Michigan, Arizona Share Top Billing in CSCAA NCAA Division I Men’s Rankings

PHOENIX, Arizona, January 22. IN what proved to be a turbulent time since the last poll, four new teams entered the top 25 while a pair of teams now share No. 1 in the College Swim Coaches Association of America NCAA Men's Division I Swimming and Diving Rankings. Michigan now shares top billing with Arizona, while Purdue, Texas A&M, NC State and South Carolina all moved into the rankings after being on the outside looking in last time.

The goal of the CSCAA rankings committee this year will be to produce an in-season poll of the 25 best performing teams in rank order at the time of each poll. The poll is not designed to predict the results of the NCAA Championship, but rather which teams would win head-to-head against other teams in the country.

Specifically, the poll committee does not differentiate between the types of meets, or the status of a specific team in terms of rested vs. unrested, when considering votes. Further, rankings are only based on performances that have taken place up to that point in the season, with an emphasis on action from the previous poll.

Notably, Swimming World has been invited as a media member as part of the polling process, and now has a vote in each poll. Jason Marsteller is serving as Swimming World's representative on these calls.


T1. MICHIGAN (6-0, Big Ten 4-0)
Last Poll: #1

Results
W, #25 Wisconsin, 172.5-115.5
W, #13 Minnesota, 170-124
W, @ #5 Texas, 194-106
W, #8 Indiana, 223-77
6th, Purdue Invitational, split squad
1st, Hawkeye Invitational
Since last poll
Mike Peppe Invitational
1st, Orange Bowl Classic
W, Eastern Michigan, 196-133 (20-yard meet)
W, Purdue, 153-90
2nd, SMU Classic

Michigan has been busy since the last poll with a pair of dual meets, and three Invitationals including the prestigious SMU Classic. While not much can be taken from the Eastern Michigan dual meet where the teams swam in a 20-yard format with times hyped as American records but not recognized by USA Swimming, the Wolverines did put on a show in Dallas to finish behind USC. In the competition that only allows a team to bring eight swimmers and a diver, senior Miguel Ortiz won the 100 back on day one (46.77) for a two-second victory. Meanwhile, Michigan also scored big with a pair of relay victories in medley action.


T1. ARIZONA (3-1, Pac 12 0-1)
Last Poll: #3

Results
W, Hawaii, No Score Reported
W, UNLV, 180.5-114.5
W, Denver, 187-113
L, #6 Southern California, 181.5-109.5
Arizona Diving Invitational
U.S. Winter Short Course Nationals
Since last poll
Bruin Diving Invitational

Arizona has been mostly idle with just the Bruin Diving Invitational since the last poll. Freshman diver Rafael Quintero put on a show at the meet, sweeping all three boards. After lighting up the pool at the Winter Short Course Nationals to skyrocket from 13th to 3rd in the last rankings, Arizona's times continued to shine against some of the other recent swims to push the Wildcats into a tie for the top ranking.


3. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (5-0, Pac 12 2-0)
Last Poll: #5

Results
W, #14 NC State, 173-119
W, #17 Arizona, 181.5-109.5
W, Arizona State, 144-82
U.S. Winter Short Course Nationals
Since last poll
W, Hawaii, 150-54
Bruin Diving Invitational
W, Wisconsin 145-109
1st, SMU Classic

The Trojans turned up the heat at the SMU Classic, along with a pair of dual meet wins, since the last poll. USC's swims in Dallas definitely turned some heads, especially with Swimmer of the Meet Vlad Morozov demonstrating some remarkable versatility and speed. Morozov, known mostly for his sizzling sprinter speed, tied the USC school record in the 100-yard breast with a 52.73 and blitzed the 50 free in 19.28 on day one. Morozov then broke his own record in the 100 free with a blazing 41.70 to beat his previous mark of 41.86.


