A Northville Today feature published July 20, pulled back the curtain on the culture behind one of Michigan's most consistent boys swimming programs. The Northville Mustangs placed second at the MHSAA Lower Peninsula Division 1 Championships on Saturday, March 14, scoring 254 points behind champion Ann Arbor Pioneer's 283 in Rochester.

That runner-up finish extended a remarkable stretch: Northville has landed in the top four at the Division 1 state meet in four of the last five seasons, finishing second in 2022, fourth in 2024, third in 2025, and second again in 2026.

Senior Brady Stenson won the state title in the 200-yard freestyle, and classmate Ben Hu placed fourth in the individual medley. The Mustangs jumped to an early lead before Pioneer's depth took over.

"We fell a little short. But we did really well. I'm proud of the boys," head coach Rich Bennetts told MHSAA.com after the March 14 meet.

Bennetts has led the boys program since 1999. In the Northville Today feature, the four senior captains who steered the 2025-26 squad explained what separates the program from its competitors.

Jayden Setyabudi, a returning scorer in the 200 and 100 freestyle, said the program's traditions bind each class together. Ace Spicer, an All-State swimmer in the IM and breaststroke, credited volunteer events, fundraisers, and shared training sessions for building a connection other teams lack.

Stenson, who also holds the program's 200 free state title from 2025, pointed to accountability.

"It's the way everyone truly buys into it," Stenson said in the feature. "There's a strong sense of accountability, but it's never negative – everyone wants to push each other to be better. Whether it's in practice, at meets or even outside the pool, the team energy is always supportive and competitive in the best way."

Hu, an All-State performer in the IM and 500 freestyle, credited Bennetts' longevity. He said the coach has built the program with a clear vision since the captains were freshmen, and that internal sportsmanship pushes everyone to improve.

The senior class also included Colin Domeracki, Matt Dertouzos, Arthur White, Reed Anderson, and Adam Piao. Sophomores Justin Okopny and Quinn Guthrie contributed to the state-meet roster.

Northville will compete in its final Kensington Lakes Activities Association season in 2026-27 before moving to the Oakland Activities Association in fall 2027.