Jonathan Reeder is in his third year as the first Head Coach in Barton Swimming history beginning the program from its inception in 2017.

Reeder’s Cougars performed like veterans in just the program’s second trip to the NJCAA Championships, earning a pair of fifth place team finishes including the program's first ever individual national championship.

Highlighting the women’s performances and making program history, freshman McKayla Siemiller captured the 50 backstroke on day two of the four day national competition to become the program's first ever individual national champion. Siemiller’s 62 points throughout the week was matched by fellow freshman Elizabeth Spitz’s point tally which included a national runner-up in the 50 breaststroke. The duo also helped lead the relay teams to a trio of runner-up placings in five of the events entered.

The women placed fifteen in the nation’s Top-8 with the men’s squad placing fourteen being led by Marco Alvarez’s 47 points with Christian Taylor’s fifth place wall-touching in the 200 freestyle marking the highest finish for a Barton male at the Championships.

Qualifying both its full men's and women's roster for post-season in their inaugural season, despite not gathering points in the diving events, Reeder’s Cougars finished 7th on the men’s side while an undermanned women’s squad garnered an 11th national placing.

Outside the pool, Reeder’s first year of Cougars were exceptional in the classroom earning two NJCAA academic national titles. The Lady Cougars carried the nation’s second highest GPA of 3.82 to earn the honor while the Cougar men’s 3.23 GPA concluded the academic year with the double academic golds as nine total athletes achieved a 3.60 GPA or higher.

"Jonathan Reeder’s excitement and energy for this opportunity is unparalleled,” said Barton Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs.  “Jonathan understands he has the chance to do something truly special in starting the first ever swim program at not only Barton, but in the KJCCC.” 

Arriving to Barton from his three year stint assisting the Wichita Heights High School swim team, Reeder was a state qualifier at Heights before continuing his education at Cowley College and Wichita State University.

“I look forward to being part to such an incredible opportunity,” Reeder said. “The betterment of the sport of swimming in Kansas has been a dream of mine, and now I can finally be a part of taking the next step. I am incredibly excited about this adventure!”

Turning his passion for the sport into a career, Reeder began his experience as the pool manager and head swim coach at Wichita’s Tallgrass Country Club for four years before sought out to assist with the Falcons’ swim team.  

Known for his commitment to excellence and strong management skills, Reeder has revitalized the strength and conditioning aspect of his athletes helping Heights to two of the last three state boy’s titles.