Midwestern Swimming Shines at the 2026 All-Stars Meet in Des Moines
The 2026 Midwestern Swimming (MWS) All-Stars Meet in Des Moines (January 9-11) proved to be a standout weekend, showcasing depth, performance, and momentum across every age group. With a full roster, strong coaching collaboration, and exceptional racing, MWS delivered one of its most successful All-Stars performances to date.
For Head Coach Sam Bach, the meet carried special significance.
“This was my third time serving as Head Coach for the event, and it truly felt like the best All-Star meet yet,” he shared. “I’ve now served as an MWS All-Star Coach in 2016, 2025, and 2026, and it’s been fun reflecting on how the program has grown and how strong our coaching group continues to be.”
🏊🏻♀️A Full Roster and a Refined Selection Process🏊♂️
The 2026 meet marked an important milestone for MWS, as the LSC fielded all 72 athletes, filling every 12-athlete slot across each age group. This year also introduced an updated, points-based selection process, awarding 10 points for a first-place ranking down to 1 point for tenth.
Following the application deadline, points were tallied and the top 12 athletes in each age group were reviewed for participation. In most cases, all top-ranked athletes accepted and were selected automatically, with only a handful of check-down decisions required. Coaches reported that the process worked smoothly and fairly, resulting in a well-balanced and competitive roster.
✨A Well-Run Meet and Outstanding Team Results✨
From logistics to team apparel, everything aligned for a successful weekend. Team operations ran seamlessly, and athletes proudly represented MWS in coordinated apparel provided in partnership with Elsmore and Coach Tara Goss.
Competition days were efficient and athlete-focused, with coaches on deck throughout Friday and Saturday and a streamlined four-hour Sunday session that concluded by early afternoon.
The results spoke for themselves. Across the meet, MWS athletes dropped time in over 70% of their races, earning multiple event wins, top-10 finishes, and national-level time standards across all age groups.
🥇Individual Highlights and National-Level Performances🥇
MWS athletes delivered standout performances throughout the weekend, including numerous podium finishes and National Age Group AAAA times:
James Jacobsen (14) posted an exceptional meet with multiple podium finishes, earning AAAA times in the 500 free (3rd), 200 free (2nd), and 100 free (3rd), along with top-four finishes in the 200 back and 200 IM.
Murari Sunnam (14) captured two individual championships in the 100 fly (52.91) and 200 IM (1:58.19, AAAA), while adding top-four finishes in sprint freestyle events.
Royce Li (12) earned a championship title in the 50 breast (32.26) and added podium and top-five finishes in the 200 free and 100 breast.
Avery Schindler (10) claimed a championship in the 50 breast (37.44) and finished second in the 100 breast.
Elise Schnee (12) delivered a remarkable meet with four top-six finishes, including AAAA times in the 50 fly, 100 free (2nd), and 100 fly (2nd).
Bungee Osterloh (10) earned a AAAA time in the 200 free (3rd) and finished second in the 200 IM.
Lucy Klappenback (12) posted a fourth-place finish in the 50 free with a AAAA time.
Mia Schergin (12) earned AAAA times in the 100 IM and 50 breast, with multiple top-six finishes.
Additional top-six performances were recorded by Molly Fisher, Piper Frederick, Ivan Hammond, Sergio Hosey-Alvarez, Charlotte Kinsel, Elise Knispel, Whitney Leach, Michael Levell, Dean Rasmussen, Cady Spence, Olivia Bradford, Collin Ashley, and Jack Bottling, highlighting the depth and balance of the MWS roster.
Relay events provided an exciting finish for MWS:
The Boys 13–14 Medley Relay (James Jacobsen, Jack Bottling, Dean Rasmussen, Murari Sunnam) placed 3rd with a National Age Group AAAA time.
The Boys 13–14 Free Relay (Murari Sunnam, Sergio Hosey-Alvarez, Jack Bottling, James Jacobsen) captured 1st place with a time of 3:16.37, also earning a National Age Group AAAA designation.
🎉Looking Ahead🎉
With strong performances, efficient team operations, and meaningful athlete development, the 2026 All-Stars Meet reinforced the strength of Midwestern Swimming as both a competitive force and a cohesive community.
