IRVINE, Calif. – Concordia University Irvine junior Kyle Benjamin was named PCSC Men's Swimmer of the Week on Wednesday after a stellar performance in the pool against California Baptist University.

Benjamin is the reigning PCSC Male Athlete of the Year and was dominating against CBU last Friday.  He won both the 500 and 1000 freestyle and led wire-to-wire in both events.  Both times in those races currently rank No. 1 in the conference.  He also closed the meet by chasing down a CBU swimmer in the final five yards to place second in the 200 IM.

"It has been exciting to get back into the swimming and diving season," admitted Benjamin. "After the nationals were cancelled halfway through, I didn't know if there was going to be a season this year. Being back in the water racing after nationals has been a privilege. Honestly I am surprised that I have been able to swim as fast as I have been able to. I have put so much effort over the summer as well as our breaks to keep up with training and staying in good shape. The work we have been putting in as a team has really been pulling off in and out of the water."

"Kyle has had a difficult year as a student-athlete," explained CUI head coach Bert Bergen.  "He was at NCAA Nationals last March when the meet was abruptly canceled at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a tough thing for an All-American and an aspiring Olympic Trials candidate to handle.  Like most athletes, the summer and fall were not much easier, with questions and uncertainty about his season and career creeping up on him."

"Since he returned in January, Kyle has rediscovered his enthusiasm; he's relaxed, enjoying teammates, the community and the chance to race the last two weeks has helped immensely," added Bergen.  "He's as competitive as ever, has very specific goals but is also an elite athlete enjoying each day and that makes him a joy to coach and be around.  I'm proud of him for this PCSC honor, but it's only a step in the process.  He's got a lot more to show off!"

This is the second straight week a Concordia Eagle earned this prestigious honor with freshman Chris Haygood getting the nod last week. CLICK HERE to read about Haygood being recognized with that honor while also being named our recent Newport Rib Company Eagle of the Week.

"I know for me, I am excited that the NCAA is planning to have a National Championship this March and having the capability of returning to Nationals to finish unfinished business from last year is giving me a goal to work for," added Benjamin. "As a team. we are taking it day by day and putting in a lot of effort in practice to prepare for our conference championship. We know that this isn't a normal season, but we are gonna treat each meet like it's our last. Our end goal is to have the best conference championship that we have ever had. We have a very talented freshman class this year and they have already made a huge impact on the team. I am excited for what is to come as a team and the next step for myself."

The Concordia University Irvine swimming and diving teams also announced some changes to their schedules on Wednesday.

Both the men and women will face Fresno Pacific at nearby Portola High School on Saturday, Feb, 20 beginning at 12:30 p.m. That meet was originally scheduled to be hosted by Fresno Pacific. CUI also plans to swim against Cal Lutheran on Sunday, Feb 28 with details on the location still to be determined.
 
For the updated CUI men's swimming and diving schedule, click here.

For the updated CUI women's swimming and diving schedule, click here.

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