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KHS Boys Swim & Dive Makes History at State Championships

Posted Date: 11/17/25 (10:26 AM)
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The Kearney High School Boys Swim & Dive team capped off a phenomenal season by making a splash at the 2025 MSHSAA State Championships on Nov. 13-14 in St. Louis. 

The Bulldogs were on fire from start to finish, breaking school and state records, earning two more state titles, and posting the program’s best team finish in five years. Out of 60 teams, KHS placed 8th overall, a testament to relentless work, focus, and heart. If you know any of these student-athletes, be sure to congratulate them on this incredible accomplishment!

KHS swimmer Whitaker Steward poses on the podium after winning the 500 free race at the 2025 state championships.

A Legendary Finish for Whitaker Steward

Senior Whitaker Steward closed his high school career as one of the most decorated athletes in Missouri history. He tied the all-time MSHSAA record — for both boys and girls — with seven individual state championship titles. His performances at State were nothing short of breathtaking:

200 Freestyle: Broke his own state record with a time of 1:38.36, earning his third consecutive championship and fifth All-American title.

500 Freestyle: Claimed his fourth straight state championship with a time of 4:24.39, making him just the second male swimmer in Missouri history to win the same event all four years of high school — and a six-time All-American.

KHS diver Isaac Clayton poses on the podium after taking fifth at State.

Isaac Clayton Earns First State Dive Medal for KHS

Senior diver Isaac Clayton capped his KHS career with a storybook performance, placing 5th overall and becoming the first male diver in program history to earn First Team All-State honors. Starting the sport as a sophomore, Isaac’s rise to the podium shows what perseverance and determination can achieve.

Braeden Mallonee Displays Growth & Grit
Meanwhile, sophomore Braeden Mallonee continued his rapid ascent, qualifying for two individual events and earning All-State Honorable Mention in both. In just his second year competing, he posted personal records in the 100 Butterfly (55.05) and 100 Backstroke (12th place, PR time) — an incredible trajectory in such a demanding sport.

xWhitaker Steward, Braeden Mallonee, Isaac Jensen and Milo Sumpter

Bulldogs Excel in Relays

The Bulldogs also delivered powerhouse relay performances:

  • 200 Medley Relay (Braeden Mallonee, Bennett Freeman, Whitaker Steward and Milo Sumpter): Finished 9th with a major time drop, just 0.05 seconds shy of the podium.

  • 200 Freestyle Relay (Isaac Jensen, Landon Morrill, Isaac Clayton and Milo Sumpter): Posted a four-second improvement for a new personal record.

  • 400 Freestyle Relay (Whitaker Steward, Braeden Mallonee, Isaac Jensen and Milo Sumpter): Earned First Team All-State honors for the second straight year, finishing 8th overall.