Army West Point Swimming & Diving yearling CDT Kohen Rankin ’26 became the program’s first NCAA qualifier since 1987, when selections for the Championships were announced March 13 by the NCAA.
Rankin’s qualification comes after a 51.62 record-setting, first-place mark in the 100 breast at the ECAC Championships on March 2. He will also compete in the 200 breast after posting a B-cut time of 1:54.22 at the Patriot League Championships.
The NCAA Championships is being held March 27-30 in Indianapolis, hosted by IUPUI, with the 100 breast taking place on March 29 and the 200 breast on March 30 (prelims – 10:00 a.m. / finals – 6:00 p.m.).
Rankin is the first Army swimmer to qualify for the NCAA Championships since Army Sports Hall of Famer John VanSant ’87 in the 1986-87 season. VanSant went on to win the 200 breast and become an NCAA Champion with a mark of 1:57.65.
“I am deeply humbled and honored to represent West Point at the upcoming NCAA Championship! This milestone would not be possible without the unwavering support of my coaches, family, and teammates who have pushed and encouraged me along the way. I’m looking forward not only to perform at this competition, but also to learn and grow from this incredible experience.”
– CDT Kohen Rankin ’26
Rankin is coming off a dominating effort in the breaststroke events at the Patriot League Championships, claiming first-place in both. His 1:54.22 in the 200 breast also set a new league, meet, and Academy record in the process. His contributions were also vital in the relay events, helping the Black Knights set program records in the 200 and 400 medley relay, while also setting a new league, pool and program record in the 200 free relay (1:18.19). He was one of the eight All-Patriot League first team selections on the men’s side for Army as the Black Knights placed second at the meet.
Excerpt and image taken from https://goarmywestpoint.com.
