Hockinson's Ryder Hough Named 2A Greater St. Helens Swimmer of the Year

Hockinson High School's swimming program, led by Coach of the Year Michelle Jacobs-Brown, dominates league awards.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Ryder Hough, a junior at Hockinson High School, has been named the 2A Greater St. Helens League Swimmer of the Year, capping off a remarkable season for the school's swimming program. Hockinson's success, along with strong performances from athletes at Ridgefield and Mark Morris High Schools, highlights emerging trends in local swimming, including an emphasis on versatility, the growing importance of relay events, and the rise of collaborative programs.

Why it matters

The All-League selections provide a snapshot of the current competitive landscape in high school swimming within the Greater St. Helens region. The recognition of both seasoned seniors and promising underclassmen underscores the blend of experience and potential driving the sport forward, while also signaling key trends that could shape the future of local swimming.

The details

Hockinson's success isn't solely attributable to Hough's individual brilliance. The program, under the guidance of Coach Michelle Jacobs-Brown, has clearly established a winning formula, as evidenced by the multiple relay wins and individual performances across the team. Ridgefield High School showcased impressive depth and teamwork, securing victories in both the 200 and 400 freestyle relays, while Mark Morris High School continues to be a consistent producer of top swimming talent, with standout performances from Anakin Isenhart and Dylan Wirtz.

  • Ryder Hough was selected as the swimmer of the meet at the 2A-1A District 4 meet, winning both the 50 free and 100 free.

The players

Ryder Hough

A junior at Hockinson High School who has been named the 2A Greater St. Helens League Swimmer of the Year.

Michelle Jacobs-Brown

The head coach of the Hockinson/SW Washington co-op swimming program, who was named Coach of the Year.

Lincoln Swift

A senior at Ridgefield High School who had consistent top finishes in the 200 IM and 500 free.

Anakin Isenhart

An athlete from Mark Morris High School who achieved success in the 100 fly and 100 breaststroke.

Dylan Wirtz

A freshman at Mark Morris High School who had success in the 100 backstroke, signaling a strong pipeline of future talent.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The recent successes of these schools and athletes suggest several key trends are shaping the future of local swimming, including an emphasis on versatility, the growing importance of relay events, the rise of collaborative programs, and a focus on identifying and developing young talent. These trends will likely continue to influence the competitive landscape and drive the sport forward in the Greater St. Helens region.