By Annie Hynes
Queen Anne's County High School // Swimming
Identical twins, Jacob and Joshua Brown, known affectionately as The Brownies by their fellow swimmers, started swimming at the “old” age of seven (many competitive swimmers hit the water by the age of four). In just five years they were record holders in the 11/12 age group for Talbot County YMCA (TCY) “Stingray” swimming; Josh in the 200-meter and 500-meter freestyle, and both were members of the record eaking 200 free relay and the 200 medley relay teams.
By the time they were swimming in the 13/14 age group they held all of the freestyle records, which includes 50-, 100-, 200-, 500-, 1,000-, and 1,650-meter distances. Not just freestylers, Josh also holds the record(s) in the 100- and 200-meter eaststroke. Jacob dominated the 100- and 200-meter butterfly, along with the 200-meter Individual Medley (a race that includes all of the strokes). They added to their relay prowess by achieving records in not only the 200 free and 200 medley relay, but also the 400 free and 400 medley relay as well.
As they entered the 15-and-over age group they kept up their record- eaking ways! They continued their dominance in the 200 free relay and the freestyle events, giving up only the 1,000 meter free. TCY is no slouch when it comes to producing world-class swimmers. Many of their top swimmers have gone on to swim competitively in college. TCY records are hard records to eak—but eak them they did.
For the last four years, the Brownies have been coached by Kelley Moore and Maggie Macedonia at Queen Anne’s High School. Both speak highly not only of the boys’ obvious swimming prowess, but also their incredible work ethic. Coach Kelley Moore says, “The Browns are legends in the swimming world on the Eastern Shore. The majority of swimmers know who they are, look forward to seeing them, talking with them, and competing against them. A true testament to their successes and to them as young men.”
High praise from a woman who herself was a NCAA Division I college swimmer and went on to become an Atlantic 10 Conference champion in the 1,650 free. Coach Maggie Macedonia thinks the Brown others are not only incredibly fast swimmers, but she adds, “Jake and Josh are captains of our team and lead by example. They help push the more experienced swimmers while practicing and they help teach our newer swimmers flip turns, starts, etc. Jake and Josh are certainly athletes that others look up to. Their leadership and talent have helped our team continue to grow the success and prestige of our swim program.”
Both coaches feel this year will be their best yet!
Academically, the twins are stars as well. Both have over a 3.5 GPA, which allows them to take classes at neighboring Washington College through the More Able Program. This has helped them catch the eye of many competitive colleges. The boys have accepted an academic and athletic scholarship to St. Bonaventure in Allegany, New York. The “Bonnies” are a highly competitive NCAA Division I swim team (Coach Kelley also attended St. Bonaventure). Head Coach Sean McNamee announced their signing in a press release on the school’s website, including a long list of their swimming accomplishments.
“Jacob Brown will join the St. Bonaventure swimming program after lettering four years at Queen Anne’s County High School. The 5’10” sprinter has posted times of 21.64s in the 50yd free, 47.68s in the 100-yd free, 1:44.29s in the 200-yd free, 52.21s in the 100-yd fly, and 1:57.27m in the 200-yd IM. Josh’s nearly identical times were also announced in the 50 free and the 100 free. Josh doesn’t swim butterfly, instead he has the eaststroke in his arsenal, with an impressive time of 59.48s in the 100-yard eaststroke. These performances earned them many records and solid performances at the Maryland State Championships where Josh (junior) came in first place in the 50 yard freestyle.”
In their spare time they enjoy church, friends, and working with the National Honor Society (they were inducted junior year).
Both Jake and Josh have worked incredibly hard to be the swimmers they are. When asked how he handles the challenges of being a top student-athlete, Josh put it well. “You have to be willing to set aside any complaints and annoyances you might have and commit to the here and now. Know that every single practice, starting with the one right now, makes you a better athlete in the long run and helps you achieve your goals.”
Good words to live by.
