Gazette-area swimmers primed for big state meet

Area individuals and relays ranked first or second in 9 of 11 events

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Boys state swimming will take place this weekend at the University of Iowa, and Gazette-area swimmers are poised for strong performances. Several individuals and relay teams from the area are ranked first or second in their events, including defending state champions Parker Macho of Linn-Mar and Andrew Seifert of Cedar Rapids Washington.

Why it matters

The strong showings by Gazette-area swimmers highlight the talent and depth of the local high school swimming programs. A successful state meet could lead to state titles and All-State recognition for these athletes, bringing pride to their schools and communities.

The details

Macho, a senior, will look to defend his state titles in the 200-yard individual medley and 100 butterfly, where he has the top qualifying times by wide margins. Seifert, also a senior, is seeking his first state title in the 100 freestyle and 100 breaststroke, where he has the top seeds. Linn-Mar's 400 freestyle relay team is the top seed, over four seconds faster than the second-place team. Other area swimmers and relays ranked second include Linn-Mar's 200 freestyle relay, Cedar Rapids Washington's Peter Wittnebel in the 200 freestyle, and Iowa City West's Ethan Landon in the 100 backstroke.

  • Boys state swimming will take place on Friday and Saturday, February 13-14, 2026.
  • The state meet will be held at the University of Iowa's Campus Recreation & Wellness Center in Iowa City.

The players

Parker Macho

A senior swimmer at Linn-Mar High School who is the defending state champion in the 200-yard individual medley and 100 butterfly.

Andrew Seifert

A senior swimmer at Cedar Rapids Washington High School who is seeking his first state title in the 100 freestyle and 100 breaststroke.

Linn-Mar

A high school in the Gazette area with a strong swimming program, including the top-seeded 400 freestyle relay team.

Peter Wittnebel

A swimmer at Cedar Rapids Washington High School who is the second seed in the 200 freestyle.

Ethan Landon

A swimmer at Iowa City West High School who is the second seed in the 100 backstroke.

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The takeaway

The strong performances by Gazette-area swimmers at the upcoming state meet showcase the depth and talent of the local high school swimming programs. These athletes have the potential to bring home state titles and All-State recognition, which would be a source of pride for their schools and communities.