SEAHOLM: Rijnovean claims pair of solo state titles

ROCHESTER — Elliot Rijnovean's presence in the pool captured attention from the moment he took his position on the starting block at Oakland University.

The stellar performance from Rijnovean helped fuel Seaholm High School to a third-place finish with 207 points at the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s (MHSAA) Division II Lower Peninsula state championship. 

The junior emerged as one of the meet’s outstanding performers, claiming not one but two individual state championships. Rijnovean athletic prowess was on full display as he carved through the water in the 100 butterfly, touching the wall at 47.85 seconds. However, it was his performance in the 100 backstroke that left a lasting mark as his time of 47.10 seconds was the fastest in MHSAA history. 

His individual accolades only tell one part of the story. An Indiana University commit, Rijnovean joined forces with teammates Finn Murray, Emmett Knudsen and Quinn O’Neill to set new division mark in the 200 medley relay with a time of 1:30.09.

O’Neill showcased Seaholm’s depth with his silver-medal performance in the grueling 500 freestyle - a race that demonstrates both endurance and tactical strategy. He would reunite with Murray and Rijnovean, alongside Cullen Nelson, to secure second place in the 400 freestyle relay, further cementing Seaholm’s position among the state’s elite programs.  

The spirit of inclusive excellence that defines Seaholm’s program shone brightly through Michael Drelles’s inspiring performance in the paralympic events. Drelles captured bronze medals in both the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle, exemplifying the program’s commitment to celebrating achievement across all levels of competition.

The meet also highlighted strong performances from neighboring Groves as Nathan Stebbins powered his way to a silver-medal finish in the 200 Individual Medley with a time of 24.21. Teammate Ian Whan added to the medal count of the Falcons by securing bronze in the 100 freestyle with a time of 46.08.

As the final events concluded and the echoes of cheering fans slowly faded from Oakland University, the performances by Seaholm and Groves stand out as a testament to the power of excellence within Birmingham Public Schools – a formula that continues to keep the district among Michigan’s swimming elite.