The Army men's swimming team achieved a remarkable feat, securing an NCAA qualifying time in the 400 medley relay with a time of 3:04.10 during a time trial on Friday evening. Sophomore Johnny Crush led the way, posting a 44.10 in the first leg, which ties him as the 16th fastest performer in history. This impressive performance marks a significant improvement from their midseason time of 3:08.78, propelling them to 13th place in the NCAA rankings for the men's 400 medley relay this season.
The team's success is largely attributed to Crush's outstanding performance, as his 44.10 time is a personal best and a testament to his dedication and skill. Crush's exceptional swimming was further highlighted by his 8th-place finish in the 100 back at the 2025 NCAA Championships, where he clocked a time of 45.07 in the finals.
Kohen Rankin, another standout performer, contributed to the team's success by swimming the breaststroke leg of the relay. Rankin's time of 50.90 in the breaststroke leg was a slight improvement from his flat start best of 50.76, achieved during the Army-Navy dual meet in December. Rankin's versatility was showcased at the 2025 NCAA Championships, where he competed in both the prelims and finals of the 100 and 200 breaststroke events.
The Army men are now gearing up for the Patriot League Championships, which commence on Wednesday, February 18th. They aim to build upon their seed time and defend their team title, having emerged victorious over Navy in the previous year's competition. The team's success is a testament to their hard work and determination, and their continued excellence is sure to inspire future generations of swimmers.
This achievement is a testament to the team's collective effort and the guidance of their coaches. With their eyes set on the upcoming championships, the Army men are poised to make a lasting impact in the world of swimming.
