Courtesy of Army Athletic Communications

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Army West Point swimming & diving sophomore Kohen Rankin has become the program's first NCAA qualifier since 1987, as selections for the Championships were announced today 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 2nd. 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 will be held from March 27-30 in Indianapolis, hosted by IUPUI, with the 100 breast set to take place on Friday the 29th and the 200 breast on Saturday the 30th (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 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 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." – Kohen Rankin

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 & 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.

"Representing Army at the NCAA Championships was such an honor." said John VanSant (USMA '87). "To me, it was validation that our program could be competitive at the highest collegiate level. My experience in the swimming program definitely helped to prepare me for personal and professional challenges later in life. I further developed my understanding of the importance of preparation and boosted my confidence to perform in stressful and unfamiliar situations. I also value the relationships with the staff and my teammates that I developed during my time at West Point. I am sure there are other places where there is such a high percentage of very high quality people in the same spot but I have yet to find one. I have been looking for 36 years now."

The Hull, Iowa native had an incredible plebe season in 2022-23, claiming the Patriot League title in both the 100 breast (52.61) and 200 breast (1:54.80), setting the program record in both at the time. In last season's star meet against Navy, Rankin was instrumental in Army's victory which snapped a 33-year losing streak to the Mids. In the meet, he placed second in the 100 breast while logging fourth in the 200. He went on to secure first-place at the ECAC Championships as well in the 100 breast during his plebe year.

"We are thrilled to see Kohen's hard work pay off with this accomplishment." added Director of Athletics Mike Buddie. "Coach Nigro and his staff continue to elevate the Army program with hard work, grit and talent. We wish Kohen the best as he swims against our nation's elite athletes."

Rankin has been part of a resurgence for the swimming & diving program at West Point over the past few years, as 17 of the 19 men's swimming events have seen the program record broken over the past three seasons. Rankin currently holds records in the 100 + 200 breast along with contributing to the 200 medley and 200 free relay marks. Army was just ten points behind Navy at the 2023 conference meet, after taking second-place by over 100 points each of the previous four seasons.

"This is special moment for Kohen and the entire Army Swim & Dive family." said head coach Brandt Nigro. "This meet represents the pinnacle of college swimming and it's a huge honor to be selected to the NCAA Championships. I'm excited for Kohen to have this opportunity and I know he will do a great job representing our program and the entire West Point community. Kohen's dedication, hard work, and perseverance have put him in this position and I'm excited to see him compete against the best in the world in just a few weeks.

Qualifying for this meet has been something we have talked about and worked for each season. It's an incredibly difficult meet to qualify for and we've been close in the past. But, to finally breakthrough and make the meet, is such a big moment for our program. It's been since 1987 since Army has been represented at this meet. We are excited to get back to the NCAA Championships and continue to establish Army Swim & Dive among the best programs in the NCAA!"