IRVINE, Calif. – For the first time in four years, the Concordia University Irvine swim and dive teams are both ranked nationally in the Top 25 of the CSCAA Division II Preseason Poll.

The CUI women came in at No. 17 and joined regional opponents Cal State East Bay and Colorado Mesa inside the Top 20.  The CUI men rank No. 23 and join Colorado Mesa as representatives out west.

"It's a testament to how well this group is competing now while training as hard as they are," said CUI head coach Bert Bergen.  "We are not resting or peaking yet, just racing when we're supposed to race.  Every team in this list knows they have to get a lot faster to make NCAAs in March."  

The CSCAA (College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America) committee is comprised of Division II coaches and media outlets and ranks the top 25 teams in the nation based on dual meet strength.

CLICK HERE to check out the 2021-22 CSCAA Preseason Polls

The Eagles opened their season a few weeks ago with a number of freshmen and sophomores already stepping up to make huge contributions.

The conference honored Ryan Burke from the women's team and Jonah Pohlmann on the men's side as PCSC Athletes of the Week in early October.  CLICK HERE to read that story.

Upperclassmen Kyle Benjamin and Katelyn Thomas – who have both made the NCAA DII Swim and Dive Championships in the past – are just two examples of the many talented returners hungry to achieve even more this season.

"This team is driven and wants a lot more," added Bergen.  "It's great to see our name with such prestigious schools in our division; we want to earn it!"

Both the CUI men's and women's swim and dive teams will compete this Saturday, Oct. 23 at Cal Lutheran.  The dual meets are scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m.

CLICK HERE for the full CUI swimming and diving schedule