DeSales swimmer Luke DeFrancisco wins two state titles

Central Ohio swimmers shine at OHSAA Division II state championships

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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DeSales senior Luke DeFrancisco won the 100-yard breaststroke and 200 individual medley at the OHSAA Division II state swimming championships, while Wellington junior Jack Mahaffey won the 100 backstroke. Other top Central Ohio finishers included Granville, Bexley, and Jonathan Alder.

Why it matters

DeFrancisco's performance caps off a successful high school career, as he finally captured state titles after finishing as a runner-up and in the top 4 in previous years. The meet also featured strong showings from other Central Ohio swimmers, highlighting the depth of talent in the region.

The details

DeFrancisco won the 200 IM in 1:48.77, finishing 2.54 seconds ahead of the runner-up, and took the 100 breaststroke in 56.36, winning by 1.23 seconds. Mahaffey won the 100 backstroke in 48.38, just 0.1 off the state record. Granville finished 9th in the team standings, led by senior Nolan Schneider's podium finishes. Bexley's Katie Drummond had five top-4 finishes, including a second-place showing in the 50 free.

  • DeFrancisco won his first state titles in his final high school meet on February 27, 2026.
  • Mahaffey's championship in the 100 backstroke was the first swimming title for Wellington and only the second for the school's swimming and diving program.

The players

Luke DeFrancisco

A senior at DeSales High School who won the 100-yard breaststroke and 200 individual medley state championships in his final high school meet.

Jack Mahaffey

A junior at Wellington High School who won the 100 backstroke state championship, the first swimming title for Wellington and only the second for the school's swimming and diving program.

Nolan Schneider

A senior at Granville High School who had two podium finishes, placing fourth in the 200 freestyle and seventh in the 100 freestyle.

Katie Drummond

A sophomore at Bexley High School who had five top-4 finishes, including a second-place showing in the 50 freestyle and a third-place finish in the 100 butterfly.

Lily Schneider

A senior at Jonathan Alder High School who finished second in the 100 breaststroke and eighth in the 200 freestyle.

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What they’re saying

“[This meet] last year was pretty heartbreaking. I went into state seeded first, into the finals seeded first, and I didn't win. The big thing [this year] was capitalizing. I wanted to get some vengeance in the 200 IM. I am really happy with how the meet went.”

— Luke DeFrancisco (The Dispatch)

“A slight add all-time, but for this pool, I have to be happy with a state title. I'm thrilled but even without seeing the video, I know there are things to work on. I can see improvement.”

— Jack Mahaffey (The Dispatch)

“I tried not to put a lot of pressure on myself. I just tried to be present and think of everything I have done to work up to this point.”

— Katie Drummond (The Dispatch)

“You can tell [how close the race is] because when you're pushing off the wall, you can see them coming up on you and know you just have to go. Definitely at the turns you can tell and all through the underwaters. You can see in your peripheral vision how close everyone is to you. It can get scary.”

— Lily Schneider (The Dispatch)

“At the beginning of the season I was around a 1:32, then to 1:30 and down to a 1:28 tonight. I like backstroke more, but the 50 free is easier for stamina [purposes]. I get really tired in the 100 back. If there was a 50 back, I'd do that instead of the 50 free.”

— Charlotte Galbreath, Hartley freshman (The Dispatch)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

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.