4. CALIFORNIA (2-0, Pac 12 0-0)
Last Poll: #2

Results
W, Pacific, 141-107
W, #25 Wisconsin, 158-125
Exhibition, #3 Stanford
1st, Georgia Invitational
Since last poll
Bruin Diving Invitational

California has been largely idle with the Bruin Diving Invitational the only competition since the last poll. Freshman diver Collin Pollard performed well against some of the West Coast's top divers. Pollard is a Golden Bear legacy with brother Justin having swum for Cal in 2007 and 2008. California is looking forward to its Arizona trip this weekend as Tom Shields will be returning to the fold after taking the fall off from collegiate competition.


T5. FLORIDA (5-0, SEC 3-0)
Last Poll: #7

Results
1st, All Florida Invitational
W, @ #9 Georgia, 192-104
W, @ #12 South Carolina, 166-128
W, #21 Texas A&M, 197-98
W, #19 Florida State, 166-134
2nd, Ohio State Invitational
Since last poll
3rd, SMU Classic
W, Florida Atlantic, 178-111

Since the last poll, Florida ran its dual meet record to 5-0 and took third behind USC and Michigan in the SMU Classic. In Dallas, Sebastien Rousseau won the 400 IM in 3:42.91, while Marcin Cieslak took home the 100 fly title in 47.78. Rousseau then closed out a title trifecta with a pair of wins on the second night with a 4:17.53 in the 500 free and a 1:43.45 in the 200 fly. Matt Elliott topped the 200 breast on night two in 1:55.97.


T5. AUBURN (5-0, SEC 4-0)
Last Poll: #9

Results
W, #20 Alabama, 175-68
W, #22 LSU, 213-87
W, @ Kentucky, 205.5-94.5
Georgia Invitational
Auburn Diving Invitational
Since last poll
Tennessee Diving Invitational
W, #4 Texas, 166-132
W, Texas A&M, 189-111
Ralph Crocker Invitational

Auburn had one of the more impressive victories since the last poll with a triumph over then No. 4 Texas. Kyle Owens, the Tiger captain, provided some serious leadership for his squad with a three-for-three effort in the 100 back (47.39), 200 back (1:47.29) and 200 IM (1:49.94). Owens then swept his events against Texas A&M with triumphs in the 200 free (1:38.59) and 100 free (44.15).


7. TEXAS (2-2, Big 12 0-0)
Last Poll: #4

Results
1st, Southwest Collegiate Plunge
W, #8 Indiana, 185-115
L, #2 Michigan, 194-106
Diving, Phill Hansel Invite
U.S. Winter Short Course Nationals
Since last poll
Georgia Fall Invitational
L, #9 Auburn, 166-132
W, #12 Georgia, 132-109

Texas has been busy since the last poll with a pair of headline-producing road dual meets against Southeastern Conference competition. The Longhorns suffered a loss to then No. 9 Auburn before bouncing back two days later with a victory against then No. 12 Georgia. In the upset loss, senior Michael McBroom still managed to earn victories in the 1000 free (9:03.68) and 500 free (4:24.51). McBroom then battled the Bulldogs in the distance events with wins in the 1000 free (9:03.10) and 500 free (4:25.18). A key in the victory against Georgia, however, proved to be the 1-2-3 sweep for Texas' divers in both events.


8. INDIANA (6-2, Big Ten 3-1)
Last Poll: #10

Results
W, @ Kentucky, 196-104
W, #25 Tennessee, 183-117
L, #2 Michigan, 223-77
L, #5 Texas, 185-115
W, #24 Penn State, 182.5-170.5
W, #8 Virginia, 177-176
U.S. Winter Short Course Nationals (split squad)
Ohio State Invitational (split squad)
Since last poll
W, #6 Ohio State, 150-148
W, #18 Iowa, 172-126

The Hoosiers, who have had one of the tougher dual meet schedules in the country with swims against ranked teams in seven of their eight meets, ran their record to 6-2 with a pair of victories against ranked Big Ten squads. At home, they downed then No. 6 Ohio State and then No. 18 Iowa. Cody Miller was instrumental to the wins, claiming three events with triumphs in the 100 breast (54.48), 200 breast (1:59.56) and 200 IM (1:47.89). Additionally, Daniel Kanorr was a surprising victor in the 50 free with a 20.12 against Jason Schnur.


