- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Newton Boys Swimmers Advance to State
Finn Martin aims for third state title in 50-yard freestyle, defend 100-yard freestyle crown
Published on Feb. 8, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Several swimmers from Newton and Pella high schools have qualified for the upcoming Iowa High School Athletic Association's State Swim Meet. Finn Martin, a standout swimmer, will be returning to state to compete for his third state championship in the 50-yard freestyle and defend his 100-yard freestyle title from last year. Other Newton swimmers, including Caleb Punt, Hudson Meyer, and Ethan Comer, have also advanced to state in individual and relay events.
Why it matters
Qualifying for the state swim meet is a significant achievement for high school swimmers, as it showcases their hard work, dedication, and athletic abilities. The state competition provides an opportunity for these swimmers to compete against the best in Iowa and potentially earn state titles, which can be a source of pride for their schools and communities.
The details
Finn Martin won both the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard freestyle events at last year's state meet. This year, he matched his fastest-ever time of 20.19 in the 50-yard freestyle and set a pool and school record with a time of 44.18 in the 100-yard freestyle. Caleb Punt will join Martin at state in the 50-yard freestyle, placing third in the district meet. Hudson Meyer qualified in the 100-yard backstroke, and Ethan Comer will compete in the 100-yard breaststroke. The Newton boys also advanced to state in the 200-yard freestyle and 200-yard medley relays, with the freestyle relay setting a school record.
- The Iowa High School Athletic Association's State Swim Meet will be held on Friday and Saturday in Iowa City.
The players
Finn Martin
A standout swimmer for Newton High School who is aiming for his third state championship in the 50-yard freestyle and to defend his 100-yard freestyle title from last year.
Caleb Punt
A Newton High School swimmer who qualified for the state meet in the 50-yard freestyle event.
Hudson Meyer
A Newton High School swimmer who advanced to the state meet in the 100-yard backstroke.
Ethan Comer
A Newton High School swimmer who qualified for the state meet in the 100-yard breaststroke.
The takeaway
The success of the Newton and Pella swimmers at the district meet demonstrates the strength of their high school swim programs and the dedication of these athletes to their sport. Their achievements at the upcoming state meet will be closely watched by their schools and communities, who will be cheering them on as they compete against the best swimmers in Iowa.
