AI says finding a consistent swimming stroke requires building rhythm, maintaining a steady cadence and using drills for muscle memory. Consistency also is important to building and maintaining a successful swimming and diving program and the Northville boys team is the perfect example.

The Mustangs have finished top four at the MHSAA Swimming and Diving Division 1 Championships in three of the last four years: 2022 (second), 2024 (fourth), and 2025 (third). The boys also took third in both 2007 and 2010.

Rich Bennetts took over the boys program in 1999 and has been with the girls program since 2008, taking over as head coach in 2024.

The male Mustangs continue to swim among the elite in the state in 2025-26.

“We’ve got quite a few very accomplished swimmers on the team this year, including a talented group of seniors who have been together for years through both club and high school swimming,” Bennetts said. “They are a great group to work with, and I enjoy every practice with these guys because they work so hard.”

How have the Mustangs maintained that consistency over the years? Let’s jump in the pool and find out from those in the know – the four senior captains.

“I think Northville swim and dive has been so successful in the past because we’re all so close as a team,” said Jayden Setyabudi, a returning scorer in both the 200 and 100 freestyle. “We have strong traditions that have been passed down through each class that make us unique as a team.”

Ace Spicer, a returning All-State swimmer in the IM and Breaststroke, said “team bonding” is another key stroke to their success.

“Since my freshman year, I learned that a sport like swimming can involve more than just yourself,” he said. “Participating in many volunteer events, fundraisers and rigorous training sessions together, the Northville team has built a connection that distinguishes itself from our competitors. The captains take pride in their leadership each year.”

Brady Stenson has proven he can go the distance when it matters the most. The senior is the defending state champion in the 200 freestyle and runner-up in the 500 free. He agrees that team culture plays a big role in the program’s elite status.

“It’s the way everyone truly buys into it," Stenson said. “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. We build off each other a lot.”

Ben Hu, a returning All-State swimmer in the IM and 500 free, couldn’t agree more with his teammates and credits Northville’s coaching staff for building such a strong program.

“Coach Bennetts has been with the team for more than 25 years, and he has built us up with a vision on what we can do and what we should strive for ever since we were freshmen,” he said. “It also comes down to sportsmanship within the team – how we’re able to encourage each other and push one another to be the best we can be.”

Other key swimmers and divers on the Northville roster this year include seniors Colin Domeracki, Matt Dertouzos, Arthur White, Reed Anderson and Adam Piao, and sophomores Justin Okopny and Quinn Guthrie.