and 200 freestyle, while also being Jordan’s lead-off man in a 400 Freestyle Relay that earned CIF qualifications. Gruneisen expects him to be the centerpiece in relays and also make CIF in numerous individual events, with a hope that he can qualify in the top 10 for Moore League events and secure a Championship final bid. 

“John will primarily swim butterfly and sprint freestyle and may have a shot at breaking some school records in his events as well,” Gruneisen said. 

Senior Eliu Velasquez, described by Gruneisen as the emotional leader of the team, also joins as an anchor of this year’s squad. He helped Jordan qualify for the 400 Freestyle Relay and hit a CIF consideration time for the 100 backstroke last year, and hopes to earn a qualifying spot in individual events such as the 200 IM and the 100 backstroke. 

Gruneisen also highlighted a pair of juniors: Joan Garcia, the final returning member of the 400 Freestyle relay, who’s known for his positive mindset and willingness to improve. The other is  Carlos Benavides, known as a jack-of-all-trades swimmer that can excel in multiple events.

Lakewood

Deborah Caine will take the helm as Lakewood’s coach this season, returning to the boys program with hopes of replicating the success she’s achieved while coaching girls swimming. 

Caine said that both squads will practice together and challenge each other to improve, as she hopes to foster a culture of hard work and dedication. 

“The goals for the season are to get individual swims and relay swims in the Division 3 CIF,” Caine said. “We have a strong senior class that works hard and provides solid leadership on a daily basis.”

Among those seniors are Javante Fearence, who’s hoping to make CIF D3 in the 100 backstroke and 50 free, along with Maxson Hoke, who’s a candidate for CIF in the 100 freestyle. Caine also mentioned junior Justin Munoz as the team’s strongest swimmer in the 200 IM, who strives to continue getting better in the 500 free as well. 

Junior Aiden Wendt is a varsity newcomer to watch. 

“Aiden is a fluid swimmer and has amazing technique,” Caine said. “He can help varsity in all events.”

Cabrillo 

The Jaguars are focusing on player development this year, but also hope to stay competitive in Moore League and CIF play.

“Cabrillo boys swim program is in the rebuilding stage, and we dropped down to Division 4 from D3 which is perfect for the squad of 2026,” head coach Lawrence Durand said. “We plan to be at CIF in relays and individual events.”

Senior Elijah Mejia is the team’s sprint specialist in freestyle events, while senior Gary Romero and junior Santi Gonzalez will serve as Cabrillo’s primary middle distance free swimmers.  Senior Anthony Rizzo will headline backstroke, and senior Jorge Pasten will be the go-to guy in breaststroke. Durand is also excited about sophomore Ben Caro, who will take on butterfly this season.

“He has acquired another gear in all of his strokes,” Durand said.