9. STANFORD (2-0, Pac 12 0-0)
Last Poll: #8

Results
2nd, Pacific Invitational
W, #25 Wisconsin, 184-104
Exhibition, #5 California
1st, Arena Invitational
Ohio State Invitational (diving only)
Since last poll
W, Pacific, 159-92
Bruin Diving Invitational

Stanford only saw the water once competitively since the last poll with a 159-92 victory over Pacific. The Cardinal swept the meet with the top time in ever event. Head coach Ted Knapp really spread the wealth with no single swimmer winning more than one individual event.


10. OHIO STATE (6-1, Big Ten 1-1)
Last Poll: #6

Results
W, Cleveland State, 178-104
W, Kenyon, 171-110
W, Denison, 193-98
W, @ #13 Tennessee, 176.5-123.5
Cleveland State Invitational
Ohio State Invitational
Since last poll
W, Wright State, 177-102
L, #10 Indiana, 150-148
W, #18 Iowa, 183-105

After a meteoric rise that placed the Buckeyes just on the outskirts of the top five, Ohio State stumbled in a close road contest against Big Ten foe then No. 10 Indiana. OSU did, however, down then No. 18 Iowa in the Big Ten tri-meet. Alex Miller won a pair of distance freestyle events for the Buckeyes, who claimed injury to a diver as a reason for coming up two points shy of the Hoosiers. Miller topped the 1000 free (9:09.48) and 500 free (4:26.61).


11. VIRGINIA (6-1, ACC 2-0)
Last Poll: #15

Results
W, Navy, 162-124
W, @ Pittsburgh, 159-130
W, #12 South Carolina, 160-126
W, #24 Penn State, 198-155
L, #7 Indiana, 177-176
2nd, Georgia Invitational
Since last poll
Tennessee Diving Invitational
W, #22 North Carolina, 194-106
W, Duke, 153-140

In what is one of the fiercest rivalries in collegiate swimming, Virginia upended then No. 22 North Carolina to improve to 5-1 on the season. Luke Papendick took home the 100 back (48.92) and 200 back (1:45.98), while Taylor Grey won the 100 breast (55.65) and 200 breast (2:00.72) to lead the way.


12. GEORGIA (5-2, SEC 1-1)
Last Poll: #12

Results
W, @ Georgia Tech, 161-133
L, #1 Florida, 192-104
W, Missouri, 151-147
W, Emory, 114-83
Georgia Invitational
Since last poll
Tennessee Diving Invitational
W, SCAD, 206-48
W, NC State, 144-112
L, #4 Texas, 132-109

The Georgia Bulldogs started off strong with a tri-meet sweep of SCAD and NC State before returning home to a loss against then No. 4 Texas. Freshman Chase Kalisz, who joined the squad this semester after cleaning up a few unfortunate academic issues last semester, has made an immediate impact on the squad. Against Texas, Kalisz took home three titles with wins in the 200 fly (1:47.85), 400 IM (3:49.83) and 200 breast (1:59.29).


13. FLORIDA STATE (8-2, ACC 3-1)
Last Poll: #13

Results
2nd, All Florida Invitational
W, Florida Atlantic, 208-80
W, Duke, 186-112
W, UNC-Wilmington, 234-64
L, Virginia Tech, 162-136
W, Emory, 222-70
W, Florida Southern, 186-106
L, #2 Florida, 167-133
1st, Georgia Tech Invitational
Since last poll
W, South Carolina, 180.5-117.5
W, #25 Georgia Tech, 206-92
W, NC State, 164-136

Florida State really made a statement with a run of three straight dual meet victories since the last poll that pushed the Seminoles up to 13th in the rankings. Not only did FSU beat South Carolina and NC State, the team really outclassed then No. 25 Georgia Tech 206-92.


