Crush, Rankin Conclude Black Knights’ Time at 2025 NCAA Championships on Saturday

Saturday, March 29

Federal Way, Wa.

10:00AM (P) PDT/6:00PM (F) PDT

Army West Point

NCAA Championships - Day 4

Crush, Rankin Conclude Black Knights’ Time at 2025 NCAA Championships on Saturday

March 30, 2025 | Men's Swimming and Diving

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. – Army West Point men's swimming & diving concluded its time at the 2025 NCAA Men's Swimming & Diving Championships on Saturday as the Johnny Crush and Kohen Rankin competed in the preliminary rounds of the 100 free and 200 breast events respectively.

Represented by Johnny Crush, Kohen Rankin, Daniel Verdolaga, Thomas Hadji, Ben Vorthmann, and Wes Tate in Federal Way, Army collected 15 points over the weekend of competition to tie for 30^th out of all teams present.

"This was a great way to cap off a historic season for our program," commented Director of Swimming & Diving Brandt Nigro. "I'm so proud of the way our guys handled the pressure and environment. This meet is fast and intense, there's no room for error. Being able to put points on the board was huge for us. We made our presence felt at this meet."

Day One Recap | Day Two Recap | Day Three Recap

The Black Knights put on an impressive show over the four days of competition, beginning with a Second-Team All-American worthy performance from Army's 200 medley relay team of Crush, Rankin, Daniel Verdolaga, and Ben Vorthmann on the opening night of the meet.

Freshman standout Johnny Crush then put up a strong showing in the 50 free prelims on day two before Army came out swinging in the third day of competition.

Crush claimed the first First Team All-American title for the program since 1987, Kohen Rankin finished in the top-30 for the 100 breast, and the Black Knights' quartet of Crush, Rankin, Verdolaga, and Thomas Hadji finished 17^th in the 400 medley relay – just one place away from what would have been their second Second Team All-American title of the weekend.

The final day of competition in Federal Way saw Crush and Rankin competing in two individual events – the 100 free and the 200 breast. Crush clocked a 42.74 in the 100 free to finish eighth in his heat and 57^th overall in his third individual event of the meet.

Rankin put the pedal to the metal to record a 1:54.42 in the 200 breast for his second individual event of the weekend. The time earned him second place in his heat and placed him 33^rd overall for the event.

COACH'S CORNER
"We return all of our relay swimmers and point scorers next season - so this experience will pay dividends in the seasons to come. Congrats to Johnny, Kohen, Danny, and Ben for earning Second Team All-American on the 200 Medley Relay and to Johnny for earning First Team All-American honors. These are all firsts for program in many decades. To Wes, thank you for everything over the last four years and for your leadership this week. You've been a key to our climb and have done so much for our program. You will be missed next year, and you can officially retire now! To the rest of our team, on to next season. Go Army!"

HEAR FROM OUR SQUAD
"Representing West Point and the Army and taking part in what was a historic showing at NCAAs was truly a privilege and honor. It has allowed me to learn from some of the greatest athletes in the sport of swimming and fueled my drive to come back next year stronger and faster to show exactly what Army athletes are capable of." -Ben Vorthmann.

"I am beyond proud of these men and this team. It's been a long journey and a long season. These men have put forth so much time and effort to make it to this elite competition. Placing 15th in the 200 medley relay was unexpected and probably one of the most electric relays I have had the privilege to be a part of. The 400 medley was super exciting too – not quite the result we were looking for, but still an awesome experience. Something unique about our relay teams is that everyone is returning next season. We learned a lot and are excited to bring the heat next year." -Kohen Rankin

FULL NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS
FULL ARMY AT NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS
Day One
200 Medley Relay – Crush, Rankin, Verdolaga, Vorthmann (1:23.36) – 15^th (Second Team All-American)

Day Two
50 Free – Johnny Crush (19.60) – 59^th

Day Three
100 Breast – Kohen Rankin (51.90) – 29^th
100 back – Johnny Crush (P - 44.52/F – 45.07) – 8^th (First Team All-American)
400 Medley Relay – Crush, Rankin, Verdolaga, Hadji (3:04.73) – 17^th

Day Four
100 Free – Johnny Crush (42.74) – 57^th
200 Breast – Kohen Rankin (1:54.42) – 33^rd