The562’s coverage of Millikan Athletics for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Brian Ramsey and TLD Law.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
The562’s coverage of aquatic sports in Long Beach in 2025-26 is sponsored by Watersafe Swim School.
It was an electric evening at Millikan’s Natatorium as the Wilson Bruins swept the Rams at all levels for a decisive win.
Girls’ Varsity
On the girls’ side, Wilson delivered a commanding 117.5–52.5 victory over Millikan.
“I think the girls did an amazing job considering where we’re at in our training, and they showed up and had some fun on the blocks and raced really well,” said Wilson Girls’ Swim Head Coach Kristin Barth-Kredell.
The Bruins took first in every event except the 100 backstroke, in which Millikan’s Mckenna Rosenberg finished with a time of 1:04.71 to secure the Rams’ first and only win of the night for both the varsity girls’ and boys’ sides.
Rosenberg was also part of the closest race of the day in the girls’ 500 freestyle, where it came down to a photo finish in the last 5 meters, before Wilson freshman Emmylou Kennedy was able to pull away for the win with a time of 5:17.41, followed closely by her teammate Abby Billish, who swam a 5:17.87.
“I thought our 500 freestylers did an amazing job today. Getting one with our freshman Emmylou, and then Abby’s second place was awesome. It was a great swim for them,” said Coach Barth-Kredell.
Wilson senior Kate Tunnicliff finished first in three events: the 200 IM, 100 breaststroke and the winning 200 medley relay team.
Three athletes from Wilson also had double wins in relays and individuals: Abby Billish, Reece Haga and Taylor Williams.
After their close 86–84 victory against Long Beach Poly at the last league meet, Wilson is looking to sharpen up before CIF begins.
“We’re feeling great, but I think we’re very tired still. We’re not in our taper yet, so I think the team is looking forward to starting our taper and feeling strong for league,” said Barth-Kredell.
Boys’ Varsity
On the boys’ side, Wilson’s dominance was even more pronounced, as the Bruins cruised to a 138–32 victory.
“It’s noisy, it’s loud, it’s a great atmosphere,” said Wilson Boys’ Swim Coach Bando D’sa. “On a Thursday night, two weeks out from league, what more do you want? It’s exciting.”
A standout for the Bruins was sophomore Aidan Conrey, who won the 50 freestyle and the 100 fly, as well as being part of Wilson’s winning 400 freestyle relay team.
Juniors Pakal Rejon and Vaughan Baker also had great races for Wilson, with Rejon winning the 100 freestyle and Baker taking the 200 IM.
“Pakal was our fastest 50 freestyler across the two relays, which is amazing. He’s been grinding really, really hard for that one,” said Coach D’sa. “And for Vaughan, he’s always holding it down in the 200 IM and the 100 fly, which are some of the hardest events.”
The team atmosphere has also been a major point of emphasis this season, with the Bruins focusing not just on times but on building a stronger overall program culture.
“We want to turn this program into what it used to be. We have some of the best boys here and some of the best coaches. We just want to go out there, have fun and swim fast,” said Baker.
With league play winding down, Wilson is focused on building and emphasizing the importance of a strong and supportive team culture.
“That’s something we really harp on in our program. Everybody has a role and they matter to the team’s result, and I feel like at this point in the season, everyone has bought in,” said Coach D’sa. “It’s amazing to see these guys at the end of the lane cheering their teammates on for both the boys’ and girls’ teams. It’s the type of camaraderie you like to see.”
Looking ahead, Wilson is focused on the upcoming championship stretch, looking to repeat as Moore League champions and advance in CIF.
“Obviously, the goal is always to win, and we’re really excited for league and CIF. Our section is one of the fastest in the country, so we’re excited to see what these guys can do at that kind of level,” D’Sa said.
Girls’ Varsity Race Winners
200 Medley Relay – Wilson (Dunn, Tunnicliff, Garcia, Davison-Lakey), 1:58.44
200 Free – Abby Billish, Wilson (1:59.02)
200 IM – Kate Tunnicliff (2:22.93)
50 Free – Bella Salley-Najjarian, Wilson (25.79)
100 Butterfly – Taylor Williams, Wilson (1:02.07)
100 Free – Reece Haga, Wilson (56.41)
500 Free – Emmylou Kennedy, Wilson (5:17.41)
200 Free Relay – Wilson (Davison-Lakey, Williams, Haga, Salley-Najjarian), 1:43.98
100 Backstroke – Mckenna Rosenberg, Millikan (1:04.71)
100 Breaststroke – Kate Tunnicliff, Wilson (1:13.53)
400 Free Relay – Wilson (Haga, Billish, Williams, Salley-Najjarian), 3:49.18
Boys’ Varsity Race Winners
200 Medley Relay – Wilson (Radaich, Jensen, Baker, Casem), 1:46.91
200 Free – Keegan Abing, Wilson (1:49.67)
200 IM – Vaughan Baker (2:10.37)
50 Free – Aidan Conrey, Wilson (22.77)
100 Butterfly – Aidan Conrey, Wilson (56.02)
100 Free – Kai Bramble, Wilson (49.33)
500 Free – Scott Daniels, Wilson (5:07.12)
200 Free Relay – Wilson (Bramble, Wise, Conrey, Abing), 1:31.94
100 Backstroke – Shane Radaich, Wilson (57.14)
100 Breaststroke – Ethan Jensen, Wilson (1:07.88)
400 Free Relay – Wilson (Bramble, Wise, Conrey, Abing), 3:23.28
