Richmond, Va. – The College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) released its 2026-27 Division II Preseason Top 25 National Rankings, with Lewis opening the season ranked at No. 25 on the men's side.
It is the first time the Flyers mens' squad has been ranked within the top 25 since they were tabbed No. 25 in the October 2025 poll. Lewis is one of four Great Lakes Valley Conference teams represented in the preseason charts with Drury (No. 1), UIndy (No. 3) and McKendree (No. 6) also ranked.
The rankings are voted on by committees of Division II coaches representing a cross-section of programs and conferences throughout the country. Poll committee members evaluate teams based on head-to-head performances, nationally ranked performances, significant performances achieved since the previous poll, results from invitational and championship-style competition, and the quality and depth of performances across events.
Returning for the Flyers on the men's side is NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving Championships qualifier Juan Jose Castro (Cali, Colombia/Corporacion Cultural Colegio Aleman), who earned a 16th-place finish and appeared in the B-Final of the 500 free with a final time of 4:26.91 at nationals. Also back in the pool is Otavio Augusto De Moraes Cunha (São Paulo, Brazil/Colegio Amorim Tatuape), who earned a fourth-place finish in the men's 1650 free (15:28.75) and placed fifth with the Flyers' 400-yard free relay squad alongside fellow returners Soma Bota Depinyi (Vecses, Hungary/Budapest IX. District Leovey Klara High School), Davidson Vincent (Thomonde, Haiti/Westlake Preparatory School), and Castro at the 2026 GLVC Swimming and Diving Championships.
The Flyers will begin their 2026 campaign on Oct. 17 against Saint Ambrose in Davenport, Iowa.
For the latest news and updates on Lewis swimming, visit LewisFlyers.com and follow the Flyers on social media at @lewisswimming on Instagram.
