Hoover Seniors Bid Farewell, Swim Prodigies Shine at Ohio State Meet

Underclassmen Dannie Warren and Talan Smith make waves at the high school state championships.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

The Ohio high school state swim meet saw a mix of veteran leadership and rising young talent. Hoover High School seniors competed in their final state championships, while underclassmen Dannie Warren of Jackson and Talan Smith of Perry emerged as surprise standouts, proving they belong among the state's elite swimmers despite their youth.

Why it matters

The state swim meet is a showcase for Ohio's top high school talent, with seniors looking to cap off their careers and underclassmen aiming to make a name for themselves. Warren and Smith's strong performances as sophomores signal a changing of the guard, as a new generation of swimmers begins to take the spotlight.

The details

Warren and Smith both competed in races where upperclassmen typically dominate. However, the two sophomores more than held their own, with Warren finishing near the top of the field and Smith also making a strong showing. Their success as underclassmen is a testament to their skill and potential, hinting at bright futures in the sport.

  • The Ohio high school state swim meet took place on Friday, February 28, 2026.
  • Dannie Warren and Talan Smith are both currently sophomores.

The players

Dannie Warren

A sophomore swimmer from Jackson High School who emerged as a surprise standout at the state meet.

Talan Smith

A sophomore swimmer from Perry High School who also made a strong showing at the state championships.

Hoover High School seniors

A group of veteran swimmers competing in their final state meet before graduating.

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The takeaway

The success of Dannie Warren and Talan Smith as underclassmen at the Ohio high school state swim meet suggests a bright future for the sport, as a new generation of talented swimmers begins to emerge and challenge the established order.