Texas Overtakes Top of CSCAA Men’s Division I Rankings Throne

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PHOENIX, Arizona, February 5. THE College Swim Coaches Association of America NCAA Men's Division I Swimming and Diving Rankings proved to be explosive this time around with four new teams moving into the top 25, and Texas ascending to the top of the throne. Tennessee, Harvard, Princeton and UNLV made their way into the top 25 with Tennessee and Harvard making some particularly strong moves upward.

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.


1. TEXAS (5-2, Big 12 1-0)
Last Poll: #7

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
Georgia Fall Invitational
L, #9 Auburn, 166-132
W, #12 Georgia, 132-109
Since last poll
W, TCU, 133-88
W, #1 Arizona, 166-125
W, SMU, 184-108

After stumbling a bit with a loss to then No. 9 Auburn prior to the last poll, the Texas Longhorns found redemption with an upset conquest over then top-ranked Arizona in Austin on Senior Day. The victory shot Texas up to the top spot. It was obvious that the meet meant a lot to the team.

“We definitely wanted to win this meet,” UT head coach Eddie Reese said. “We had been working really hard for a long time. This was one of the best meets we've ever had.” And, that's saying something when a living legend like Reese ranks a meet “as one of the best.”

On top of it just being an outstanding college dual meet, it proved to be historic as Michael McBroom set an NCAA record in the 1000-yard free with a blistering time of 8:43.48.

“I had eyed the 1000 free all week in training, and I knew that I wanted to have one good swim today in my senior meet,” McBroom said. “I decided to throw a (jammer) suit on for that swim. I wanted to lay it on the line and see where I could go.”


2. MICHIGAN (7-0, Big Ten 5-0)
Last Poll: #T1

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
Mike Peppe Invitational
1st, Orange Bowl Classic
W, Eastern Michigan, 196-133 (20-yard meet)
W, Purdue, 153-90
2nd, SMU Classic
Since last poll
W, #10 Ohio State, 251-75

Since the last poll, Michigan had a two-day competition against traditional Big Ten rival Ohio State, and Mike Bottom and the Wolverines certainly weren't kind hosts as Michigan delivered a 251-75 thumping to the visiting Buckeyes. With Ohio State keeping its divers home, Michigan collected 17 of 18 event wins against Ohio State, running Bottom's Big Ten dual meet record to an impressive 25-1 since taking over at Michigan.


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

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
W, Hawaii, 150-54
Bruin Diving Invitational
W, Wisconsin 145-109
1st, SMU Classic
Since last poll
Idle

After the Trojans light up the SMU Classic, they went home and focused on training with a pair of big Pacific 12 road meets coming up on their docket against California and Stanford this weekend. USC then closes out the season with a two-day tango against Utah in Salt Lake City.


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

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
3rd, SMU Classic
W, Florida Atlantic, 178-111
Since last poll
W, #5 Auburn, 167-133
W, Tennessee, 208-92

Florida remained undefeated in both overall and Southeast Conference action with a pair of big wins against then No. 5 Auburn and Tennessee since the last poll. Marcin Cieslak had a monster day against Auburn with a trio of wins in the 200 fly (1:45.96), 100 fly (47.65) and 200 IM (1:46.99).


5. AUBURN (5-1, SEC 4-1)
Last Poll: #T5

Results
W, #20 Alabama, 175-68
W, #22 LSU, 213-87
W, @ Kentucky, 205.5-94.5
Georgia Invitational
Auburn Diving Invitational
Tennessee Diving Invitational
W, #4 Texas, 166-132
W, Texas A&M, 189-111
Ralph Crocker Invitational
Since last poll
L, #5 Florida, 167-133

The Auburn Tigers concluded their regular season with a loss against then No. 5 Florida on Senior Day. The loss was a first this year, leaving Auburn at 5-1 on the season and 4-1 in the Southeastern Conference. Senior Kyle Owens led the way for Auburn with a pair of wins in the 100 back (47.78) and 200 back (1:44.84). Meanwhile, Marcelo Chierighini took home titles in the 50 free (19.84) and 100 breast (43.36).


