COVINGTON – Brock Gessner, a senior at Covington High School, committed to extend his swimming career and academic opportunities at the collegiate level by choosing Ashland University.
“I chose this college due to the team atmosphere, the coach and swimmer relationships,” commented Brock. “I also chose Ashland due to the elite academics and nutrition.”
Brock is the son of Phillip Gessner and Kelly Thomas and a stepfather, Evan Thomas. Due to his parent’s motivation, he excelled at Covington academically with a 3.5 GPA and has aspirations to earn a major degree in Sports Management.
“I want to maintain a three-point-five GPA, become a leaders within the swim team and have fun doing it,” he said.
As a swimming athlete from Covington, Brock put together an impressive high school career as a four-time district qualifier, a three-time state qualifier, and a two-time state finalist. He also finished in the top ten at state in 2026 by placing ninth at state in the 100 meter butterfly. That same year Brock placed 18th in the 100 meter backstroke. In 2025, he also placed 15th at state in the 100 meter butterfly and qualified for state in the 100 meter backstroke.
Brock had a lot of support throughout his high school career, which made it successful and enjoyable.
“People who help me are God, parents, my brother (Drew Gessner), coaches, teachers and friends,” praised Brock.
One of the biggest impact on his progression in swimming was the amount of work he put in and his two coaches, Jim and Pam Fulton.
Brock will also be in a great situation at Ashland University due to his future swimming coach Sydney Laughlin. Coach Laughlin will have Brock Gessner in her second year as the head coach for the Eagles.
