2024 Boys Co-Swimmer of the Year: Cole Witmer

Now that the winter sports season has come to a close, it’s time to reveal the All-Coastal Preps teams. Over the next few days, you will get to know more about the players of the year while also seeing who made first and second team in swimming & diving, wrestling and basketball.

For the second consecutive year, the Coastal Preps Boys Co-Swimmer of the Year is senior Cole Witmer from Hoggard.

Cole’s Accomplishments

Cole Witmer made history on February 10 by becoming the first Hoggard male to claim a swimming state title. 

After finishing second in the 100 backstroke as a junior, Witmer edged James Bennison of Hough in a thrilling rematch. The Alabama signee had a NCHSAA 4A State Championship record time of 47.93, while Bennison touched the wall in 47.97.

Witmer added fourth-place finishes in the 200 IM, 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay to help the Vikings scored 221.5 points, which was good enough for third. 

The senior broke three New Hanover County records in his final high school meet – 100 backstroke, 200 IM (1:49.51 in prelims) and 200 medley relay (1:32.89). 

A week earlier at the 4A East Regional, Witmer was victorious in three events. He finished first in all four events to help Hoggard edge Ashely for its 11th consecutive Mideastern Conference title.

Witmer had the top seven area times in the 200 IM as well as the top six times in the 100 backstroke. 

More about Cole

Favorite Restaurant(s): Islands

Favorite Movie(s): Forrest Gump

Favorite TV Show(s): The Office

Favorite Athlete(s): Austin Reaves/Justin Thomas

Favorite memory from this season: Regional relay wins with the boys.

Favorite memory from your career: Winning four consecutive conference championships.

Favorite thing about your school or team: The community and support

What is your dream job?: Golfer

Which would you choose – a vacation at the beach or the mountains?: Beach 100%

What is your favorite snack to get at the movie theater?: Popcorn