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

Results
W, Pacific, 141-107
W, #25 Wisconsin, 158-125
Exhibition, #3 Stanford
1st, Georgia Invitational
Bruin Diving Invitational
Since last poll
W, #1 Arizona, 159-134
W, Arizona State, 163-126

California had a strong Arizona swing, sweeping both Arizona and Arizona State in the process. Senior Tom Shields really turned it on against Arizona, as the 2012 NCAA Swimmer of the Championships captured the 100 (46.54) and 200 (1:46.02) fly events to lead California to the road win. Then, with rain pouring down in Tempe, the Golden Bears still managed a strong outing to claim a victory against the Sun Devils just hours after Shields took part in an amazing cover shoot for the March issue of Swimming World Magazine.

We even sent out a sneak peek of the shoot on Twitter!


7. INDIANA (7-2, Big Ten 3-1)
Last Poll: #8

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)
W, #6 Ohio State, 150-148
W, #18 Iowa, 172-126
Since last poll
W, #14 Louisville, 193-107

After huge wins against then-No. 6 Ohio State and then-No. 18 Iowa prior to the last poll, the Hoosiers tacked on another victory to their 7-2 record with a 193-107 triumph over then-No. 14 Louisville. That's five straight wins over ranked teams for the Hoosiers spanning back to a 182.5-170.5 victory against then-No. 24 Penn State. Eric Ress provided a backstroke sweep against Louisville with wins int eh 100 (48.23) and 200 (1:45.77).


8. VIRGINIA (8-1, ACC 3-0)
Last Poll: #11

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
Tennessee Diving Invitational
W, #22 North Carolina, 194-106
W, Duke, 153-140
Since last poll
W, #17 Virginia Tech, 202.5-167.5
W, Wisconsin, 185-163

Since the last poll, the Cavaliers put together an impressive tri-meet against then No. 17 Virginia Tech as well as Wisconsin as Virginia completed a sweep. Head coach Mark Bernardino really singled out the distance events as key with Jan Daniec winning the 400 IM (3:55.16) and 500 free (4:25.70).


T9. STANFORD (4-0, Pac 12 2-0)
Last Poll: #9

Results
2nd, Pacific Invitational
W, #25 Wisconsin, 184-104
Exhibition, #5 California
1st, Arena Invitational
Ohio State Invitational (diving only)
W, Pacific, 159-92
Bruin Diving Invitational
Since last poll
W, Arizona State, 171.5-113.5
W, #1 Arizona, 173-115

Stanford collected its first Pacific 12 victories of the year, having backloaded its schedule with conference dual meets. In a road swing through Arizona, the Cardinal first downed the Sun Devils in Tempe before upsetting the Wildcats in Tucson a day after California also took down Arizona. The Cardinal are definitely rounding into form heading into the championship season, it also doesn't hurt to have Olympic bronze medalist Kristian Ipsen providing huge diving points in a dual meet.


T9. ARIZONA (4-3, Pac 12 0-3)
Last Poll: #T1

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
Bruin Diving Invitational
Since last poll
L, #4 California, 159-134
L, #9 Stanford, 173-115
W, SMU, 165-134
L, #7 Texas, 166-125

After moving into a top-ranked tie with Michigan in the last poll, the Wildcats came back to earth with three dual meet losses in the past four head-to-head competitions. However, all three losses came against top-10 foes with back-to-back losses at home to California and Stanford, before taking a road loss to Texas.


11. TENNESSEE (4-4, SEC 2-1)
Last Poll: NR

Results
W, UNC-Wilmington, 175-118
W, Kentucky, 194-106
L, Indiana, 183-117
W, Louisville, 168.5-131.5
L, Ohio State, 176.5-123.5
Tennessee Invitational
Tennessee Diving Invitational
L, Virginia Tech, 166.5-133.5
Since last poll
W, Georgia, 161.5-132.5
L, Florida, 208-92

One of the most surprising and dynamic moves up the rankings came from Tennessee. While the Volunteers took a loss to Florida, the team surprisingly upset then-No. 12 Georgia to truly impress the voters. Additionally, running dual meets against many of the other top 10-15 teams in the nation proved that Tennessee has the ability to compete with nearly anyone in the country. Junior Sam Rairden really impressed with a pair of wins in the 100 and 200 freestyle events against Georgia.


12. GEORGIA (7-3, SEC 3-2)
Last Poll: #12

Results
W, @ Georgia Tech, 161-133
L, #1 Florida, 192-104
W, Missouri, 151-147
W, Emory, 114-83
Georgia Invitational
Tennessee Diving Invitational
W, SCAD, 206-48
W, NC State, 144-112
L, #4 Texas, 132-109
Since last poll
L, Tennessee, 161.5-132.5
W, #23 South Carolina, 209-85
W, Alabama, 205-93

Just days after suffering a stunning upset to unranked Tennessee, the Bulldogs rebounded with a pair of convincing Southeastern Conference victories against then-No. 23 South Carolina and Alabama. That meet featured a pair of coaching milestones as Georgia head coach Jack Bauerle earned his 200th victory with the men, with nearly 500 dual meet wins between the men (201) and women (287). Meanwhile, South Carolina head coach picked up his 100th dual meet victory in his coaching career.


