🐻 #BryanBuilt Podcast | Show Notes

S01 E04: Breaking Ground and Breaking Records: Swimmer, Diver, or Bowler

Hosts: Chris Malanga & Superintendent Mark Rairigh

Special Guests: Winter State Qualifiers

🎙️ Episode Summary

History is being unearthed—literally—at Bryan City Schools. This week, the #BryanBuilt Podcast celebrates a winter sports season that has redefined excellence for the Golden Bears. From the C.T. Branin Natatorium in Canton to HP Lanes in Columbus, our student-athletes have been representing the Purple & Gold on the biggest stages in Ohio.

In this jam-packed episode, we bridge the gap between our storied past and our record-breaking present. We discuss the physical transformation as the Central building demolition officially begins, and we sit down with the individuals who are building a legacy of their own in the pool and on the lanes.

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 🏁 Show Intro

01:45 📢 The News Feed

09:25 🏊‍♂️ The Deep Dive - Winter State Qualifiers

09:25 Nora Kunsman

24:39 Girls Relay Teams

35:47 Griffin Boehm

41:58 Boys Relay Teams

52:53 State Divers

01:04:27 Zoey Gillett - State Bowler

01:22:21 🎮 The Fun Segment: Swimmer, Diver, or Bowler?

01:33:23 🏀️ Community Q&A

01:40:00 🐻 Golden Bear Standout

🗞️ The #BryanBuilt News Feed

Superintendent Mark Rairigh joins Chris Malanga for a deep dive into district logistics and progress.

A&E Demolition Kickoff: We discuss the historic milestone that took place this past Tuesday as the demolition of the Central building began.

2027-28 School Calendar: We take a long-range look at the future, explaining the district's commitment to advanced planning for our families.

Calamity Day Count: We address the question on every student’s mind as we provide the official status of our hours and what it means for the remainder of the school year.

🏊‍♂️ The Deep Dive - Winter State Athletes

Nora Kunsman joins us to discuss her state championship in the 50 Free and her 4th place finish in the 100 Free, breaking her own school records in the process.

We welcome the Girls 200 Medley and 200 Freestyle relays, as well as the Boys 200 Free, 200 Medley, and 400 Free relay teams. We break down the 10th-place state finish for the boys and the incredible teamwork required to compete at this level.

Griffin Boehm discusses his 20th-place finish in the 100 Backstroke and the mental preparation needed.

All-Ohio diver Ethan Bailey (3rd place) and freshman Kamryn Mills discuss the pressure of diving and Bailey’s new career-best score of 415.15.

District Champion Zoey Gillett breaks down her massive 697 series that led her to the state tournament. We also discuss the historic season, including an NWOAL title and the first-ever male state qualifier in program history, Noah Mills

.🎮 The Fun Segment: Swimmer, Diver, or Bowler?

In our new game, we run through a list of 10 legendary athletes. Can Mark distinguish between a world-class swimmer, a diving icon, and a bowling legend based on name alone? From Michael "The Baltimore Bullet" Phelps to the "I AM!" energy of Pete Weber, this segment is a must-listen.

📬 The #BryanBuilt Mailbag: The 1917 Floor

Based on a tip from a former custodian, we unearthed the original 1917 gym floor hidden beneath layers of modern surfacing at the A&E. Mark tells the story and the district's exciting plans to salvage this century-old hardwood. Submit your own questions at podcast.bryanschools.net

🏆 Golden Bear Standout: Coach Makenzie Luce

We wrap up the show celebrating Makenzie Luce being named the Ohio Division II Swim Coach of the Year. We discuss the culture she has instilled in this program and what this honor means for BCS.

🔗️ Connect With Us:

Official BCS Website: bryanschools.net

Podcast Submissions: podcast.bryanschools.net

Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok

Remember: Greatness isn't born, it's #BryanBuilt. 🐻🏆

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