Lewis Central Swim Team Excels at Johnston Regional Meet
Posted November 10, 2025
The Lewis Central girls swim team turned in an outstanding performance at the Johnston Regional Meet on Saturday, highlighted by several first-place finishes and personal bests.
Sophomore Rio Hammitt led the Titans with wins in both the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle events. Freshman Elise Knispel also captured two regional titles, winning the 200 individual medley and 100 butterfly.
Junior Madeline Knispel earned second place in the 50 and 100 freestyle, while sophomore Lucia Anderson took third in the 100 butterfly and 500 freestyle. Junior Ainsley Lockey dropped time and placed fifth in the 100 butterfly.
Senior Lexie Starkevicius added a second-place finish in the 100 backstroke, and Madison McCaw scored valuable points in the 100 breaststroke.
Lewis Central’s relay teams also performed well:
- 200 Medley Relay: Starkevicius, McCaw, Anderson, Lockey
- 200 Freestyle Relay: Starkevicius, E. Knispel, Hammitt, M. Knispel
- 400 Freestyle Relay: Anderson, E. Knispel, Hammitt, M. Knispel
The Titans now look ahead to the upcoming State Championships with confidence after a strong regional performance.
State Meet Preview
The Titans will travel to Iowa City on Wednesday for the State Swimming Championships. Individual event prelims will be held Thursday afternoon, followed by relay events and individual finals on Friday.
Lewis Central’s State entries are as follows:
- 200 Medley Relay – 19th seed
- 200 Individual Medley – Elise Knispel (11th)
- 50 Freestyle – Rio Hammitt (6th), Madeline Knispel (13th)
- 100 Butterfly – Elise Knispel (6th), Lucia Anderson (22nd), Ainsley Lockey (qualified)
- 100 Freestyle – Rio Hammitt (2nd), Madeline Knispel (13th)
- 500 Freestyle – Lucia Anderson (22nd)
- 200 Freestyle Relay – 7th seed
- 100 Backstroke – Lexie Starkevicius (14th)
- 100 Breaststroke – Madison McCaw (23rd)
- 400 Freestyle Relay – 6th seed
With strong momentum from Regionals and several top-10 seeds heading into competition, the Titans are ready to make a splash at the State Meet.
