Spencer Tigers Swimmers Advance to State Meet in 8 Events

Tigers take 5th place out of 8 teams at IHSAA State Qualifying Meet

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Spencer High School boys swim team had a strong showing at the IHSAA State Qualifying Meet in Mason City, Iowa, advancing to the state meet in 8 different events. The Tigers finished 5th out of 8 teams, with several swimmers posting impressive individual and relay performances to earn their spots at the upcoming state championships.

Why it matters

Qualifying multiple swimmers and relay teams for the state meet is a significant achievement for the Spencer Tigers, showcasing the depth and talent of their swim program. This success will generate excitement and pride within the local community, while also raising the profile of the team as they compete against the state's top swimmers at the upcoming state championships.

The details

The Tigers' 200y Medley Relay team of Ray Kaiser, Owen Van Otterloo, Mason Yost, and Ethan Hass finished 4th to advance to state. Oliver Miller qualified in both the 200y Free (5th place) and the 500y Free (4th place, setting a new school record). Mason Yost advanced in the 100y Fly (7th place), while the 200y Free Relay team of Hass, Yost, Van Otterloo, and Kaiser took 4th. Ray Kaiser (2nd in 100y Back) and Owen Van Otterloo (2nd in 100y Breast) also earned individual state berths, and the 400y Free Relay squad of Hass, Miller, Kaiser, and Van Otterloo finished 4th to round out the Tigers' state qualifiers.

  • The IHSAA State Qualifying Meet took place on February 10, 2026 in Mason City, Iowa.

The players

Spencer High School Boys Swim Team

The high school swim team from Spencer, Iowa that competed at the IHSAA State Qualifying Meet.

Ray Kaiser

A senior swimmer for the Spencer Tigers who qualified for the state meet in the 100y Back (2nd place) and was part of the 200y Medley Relay and 400y Free Relay teams that advanced.

Owen Van Otterloo

A Spencer swimmer who qualified for state in the 100y Breaststroke (2nd place) and was also part of the 200y Medley Relay and 400y Free Relay teams.

Mason Yost

A Spencer swimmer who qualified for state in the 100y Butterfly (7th place) and was part of the 200y Medley Relay and 200y Free Relay teams.

Ethan Hass

A member of the Spencer 200y Medley Relay and 200y Free Relay teams that advanced to the state meet.

Oliver Miller

A Spencer swimmer who qualified for state in the 200y Freestyle (5th place) and 500y Freestyle (4th place, setting a new school record).

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What they’re saying

“It was a big night for the Spencer Boys Swim Team at the IHSAA State Qualifying Meet in Mason City.”

— Steven Cutler, Author (northwestiowanow.com)

What’s next

The Spencer Tigers swimmers who qualified for the IHSAA State Meet will compete at the state championships in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The Spencer High School boys swim team demonstrated its depth and talent by qualifying athletes in 8 different events for the upcoming state meet. This success will generate excitement in the local community and position the Tigers as a team to watch at the state championships.