13. OHIO STATE (7-2, Big Ten 1-2)
Last Poll: #10

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
W, Wright State, 177-102
L, #10 Indiana, 150-148
W, #18 Iowa, 183-105
Since last poll
W, Cincinnati, 152-133
L, #1 Michigan, 251-75

Ohio State picked up a quick victory against in-state foe Cincinnati and then ran into a buzzsaw in Ann Arbor as top-ranked Michigan put a hurting on the Buckeyes in what is an emotional rivalry within the Big Ten Conference. It goes without saying, not much mercy is shown when Michigan and Ohio State meet in any contest. Steven Zimmerman produced the only victory for Ohio State with a 1:46.49 in the 200 back, while the divers decided to stay home from the competition.


14. MINNESOTA (6-1, Big Ten 4-1)
Last Poll: #15

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
W, Hawaii, 182.5-103.5
Since last poll
W, North Dakota, 198-90
W, #18 Purdue, 209-144
W, Wisconsin, 196-157

Even with team leader Kyler Van Swol being ruled academically ineligible, the Golden Gophers still managed to go 3-0 in dual meet competition since the last poll, including a victory over then-No. 18 Purdue. Minnesota started off strong with four victories on day one of the tri-meet against Purdue and Wisconsin, then held on the final day with a single win by CJ Smith in the 500 free (4:26.34).


15. 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
W, South Carolina, 180.5-117.5
W, #25 Georgia Tech, 206-92
W, NC State, 164-136
Since last poll
Idle

Florida State has been idle since the last poll after finishing up its regular season with a sweep of Georgia Tech and N.C. State. The men and the women are now focused on Atlantic Coast Conference Championship competition.


16. HARVARD (8-0, Ivy 6-0)
Last Poll: NR

Results
W, Cornell, 207-93
W, Dartmouth, 207-93
W, Columbia, 192-108
6th, Georgia Fall Invitational
W, Brown, 206-90
Since last poll
W, Notre Dame, 264-100
W, Towson, 314-52
W, Yale
W, Princeton

Harvard is another team, similar to Tennessee, that really demonstrated some top-end speed since the last poll. Chuck Katis turned up the heat during the always emotional HYP meet against Yale and Princeton, dominating during the first day of the meet with wins in the 100 and 200 IM. He then claimed a third individual triumph in the 200 breast on day two.


17. NORTH CAROLINA (6-1, ACC 3-1)
Last Poll: #16

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
Tennessee Diving Invitational
W, Navy, 175.5-124.5
L, #15 Virginia, 194-106
Since last poll
W, Duke, 164-128
W, #22 N.C. State, 159-140

The Tar Heels concluded their season with a pair of in-state Atlantic Coast Conference victories. First, North Carolina dismantled Duke at home before heading out on the road to conquer then-No. 22 N.C. State. UNC relied on its superior depth to prevail against the Wolfpack in a close finish that came down to 19 points. N.C. State actually won more events in the 16-event format (9-7), but could not overcome strong 1-2-3 sweeps by the Tar Heels in the 1000 free, 200 back, 500 free and 400 IM. Senior Brett Nagle closed out his home career with wins in the 1000 free (9:03.47) and 500 free (4:22.72).


T18. TEXAS A&M (3-4, SEC 1-3)
Last Poll: #21

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
L, Auburn, 189-111
W, Incarnate Word, 138-98
W, LSU, 158-140
Since last poll
W, SMU, 142-92

Texas A&M took care of SMU during Senior Day festivities. The Aggies won 11 of 13 events against the Mustangs, with junior Omar Enriquez and sophomore Ford McLiney both earning multiple wins. Enriquez claimed the 1000 free (9:07.24) and 200 fly (1:48.37), while McLiney swept the diving events for the Aggies.


