Newport senior Ben Hurty has placed in five different individual events at state in his career. (Lincoln County Leader)

One year after regaining its status as the state's top small-school boys swim team, Newport is intent on keeping it.

The Cubs – the 4A/3A/2A/1A champions in 2018, 2019 and 2020 and runners-up to Catlin Gabel in 2022 and 2023 – dominated the state meet last year, outscoring Catlin Gabel 72-47 for first place.

They graduated their top swimmer in Sam Postlewait, who won four individual state titles the last two seasons (two in the 50-yard freestyle), but their lineup is filled with state-meet veterans.

“They're developed into that competitive mind frame,” said coach Shayna Swanson, who also trains the Cubs as coach of the local club, Newport Swim Team. “They came into the season like, 'We want to be undefeated.' They are definitely setting their goals. They look at other teams' performances.”

Senior Ben Hurty, who won the 100 backstroke and was runner-up in the 200 IM last year, sets the table for Newport's championship bid. He has placed in two events in each of the last three state meets, also winning a title in the 100 freestyle in 2023. All told, he has placed in five different events.

“He's just so versatile,” Swanson said. “He's one of those swimmers you can put in almost anything and you know he's going to make finals at state.”

With Postlewait gone, it's not certain that Hurty will swim the same events as last year's state meet.

“I'm kind of setting up for other considerations,” Swanson said. “Losing Sam, I have to cover up those points somewhere.”

The Cubs also feature state contenders in seniors Ivan Farias (second in 100 breaststroke last year) and Will Postlewait (sixth in 100 backstroke) and sophomore Jahan Eibner (fifth in 200 IM, seventh in 500 freestyle).

Farias, a member of Newport's state champion cross country team, is outstanding in the breaststroke but also could be a threat to contend in the 100 butterfly, 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle, if the situation dictates. He has “shown mass improvement” in the butterfly in the last few weeks, according to Swanson, and is strong in the 100 freestyle.

“He has the stamina to really come back that second 50,” Swanson said. “He's come along beautifully this year. He's put his head down and started working.”

Eibner fought through injuries as a freshman last season to be a factor in the state meet. He showed his range of strokes with his efforts in the 200 IM and 500 freestyle.

“He's a great distance swimmer, but he can also turn it on and really get at the sprints,” Swanson said. “He's definitely matured mentally and has really been there for the team this year. He'll definitely move up.”

Newport also is hoping for Will Postlewait to help compensate for the absence of his brother.

“I think a lot of people are going to be surprised by Will this year,” Swanson said. “He is such a strong swimmer this year. All of the sudden he just stepped up and he had taken off. I think he's really going to be a factor at state.”

In last year's state meet, the Cubs won both freestyle relays and were second in the medley relay. They figure to be a force again this year, considering they have five swimmers clocking under 55 seconds in the 100 freestyle and five under 25 seconds in the 50 freestyle. Hurty, Eibner and Will Postlewait are back from the winning 400 freestyle relay.

Newport's girls team, which won its first state team title last year, is facing a difficult encore this season. The Cubs graduated their top scorer in Layla Bretz, who was third in the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly.

Sophomores Gwynn Postlewait (third in 100 breaststroke, sixth in 500 freestyle) and Ruby Perucci (fifth in 100 backstroke) are a solid foundation, but the Cubs will need other swimmers to emerge to have a shot at a repeat.

“I won't discredit my girls,” Swanson said. “They have surprised me many, many times about stepping up.”