14. LOUISVILLE (2-2, Big East 1-1)
Last Poll: #16

Results
W, Xavier, 182-75
L, @ #25 Tennessee, 168.5-131.5
L, #18 Notre Dame, 155.5-144.5
1st, Purdue Invite
U.S. Winter Short Course Nationals
Since last poll
Sarasota Invitational
W, Cincinnati, 184-104
4th, SMU Classic

After evening its dual meet and Big East record at .500 against Cincinnati, the Cardinals headed to Dallas for the SMU Classic to battle some of the top teams in the country. Joao De Lucca highlighted night one with a 1:35.06 to win the 200 free, while the teams 200 free relay took third for its top finish on night two with a 1:19.24.


15. MINNESOTA (3-1, Big Ten 2-1)
Last Poll: #11

Results
L, @ #2 Michigan, 170-124
W, #25 Wisconsin, 191-100
W, #19 Iowa, 165.5-132.5
NTS, Minnesota Grand Prix
Jean Freeman Invite
Since last poll
W, Hawaii, 182.5-103.5

The Golden Gophers have only had one competition since the last poll with a win against Hawaii on its training trip.


16. NORTH CAROLINA (4-1, ACC 1-1)
Last Poll: #22

Results
W, #12 South Carolina, 168-132
W, #21 Texas A&M, 178.5-121.5
W, Virginia Tech, 173.5-126.5
2nd, Nike Cup
Ohio State Invitational
Since last poll
Tennessee Diving Invitational
W, Navy, 175.5-124.5
L, #15 Virginia, 194-106

After a convincing win against Navy, the Tar Heels suffered a loss against then No. 15 Virginia. The team's times against Virginia, however, were impressive enough for the committee to vote UNC up to No. 16 in the polls. Four different swimmers won events for UNC against UVA as Tom Luchsinger, Sean Sullivan, Logan Heck and Ben Colley each touched first.


17. VIRGINIA TECH (8-1-1, ACC 3-1-1)
Last Poll: #17

Results
W, VMI, 281-33
W, Gardner-Webb, 269.5-45.5
L, @ #9 North Carolina, 173.5-126.5
W, @ Duke, 208-92
W, @ #15 Florida State, 162-136
W, @ UNC Wilmington, 232-68
W, @ Georgia Tech, 178-122
1st, H2Okie Fall Invite
Diving, Georgia Invitational
Since last poll
W, Tennessee, 166.5-133.5
T, NC State, 150-150
W, William & Mary, 160-97

Virginia Tech has been busy since the last poll, going 2-0-1 during the course of the past few weeks. The Hokies downed Tennessee, while also picking up a win over William & Mary. The squad also had an exciting tie with NC State in Raleigh.

18. PURDUE (4-2, Big Ten 2-1)
Last Poll: NR

Results
1st, Indiana Intercollegiates
W, Miami, 192-103
L, Notre Dame, 156-144
W, Northwestern, 172-126
2nd, Purdue Invitational
Ohio State Invitational, Diving
Since last poll
W, Florida Atlantic, 113-89
W, Michigan State, 190-102
L, #1 Michigan, 153-90
5th, SMU Classic

With quite a few teams falling out of the top 25, Purdue jumped back in with some strong swims since the last poll. The Boilermakers managed a 2-1 record with just a loss against top-ranked Michigan, and took fifth in the SMU Classic against some of the top talent in the country.


19. PENN STATE (3-2, Big Ten 0-1)
Last Poll: #T20

Results
W, @ West Virginia, 174-69
W, Villanova, 211-81
L, @ #7 Indiana, 182.5-170.5
L, #8 Virginia, 198-155
Georgia Invitational
Since last poll
Tennessee Diving Invitational
W, Missouri State, 171-124

The Nittany Lions had a fairly calm schedule since the last poll, accounting for a win against Missouri State in a meet that took place in Arkansas. Nick Ankosko, Sean Grier and John Hauser each turned in a pair of event titles for Penn State in the dual meet victory.


