Maroons Make Their Mark at State: Ganzenmueller Claims Championship as BC Posts Breakout Performances

Maroons Swim Team 25-26

The Butte Central Maroons closed out the 2026 MHSA State Swim Meet with one of the program’s strongest all‑around showings in recent years. Competing in Great Falls against the top swimmers in Class AB, the Maroons combined a state championship performance, multiple top‑four finishes, and impressive relay results to cap a season defined by growth, determination, and rising young talent.

Ganzenmueller Brings Home State Title in the 100 Breaststroke

Tessa Ganzenmueller

The highlight of the weekend came from junior Tessa Ganzenmueller, who captured the Class AB State Championship in the 100‑yard breaststroke. Ganzenmueller entered the meet as one of the top contenders, and she delivered a poised, powerful swim when it mattered most.

After opening with a controlled first 50, she surged ahead on the back half, using sharp tempo and clean underwater work to separate from the field. Her finish brought the Maroon cheering section to its feet and secured one of the most memorable victories of the meet.

Ganzenmueller’s title reflects not only her own dedication but the continued rise of the Butte Central swim program. Her performance sets a high bar for the seasons ahead and provides inspiration for the younger swimmers who train alongside her.

Girls’ Team Posts Strong Results Across Events

The Maroons added to their medal count in the 200‑yard freestyle, where Ganzenmueller placed third in 2:14.00 and junior Morgan Hardy finished fourth in 2:14.39. The pair gave BC one of the strongest mid‑distance duos in the classification.

In relay action, the 200 Medley Relay team of Hardy, Tia Thompson, Ganzenmueller, and Arewen Regester earned sixth place with a time of 2:15.79. The 200 Freestyle Relay squad of Hardy, Thompson, Ganzenmueller, and Alex Morey also turned in a competitive performance to close out the girls’ events.

Freshman Thompson added valuable individual swims in the 100 Breaststroke and 200 Individual Medley, gaining key experience in her first State Meet appearance.

Freshmen Lead the Way for Boys’ Team

The Butte Central boys’ squad, built around two freshmen and two junior, delivered a breakout performance in Great Falls. Their results showcased both immediate competitiveness and long‑term promise.

Peck Finishes 7th and 8th in Near‑Finals Performances

Freshman Shamus Peck led the boys with two standout swims, placing seventh in the 200 Individual Medley and eighth in the 100 Butterfly. Both finishes left him just outside the championship finals an impressive achievement for a freshman swimmer competing in two of the meet’s most demanding events.

Peck’s versatility and composure stood out throughout the weekend, marking him as a key piece of BC’s future.

Hardy and Bradshaw Add Depth and Leadership

Freshman Connor Hardy contributed in the 100 Breaststroke and 100 Backstroke, showing range across multiple strokes. Junior Joe Bradshaw represented BC in the 500 Freestyle, the longest race of the meet, providing steady leadership for the young group.

Both Boys’ Relays Earn 7th‑Place Finishes

The boys’ relay teams delivered two of the program’s strongest results of the weekend:

• 200 Medley Relay 7th place  Peck, Hardy, Conan Holmes, Bradshaw

• 200 Freestyle Relay 7th place  Peck, Hardy, Holmes, Bradshaw

For a relay group anchored by freshmen, the dual seventh‑place finishes marked a significant step forward and demonstrated the depth developing within the program.

A Season That Signals a Bright Future

The Maroons’ performance in Great Falls reflected a program on the rise. With a state champion returning next season, a talented group of freshmen gaining championship‑level experience, and relay teams showing competitive strength, Butte Central swimming continues to build momentum.

The 2026 State Meet showcased the heart, discipline, and pride that define Maroon athletics and set the stage for even greater achievements in the years ahead.