Cincinnati Divers Shine at State Championships

Three Cincinnati-area divers finish in the top five at the 2026 Ohio High School Athletic Association state meet

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The 2026 Ohio High School Athletic Association swimming and diving state championships saw a strong showing from Cincinnati-area divers, with three placing in the top five and two more making the final cut to finish in the top 16. West Clermont's Bryce Cousins, Mason's Juju Nkhumane, and Sycamore's Oliver Erck all had standout performances, cementing Cincinnati's status as a diving powerhouse in the state.

Why it matters

Cincinnati has long been known for its strong high school swimming and diving programs, and this year's state meet results only reinforce that reputation. The success of these young divers not only brings pride to their local communities, but also highlights the quality of coaching and training available in the region, which could lead to more athletes pursuing diving in the future.

The details

Cousins, a junior, used a strong final round to take third place with 530.95 points, avenging earlier second-place finishes. Nkhumane, the sectional and district champion, finished fourth after briefly leading the competition. Erck, a Sycamore sophomore, burst onto the scene with a fifth-place finish. Loveland freshman Dylan Gannaway and Mason junior Christian Poh also made the top 16, cementing Cincinnati's dominance.

  • The 2026 Ohio High School Athletic Association swimming and diving state championships took place on February 24-25, 2026.
  • The boys diving competitions were held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Bryce Cousins

A junior diver from West Clermont High School who finished third at the 2026 state championships, avenging earlier second-place finishes at the sectional and district levels.

Juju Nkhumane

A junior diver from Mason High School who was the sectional and district champion, and finished fourth at the 2026 state championships, the highest finish for a Mason diver since 2013.

Oliver Erck

A sophomore diver from Sycamore High School who burst onto the scene with a fifth-place finish at the 2026 state championships, after winning the Southwest Ohio Classic and Greater Miami Championship earlier in the season.

Dylan Gannaway

A freshman diver from Loveland High School who finished 11th at the 2026 state championships, narrowly missing the top 10.

Christian Poh

A junior diver from Mason High School who finished 14th at the 2026 state championships, making the final cut.

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What they’re saying

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— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.