GRINNELL, Iowa – The Illinois College men's swimming and diving team was picked to finish fifth in the annual preseason coaches' poll, the league announced today.
The Blueboys are coming off a fourth-place finish last season and return a pair of all-conference performers in
Eli Eberle and
Scottie Nicotra, along with seniors
Xaiver Applegate and
Nathen Trachta.
Grinnell was picked to win their 10th straight league title in 2025-26 with 64 points and eight of the nine available first-place votes. The Pioneers' program has won a total of 46 team championship crowns.Â
St. Norbert (53 points) narrowly edged Lake Forest (50) for second place in the poll, while league newcomer Milwaukee School of Engineering (43 points) earned the remaining first-place vote. IC (38 points), Lawrence (28 points), Monmouth (23 points), Beloit (14 points), and Ripon (11 points) rounded out the poll.Â
The 2025-26 season opens this Saturday, October 4, with new affiliate member Milwaukee School of Engineering heading to Carroll for a dual meet. The season will conclude at the 2026 MWC Swimming & Diving Championships hosted by Grinnell College on Thursday, February 19, through Sunday, February 22.Â
2025-26 MWC Men's Swimming & Diving Preseason Coaches' Poll ResultsÂ
1. Grinnell (8 first-place votes) – 64 pointsÂ
2. St. Norbert - 53 pointsÂ
3. Lake Forest- 50 pointsÂ
4. Milwaukee School of Engineering (1) - 43 pointsÂ
5. Illinois College - 38 pointsÂ
6. Lawrence - 28 pointsÂ
7. Monmouth - 23 pointsÂ
8. Beloit - 14 pointsÂ
9. Ripon - 11 pointsÂ
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