News

DICK'S Sporting Goods takes a step “behind the scenes” to honor the GMC coaches who work tirelessly to build competitive swim programs that create opportunities for hundreds of young people. These programs span the full spectrum—from schools with outstanding facilities to those operating under far more challenging circumstances.

At the end of the day, in a vote of their peers, the Greater Miami Conference Head Swim coaches recognize quality program-building efforts within its own ranks. This mutual appreciation is perhaps the highest honor a coach can receive in the GMC.

Girls GMC Swim "Coaches of the Year"

Dan Carl (Sycamore)  Brian Ridner (Oak Hills)  Ashley Heinser (Lakota East)

Boys GMC Swim "Coach of the Year"  Brian Ridner

(Photo compliments of Oak Hills Athletic Department)

DICK'S Sporting Goods proudly recognizes the achievements of the GMC “Swimmers of the Year” and is honored to present them as the “best of the best” in the Greater Miami Conference. In a vote of the GMC head swim coaches, Oak Hills’ Jett Sloan and Mason’s Isabella Teply were selected for their outstanding performances at the recent GMC Swimming & Diving Championships.

Mason senior Isabella Teply has set a standard of excellence that will be remembered for years to come. A four-time first-team All-Conference selection and four-time GMC champion, she continued her dominance at the 2026 GMC meet by winning the 200 freestyle, placing second in the 500 freestyle, and anchoring multiple relay events.

Oak Hills junior Jett Sloan has been an all-conference standout for the past two seasons. This year, he captured GMC titles in both the 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle. In addition to his individual victories, he anchored several high-scoring relay teams that contributed significantly to Oak Hills’ success.

Beyond their accomplishments in the pool, both athletes are exceptional representatives of their programs and respected leaders within their schools. Congratulations to these remarkable student-athletes.

Isabella Teply - Mason - GMC Girls Swimmer of the Year

(Photo compliments of Mason Athletic Deaprtment)

Jett Sloan - Oak Hills - GMC Boys Swimmer of the Year

(Photo compliments of Mason Athletic Deaprtment)

Buoyed by an outstanding blend of talent and depth, the Mason Comet Boys and Girls Swimming & Diving programs once again swept the GMC Championships. On the girls’ side of the pool, the Comets brought home the gold in seven events and added four runner-up finishes among the twelve events contested.For the Mason boys, a similar storyline unfolded as the Comets delivered another dominant performance. They captured six event titles—including all three relays—and backed those up with five second-place finishes.

The final team scores told the complete story of Mason’s remarkable program depth, showcased across both the girls’ and boys’ lineups of extraordinary aquanauts. This marks the 8th consecutve GMC title for the Mason Boys, while the Comet girls program just logged their 19th consecutive league title. 

For complete GMC meet results: GMC Swim and Diving Championships 2026

Girls Team Scores:  Mason - 633, Sycamore 474, Lakota East 264, Lakota West 210, Oak Hills 109, Fairfield 109, Hamilton 96, Princeton 88, and Middletown 80.

Boys Team Scores: Mason 609.5, Sycamore 412, Lakota East 238, Oak Hills 196.5, Lakota West 157, Fairfield 148, Hamilton 133, Princeton 77, Colerain 72, and Middletown 9.

GMC Champions - Mason Comet Girls Swimming and Diving

(Photo compliments of Mason SID, Dan Hilen)

GMC Champions - Mason Comet Boys Swimming and Diving

(Photo compliments of Mason SID, Dan Hilen)

DICK'S Sporting Goods salutes the GMC “Divers of the Year.” In the highly specialized sport of 1-meter diving, success demands a rare combination of timing, precision, and body control. Rising to the challenge under pressure, Mason’s Isabella Giraldo and Sycamore’s Oliver Erck delivered standout performances, earning their GMC Diving Championships in impressive fashion.

For Isabella Giraldo, a senior from the Mason Comets, this marks her third consecutive conference crown. For Sycamore sophomore Oliver Erck, the title represents his first trip to the GMC winner’s circle.

Isabella Giraldo - Mason 3-Time GMC Girls Diving Champion

(photo compliments of Mason Athletic Department)

Oliver Erck - Sycamore - GMC Boys Diving Champion

(Photo compliments of Mason Athletic Department)

Lakota Est SID, Dan Hilen Press Release:

Lakota East wrestling head coach Bryan Pennix reached a significant career milestone Friday night, earning the 200th victory of his coaching career as the Thunderhawks edged GMC rival Lakota West, 38–36, in a thrilling, back-and-forth dual on January 23.

Now in his fourth season at the Lakota East helm, Pennix continues to build a program rooted in consistency, competitiveness, and tradition. A Lakota graduate himself, he was a former GMC champion wrestler for Lakota High School before embarking on a coaching career that now spans more than three decades.

Pennix began his coaching career as an assistant at Reading High School from 1994–2001, working under Hall of Fame coach Dick Engel. During that stretch, the Blue Devils captured multiple league and sectional titles, one district championship, produced numerous state placers, and crowned two state champions.

He later served as head wrestling coach at Blanchester High School from 2001–2013, where he led the Wildcats to sustained success before transitioning into the role of athletic director. Pennix joined Lakota East in 2022 and has since helped elevate the Thunderhawk wrestling program to new heights.

Pennix’s career accomplishments include:

• 3× SWOWCA Coach of the Year
• 3× SWOWCA Division III Team of the Year
• GMC Coach of the Year
• GMC Team Champions (first in Lakota East program history)
• 5× SBAAC Coach of the Year
• 4× SBAAC Conference Champions
• 2× Division III Southwest Ohio Sectional Champions
• 2013 Dual Meet Regional Champions (State Elite Eight)
• 20 state qualifiers, 8 state placers, one two-time state champion

A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Pennix is a member of the Lakota East faculty, where he teaches Honors Anatomy and Physiology. He and his wife, Amanda, have two children, Elizabeth and Andy.

With Friday night’s victory, Pennix’s career dual-meet record now stands at 200 wins and 80 losses, including 33 victories since taking over the Thunderhawk program.

Dan Hilen
Lakota East Sports Information