
The Army West Point men’s swimming and diving team concluded their participation in the 2025 NCAA Championships with commendable performances by cadet-athletes Johnny Crush and Kohen Rankin. Throughout the competition, both individuals and relay teams showcased determination and skill, marking significant achievements for the Black Knights. kin, Daniel Verdolaga, and Ben Vorthmann competed in the 200 medley relay. Their collective effort resulted in a time of 1:23.36, securing 15th place overall. This finish earned them Second Team All-American honors, a first in this event for the program. Notably, this accomplishment marked the first time since 1966 that an Army relay team received All-American recognition.
Individually, freshman Johnny Crush participated in the 50-yard freestyle. He recorded a time of 19.67 seconds, narrowly missing his season-best by 0.07 seconds, and finished 59th overall. His participation was significant, as he was the first Army swimmer to compete in this event at the national meet since 1987.
Junior Kohen Rankin represented the Black Knights in the 100-yard and 200-yard breaststroke events. In the 100-yard breaststroke, Rankin delivered a time of 52.40 seconds, placing 28th overall. In the 200-yard breaststroke, he recorded a time of 1:55.10, finishing 30th. These performances underscore Rankin’s consistent presence at the national level, marking his second consecutive appearance at the NCAA Championships.
The Black Knights also competed in the 400 medley relay, with the team of Crush, Rankin, Verdolaga, and Thomas Hadji. They achieved a time of 3:04.73, securing 17th place overall. This performance followed their NCAA A-cut time of 3:04.51 achieved at the ECAC Open Championships earlier in the season, which had automatically qualified them for the NCAA Championships.
Reflecting on their season, the Army men’s swimming and diving team demonstrated significant progress and resilience. The achievements at the NCAA Championships, including earning All-American honors and setting program records, highlight the dedication and hard work of the cadet-athletes and coaching staff. These accomplishments not only contribute to the storied legacy of Army athletics but also set a strong foundation for future success in collegiate swimming and diving competitions.
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