20. IOWA (3-3, Big Ten 1-3)
Last Poll: #18

Results
W, @ Michigan State, 185-108
L, @ #13 Minnesota, 165.5-132.5
Hawkeye Invitational
Since last poll
W, Colorado College, 60-37
W, Austin College, 60-33
L, #6 Ohio State, 183-105
L, #10 Indiana, 172-126

After enjoying a training trip to Colorado Springs with a pair of quick wins over Colorado and Austin colleges, Iowa ran into a Big Ten buzzsaw as then No. 6 Ohio State and then No. 10 Indiana took down the Hawkeyes in the crossfire of what proved to be an exciting battle between the Buckeyes and the Hoosiers. Jordan Huff led the way with a win in the 200 free (1:38.66).


21. TEXAS A&M (2-4, SEC 1-3)
Last Poll: NR

Results
L, North Carolina, 178.5-121.5
L, South Carolina, 160-140
2nd, Southwest Collegiate Plunge
L, Florida, 197-98
4th, Phill Hansel Invitational
Since last poll
L, Auburn, 189-111
W, Incarnate Word, 138-98
W, LSU, 158-140

Although the Texas A&M Aggies are still sporting a losing record after starting off the year on an 0-3 skein, some strong swimming against Auburn in a loss and LSU in a win since the last poll really impressed the voters. Texas A&M rallied against LSU to claim the school's first conference victory since moving to the Southeastern Conference this year.


22. NC STATE (4-3-1, ACC 2-1-1)
Last Poll: NR

Results
L, USC, 173-119
W, East Carolina, 169-97
W, Duke, 178-117
1st, Nike Cup Invitational
Since last poll
L, Georgia, 144-112
W, SCAD, 212-43
T, Virginia Tech, 150-150
L, Florida State, 164-136
W, Georgia Tech, 194.5-103.5

NC State might have had a few losses against superior teams in Georgia and Florida State since the last poll, but the Wolfpack managed an exciting tie with Virginia Tech and downed Georgia Tech to replace the Yellow Jackets in the rankings.


23. SOUTH CAROLINA (3-4, SEC 1-1)
Last Poll: NR

Results
L, North Carolina, 168-132
W, Texas A&M, 160-140
L, Florida, 166-128
L, Virginia, 160-126
W, Charleston, 178-115
Virginia Tech Invitational
Since last poll
W, Duke, 159-141
L, Florida State, 180.5-117.5

A strong outing against Florida State, which keeps on moving up the rankings, returned the Gamecocks to the top 25 after dropping out previously. Against the Seminoles, South Carolina demonstrated some depth as five separate swimmers won events for USC in the loss.


T24. MISSOURI (4-1, SEC 2-1)
Last Poll: 14

Results
1st, Show Me Showdown
W, Missouri State, 131-117
W, Kentucky, 205-93
W, Southern Illinois, 229-67
L, Georgia, 151-147
1st, Missouri Invite
Since last poll
Tennessee Diving Invitational
W, Alabama, 168-132

Missouri tuned up the Alabama Crimson Tide since the last poll to move their record to 4-1 and 2-1 in the Southeastern Conference. Igor Kozlovskij won a pair of titles for Mizzou against Bama with triumphs in the 100 breast (56.07) and 100 fly (49.66).


T24. LSU (4-2, SEC 2-2)
Last Poll: #19

Results
W, @ Centenary, 64-38
L, @ #8 Auburn, 213-87
W, #20 Alabama, 196-104
1st, Phill Hansel Invite
Auburn Diving Invitational
Since last poll
Tennessee Diving Invitational
W, Kentucky, 155-107
W, SMU, 161-139
L, Texas A&M, 158-140

LSU held onto a spot in the top 25 even with a loss against Texas A&M as the Aggies vaulted over the Tigers for a spot in the rankings by way of a 158-140 triumph over LSU.

Also received votes: Princeton, Notre Dame
Dropped out: Notre Dame, UNLV, Georgia Tech, Denver

CSCAA Men's Division 1 Team Ranking Committee
Chair: Bill Roberts, United States Naval Academy; Steve Fletcher, Rider University; James Holder, Georgetown University; Braden Holloway, North Carolina State University; Jason Marsteller, Swimming World Magazine; McGee Moody, University of South Carolina; Vic Riggs, West Virginia University; Dan Ross, Purdue University; Brian Schrader, Denver University; Dorsey Tierney-Walker, Arizona State University

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