T18. LOUISVILLE (3-3, Big East 1-1)
Last Poll: #14

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
Sarasota Invitational
W, Cincinnati, 184-104
4th, SMU Classic
Since last poll
W, Kentucky, 152-148
L, #8 Indiana, 193-107

In regional action, Louisville first traveled in-state to Lexington to take down Southeastern Conference foe Kentucky in what is always an emotional battle in nearly every sport. The Cardinals then welcomed the Hoosiers of Indiana to the Ralph Wright Natatorium, just a two-hour jaunt south from Bloomington. The Hoosiers were unkind guests, as IU drummed up a 193-107 victory over the Cardinals to close out Louisville's regular season. The team is now focused on the Big East Championships at the end of this month.


20. IOWA (6-3, Big Ten 2-3)
Last Poll: #20

Results
W, @ Michigan State, 185-108
L, @ #13 Minnesota, 165.5-132.5
Hawkeye Invitational
W, Colorado College, 60-37
W, Austin College, 60-33
L, #6 Ohio State, 183-105
L, #10 Indiana, 172-126
Since last poll
W, Northwestern, 161-122
W, Notre Dame, 212.5-155.5
W, Missouri State, 246-122

Iowa strung together a trio of triumphs since the last poll, including a sweep of Notre Dame and Missouri State at the Northwestern Dual Meet Invitational in Evanston. The Hawkeyes left Evanston with a boatload of victories, including a 200 breast triumph by Roman Trussov with a time of 2:00.60.


21. VIRGINIA TECH (9-2-1, 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
W, Tennessee, 166.5-133.5
T, NC State, 150-150
W, William & Mary, 160-97
Since last poll
W, Wisconsin, 204-155
L, #11 Virginia, 202.5-165.5

Virginia Tech ran its dual meet record to 9-2-1 this year with a triumph over Wisconsin, and a loss to then-No. 11 Virginia in a tri-meet that took place in Charlottesville. Tech had some strong outings in diving from Logan Shinholser, while Morgan Latimer swam well, winning the 200 fly in 1:47.13.


22. PRINCETON (6-1, Ivy 5-1)
Last Poll: NR

Results
Big Al Open
W, Penn, 168-130
W, Cornell, 211-87
W, Brown, 216-84
W, Dartmouth, 197-103
1st, Brown Open
W, Navy, 182-115
Since last poll
L, Harvard
W, Yale

While Princeton didn't move up as far as Harvard, which won the prestigious HYP competition, the team still managed to move into the top 25 fresh off its impressive outing during the home tri-meet. Princeton has one more tune-up with a dual meet against Columbia before looking to defend their Ivy League championship later this month.


23. NC STATE (5-4-1, ACC 2-2-1)
Last Poll: #22

Results
L, USC, 173-119
W, East Carolina, 169-97
W, Duke, 178-117
1st, Nike Cup Invitational
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
Since last poll
W, UNC-Wilmington, 176-119
L, #16 North Carolina, 159-140

N.C. State had a close call against then-No. 16 North Carolina since the last poll, nearly pulling off the upset during a Senior Day that featured multiple pool and school records for the Wolfpack. Christian McCurdy took down the 200 fly school record with a 1:46.92 to lead the way.


24. PENN STATE (5-2, Big Ten 0-1)
Last Poll: #19

Results
W, @ West Virginia, 174-69
W, Villanova, 211-81
L, @ #7 Indiana, 182.5-170.5
L, #8 Virginia, 198-155
Georgia Invitational
Tennessee Diving Invitational
W, Missouri State, 171-124
Since last poll
W, Navy, 188-112
W, Towson, 186-101

Penn State picked up a pair of wins against Navy and Towson since the last poll in the last two home meets of the year. Senior Jeff Gomez went out strong on Senior Day against Towson, winning the 100 back (51.00) and swimming the fastest time in the 200 IM (1:55.05).


25. UNLV (8-1)
Last Poll: NR

Results
L, Arizona, 180.5-114.5
W, Denver, 151-149
W, BYU, 156.5-143.5
W, Utah, 149-146
W, Calgary, 176-107
Arizona Diving Invitational
3rd, Missouri Invitational
2nd, UNLV Winter Invitational
W, CSU-Bakersfield, 169.5-128.5
W, UC Santa Barbara, 155-143
Since last poll
Air Force Diving Invitational
W, Air Force,126-116
W, Wyoming, 166.5-131.5

If not for a loss to Arizona to start the year, UNLV might have run off an impressive undefeated season after taking down Wyoming in an epic mid-major battle.

Also received votes: Wisconsin, South Carolina, Alabama, Notre Dame
Dropped out: Purdue, South Carolina, Missouri, LSU

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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