Chatham Boys Swimming Earns 5th Straight State Sectional Crown

Cougars defeat Tenafly 116-64 in NJSIAA North 1, Group B Final

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Chatham boys swim team won its fifth consecutive NJSIAA state sectional title, defeating Tenafly 116-64 at the NJSIAA North 1, Group B Final. Senior Tirian Chang led the way, winning two individual events and swimming legs on two winning relay teams.

Why it matters

Chatham's boys swimming program has established itself as a dominant force in the region, winning five straight state sectional championships. This latest victory showcases the team's depth and consistency, as they continue to set the standard for high school swimming in New Jersey.

The details

Chatham touched first in 10 of the 11 events, led by strong individual performances from senior Tirian Chang and junior Will von Doussa. Chang won the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke, while also swimming on the winning 200 medley relay and 200 free relay teams. Von Doussa won the 100 freestyle and 200 individual medley. The Cougars also got first-place finishes from senior Jack Kulp in the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle.

  • The NJSIAA North 1, Group B Final took place on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Tirian Chang

A senior on the Chatham boys swim team who won two individual events and swam legs on two winning relay teams in the NJSIAA North 1, Group B Final.

Will von Doussa

A junior on the Chatham boys swim team who won the 100 freestyle and 200 individual medley events in the NJSIAA North 1, Group B Final.

Jack Kulp

A senior on the Chatham boys swim team who won the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle events in the NJSIAA North 1, Group B Final.

Laura Hartnett

The head coach of the Chatham boys swim team, who praised her team's performance in the NJSIAA North 1, Group B Final.

Tenafly

The opponent of Chatham in the NJSIAA North 1, Group B Final, which Chatham defeated 116-64.

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What they’re saying

“From the opening races to the final touches, you competed with confidence and intent. Relays stepped up, individual swims mattered, and the energy on deck never dipped. Everyone played a role in this win—and that's what makes it special.”

— Laura Hartnett, Chatham Head Coach (TAPinto Chatham)

“This wasn't just about beating Tenafly. It was about meeting the moment, defending our standard, and proving once again what this program is capable of when it counts.”

— Laura Hartnett, Chatham Head Coach (TAPinto Chatham)

What’s next

The Chatham boys swim team will look to continue their dominant run in the upcoming NJSIAA state championship meet.

The takeaway

Chatham's boys swimming program has established itself as one of the top high school teams in New Jersey, winning five straight state sectional titles. Their latest victory showcases the depth and consistency of a program that continues to set the standard for excellence in the sport.