BEAVERTON — Philomath junior Lucas Brandt broke out to an early lead and was never seriously challenged while winning his second straight state title in the 100-yard breaststroke on Saturday morning at the Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center.
Despite securing another spot at the top of the medal stand, Brandt wasn’t entirely satisfied.
Gallery: PHS swimming at 4A/3A/2A/1A Championships (Feb. 20, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath High’s appearance at the 4A/3A/2A/1A State Swimming Championships on Saturday.
“I was really motivated but I wish it could have been better,” he said after touching the wall in 1:00.16, winning by 2.56 seconds over runner-up Carter McGriff of Marshfield. “It was probably the worst part of my race — I kind of got tired. I was really hoping for a better time to be honest.”
Despite his own high standards, Brandt’s performance at the 4A/3A/2A/1A State Championships was noteworthy. He broke his own school record in the 200 individual medley twice over the two days — first in Friday’s prelims with a 2:02.52, then again in Saturday’s finals with a 1:59.85, besting his previous record of 2:03.39 set in 2024.
In the 200 IM final, Brandt held a 0.55-second lead through the first three legs before Newport junior Jahan Eibner surged on the freestyle leg, posting a 26.94 split to Brandt’s 29.18 to claim the title.
“My freestyle, I think, is overall better than his but he just had a really good end of the race,” said Brandt, who ended up second.
Philomath coach Iliana Kaiser watched the race unfold with an appreciation for what nearly was.
“That Newport kid is a really good freestyler,” Kaiser said. “I think if he had another inch of a lead going into that leg, he would’ve had him.”
Brandt described two distinct mental approaches for his events. In the 200 IM, he executed a disciplined strategy — going out fast on the butterfly, maintaining pace on the backstroke, excelling on the breaststroke leg and holding on through the freestyle. The 100 breaststroke is a different matter entirely.
“With the 100 breaststroke, I try to just sprint the whole thing as fast as possible,” Brandt said. “It’s a 100 — you’ve got nothing to lose.”
Brandt also swam on the 200 medley relay with seniors Mason Stevens and Cameron McLennan, and junior Wyatt Coen. The foursome placed fourth with a time of 1:49.04 after posting the third-best time in Friday’s prelims at 1:49.12.
For Stevens, it was a bittersweet finish.
“It was my last time swimming so I just had that going through my brain,” the senior said, “and as soon as I got done hopping on the podium, I was retired, I’m done.”
McLennan, who narrowly missed the 100 butterfly finals by one spot Friday after a 59.08 in prelims, anchored the butterfly leg of the medley relay with characteristic intensity.
“I’m very competitive and like to win and I like to be ahead of the pack,” he said. “I kind of do what you’re not supposed to and sneak a peek to my side all the time to see where everybody’s at.”
Coen reflected on the relay with satisfaction.
“I had my fastest time of the season,” he said. “Everybody did a great job. I tried to go as fast as I could and it actually helps to just focus on me and not compare myself to others.”
Kaiser noted the competitive drive Stevens carried into the 200 medley relay, particularly with some of his teammates swimming their final races.
“I could see the drive that he had to do well for those seniors,” Kaiser said. “It’s a nice thing to see as a coach that you’re out to win not for yourself but for others.”
Kaiser acknowledged McLennan’s near-miss in the100 fly was tough but offered perspective.
“I’m sure he would’ve liked to make finals but he had a good race and it was a good end to the season for him,” Kaiser said. “It’s hard when you don’t swim year round — last year, doing a 57 to this year and not really getting to that marker. But it’s also hard getting older and your body gets wear and tear and you can’t swim those best times all the time.”
The 200 freestyle relay of senior Blake Hauck, Coen, McLennan and Brandt also made an appearance at state, finishing eighth in Friday’s prelims with a time of 1:39.19. It was the program’s first state appearance in that relay since the 2018-19 season when Jeremy Schaffer, Brandon Enghauser, Tristan Pindell and James Dye finished ninth.
Philomath ended up fifth in the boys team standings with 18 points. Newport won the team title with 40 points, followed by Cascade Christian (37), Klamath Union (35) and Molalla (29).
Philomath’s girls did not advance any individuals or relays to state this season. Newport won the girls team title with 42 points, followed by La Grande (35), Valley Catholic (32) and Catlin Gabel (31).
4A/3A/2A/1A State Championships
Friday-Saturday, Feb. 20-211, at Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center, Beaverton
BOYS
Team scoring — 1, Newport 40; 2. Cascade Christian 37; 3. Klamath Union 35; 4. Molalla 29; 5. Philomath 18; 6. The Dalles 16; 7. Phoenix 14; 7. Marshfield 14; 7. Saint Mary’s 14; 10. Sweet Home 13; 11. Valley Catholic 10; 12. Marist Catholic 9; 13. North Marion 8; 13. Stayton 8; 13. Riverdale 8; 13. Hidden Valley 8; 13. Catlin Gabel 8; 18. North Valley 5; 19. Astoria 4; 19. North Bend 4; 21. Riverside 2; 21. Henley 2; 23. Madras 1; 23. Tillamook 1.
PHS results
Finals — 200 medley relay, 4, Philomath (Stevens, Brandt, McLennan, Coen), 1:49.04. 200 individual medley, 2, Lucas Brandt, 1:59.85. 100 breaststroke, 1, Lucas Brandt, 1:00.16.
Prelims — 200 medley relay, 3, Philomath (Stevens, Brandt, McLennan, Coen), 1:49.12. 200 individual medley, 2, Lucas Brandt, 2:02.52. 100 butterfly, 7, Cameron McLennan, 59.08. 200 freestyle relay, 8, Philomath (Hauck, Coen, McLennan, Brandt), 1:39.19. 100 breaststroke, 1, Lucas Brandt, 1:00.32.
For complete meet results, click here
