ADRIAN — The Adrian and Tecumseh swimming and diving programs begin the 2026 season with high expectations and individual success in the Southeastern Conference and beyond.
Robert Petkus starts his eighth season as Adrian’s coach, and his expectations are the same from fourth-year seniors to first-time swimmers: put forth a strong effort and good things will happen.
“We have a great mix of young and old swimmers on this team,” said Petkus, whose team went 8-2 last season and finished third in the Southeastern Conference. “A lot of the older swimmers have embraced the process, and a lot of younger swimmers learn from the elders the process and expectations.”
The Maples had a good 2025, culminating in a strong performance at the Division 3 state swimming and diving finals at the Holland Aquatic Center, where the team scored 54 points and tied for 15th place among 36 teams.
Senior Allison Marks and sophomores Michele Coy and Abby Meyers are all returning state qualifiers for Adrian.
Adrian opened the season with wins over Milan (99-84) and Allen Park (112-71) on Aug. 19, and the effort the Maples put forth pleased Petkus.
“The season will be an overall success regardless of our win/loss record,” Petkus said. “Just two weeks into practice, we can tell we are working with a special group, getting ready to do big things.”
Tecumseh begins its second season without a home pool under veteran coach Betsy Olberg, but it is not a deterrent to the Indians, who have stepped up and continued to achieve.
“I’m excited that I have eight returning swimmers this season and that they all stuck with it knowing that we have no pool and will be spending our season at whatever pool — or lake — we can find to swim in,” said Olberg, who is beginning her 10th season at Tecumseh.
Despite the pool situation, Olberg said the goal is always helping her swimmers and divers achieve personal records and greater victories.
“I’m more interested in athletes’ PRs and state qualifications than wins and losses,” Olberg said of her coaching philosophy. “Don’t get me wrong, I love to win; but in swimming and diving, sometimes winning depends solely on the number of athletes on the team, and the number of events you can fill.”
Last season, Tecumseh sent several members of Olberg’s squad to the Division 3 state meet in Holland. Ciel Stolberg competed in the 50-yard freestyle and 100 freestyle. Stolberg, Kellie Fahey, Madison Betz, and Aubree Barkway competed in the 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay, while Betz also competed in the diving finals.
Stolberg and Fahey were seniors and graduated this past spring, but Olberg returns several strong competitors to battle in the pool for Tecumseh.
Olberg said she is looking for Betz, a senior, to qualify again in these events and possibly the 100 backstroke. Barkway, a junior, is another swimmer who could qualify for individual and relay events. Olberg said to keep an eye on senior Maddy Proskie and sophomore Aubrey Russell, who should both contribute to a state relay and have some great swims this season. Maelle Francis, who received the SEC Sportsmanship Award as a junior, returns for her senior season.
“We will be small but mighty this year,” Olberg said.