Mount Vernon High School

Two Wildcat Standouts Commit to Continue Swimming Careers at Wabash College The Mt. Vernon High School Athletic Department is proud to announce that seniors Ryan McCollum and Ozzy Jankowski have both committed to continue their academic and athletic careers at Wabash College, where they will compete for the Little Giants swimming program. This unique and exciting moment for Wildcat Athletics marks the first time in recent memory that two Mount Vernon swimmers will continue their careers together at the same collegiate program. The community is invited to attend their joint signing celebration as we recognize the accomplishments and legacies both student-athletes leave behind. We hope you will join us on Friday, 2/20/26 at 3:15 pm in the Athletic Foyer. Ryan McCollum Ryan McCollum’s journey at Mount Vernon has been defined by steady growth, grit, and a relentless work ethic. A four-year varsity swimmer, Ryan has consistently elevated his performance each season, proving that dedication, daily discipline, and belief in the process truly pay off in the pool. His accomplishments include: Freshman year: 8th place, 400 free relay at Sectionals Sophomore year: 5th place PAC (500 free), 7th place Sectionals (400 free relay), Coaches Award recipient Junior year: Multiple PAC and Sectional top-five finishes; competed at Divisionals Senior year: PAC Champion in the 200 free, 500 free, 200 free relay, and 400 free relay From his freshman to senior year, Ryan has dropped approximately 1.5 minutes in the 200 freestyle and nearly 3 minutes in the 500 freestyle—an incredible testament to his commitment and perseverance. When asked why he chose Wabash College, Ryan said, “Their coaching staff doesn’t care about times; they only care about character and if you are consistently improving. Also, they are both really nice coaches who care about you as a person instead of you as a number that is going to win events.” Ryan is a member of the National Honor Society and plans to attend Wabash for three years before transferring to Purdue University to pursue a double major in mathematics and aeronautical or aerospace engineering. Ozzy Jankowski Ozzy Jankowski leaves behind a legacy of leadership and excellence that few can match in Mount Vernon swimming history. A two-year team captain and 2025 MVP, Ozzy has established himself as one of the most decorated swimmers our program has seen, setting school records in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke while also claiming PAC Conference records in those same events—an extraordinary standard of performance and consistency in and out of the water. He currently owns eight All-Time Mount Vernon Top 16 performances. His championship résumé includes: Sectional Champion in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke Four-time PAC Conference Champion IHSAA State Finalist (100 butterfly) Seven-time Indiana Swimming State Meet finalist Indiana Top 10 time holder in multiple events (2024–2025) Ozzy has also competed on the national stage at the World Cup 2025, Stadium Splash at Lucas Oil Stadium, Futures, and Speedo Sectionals. Beyond the pool, Ozzy is an Academic All-American, a member of the Shepard Academy of Leadership & Law, National Honor Society member, Unit 4 We the People State Champion, Eagle Scout, docent at the Evansville Wartime Museum, and served as the 2025 Grand Marshal of the Mount Vernon Christmas Parade. In his own words about choosing Wabash: “I chose Wabash College because of the strong traditions of developing exceptional men. They seem to genuinely care about supporting my growth in and out of the water.” Ozzy plans to study pre-law while continuing his swimming career as a Little Giant. About Wabash College Swimming The Wabash Little Giants compete in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) and are led by Head Swimming Coach and Aquatics Director, Will Bernhardt. Bernhardt has served in his role since 2018 and was named the 2022 NCAC Men’s Swimming Coach of the Year after leading the program to a third-place conference finish. A graduate of Indiana University, Bernhardt was a Big Ten finalist in the 100 and 200 backstroke and qualified for the 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials.. He previously coached at Buffalo, Notre Dame, Northwestern, and Wittenberg University. Wabash College is a premier all-male liberal arts institution in Crawfordsville, Indiana, known for its strong alumni network and exceptional post-graduate outcomes, with 97–99% of graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months ______________________________________________________________________________________ Mt. Vernon Athletics is incredibly proud of Ozzy and Ryan—not only for their accomplishments in the pool, but for the character, leadership, and work ethic they represent. Their commitment to continue swimming together at Wabash College speaks to the strength of our program and the bright future ahead for these two Wildcats. Please join us in congratulating Ozzy Jankowski and Ryan McCollum as they take this next step in their academic and athletic journeys. Their signing will take place on Friday, 2/20/26 at 3:15 pm in the Athletic Foyer. Please enter Door #2 at Circle Drive after the buses have left.