The Yale men’s swimming and diving team finished their 2025 season with an impressive victory over Southern Connecticut State University, winning 206-55. The meet was held at SCSU’s Hutchinson Natatorium, while the diving events took place at Yale’s Kiphuth Exhibition Pool.
The Bulldogs excelled, dominating all 16 events. Notably, Kavin Li shone by winning both the 50-yard freestyle and the 200-yard breaststroke.
Event Highlights
- In the 200-yard medley relay, Lucius Brown, Nareg Minassian, Crash Ackerly, and Manoli Mountantonakis secured first place with a time of 1:33.07.
- The 1000-yard freestyle saw Arshak Hambardzumyan finish first in 9:16.32.
- Elliot Lee topped the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:41.60.
- Nick Finch claimed first in the 100-yard backstroke at 50.07.
- Jack Saber broke the tape in the 100-yard breaststroke in 59.58.
- In the 200-yard butterfly, Mak Nurkic Kacapor finished strong at 1:52.71.
- Kavin Li’s 50-yard freestyle time was 21.29, leading to his second win in the 200-yard breaststroke with a finish of 2:04.24.
- Deniel Nankov won the 500-yard freestyle in 4:43.78.
- The diving events were highlighted by Nicholas Chau and Jackson Lipscomb, who won the 1M and 3M dives with scores of 307.35 and 343.00, respectively.
- Jake Wang triumphed in the 100-yard butterfly in 48.06.
- Manoli Mountantonakis closed out individual events with a win in the 200-yard IM at 1:55.36.
- Lastly, the 400-yard freestyle relay team of Nurkic Kacapor, Alexander Hazlett, Ackerly, and Hambardzumyan finished in 3:04.91.
Looking ahead, Yale’s 2026 season begins against Penn and Dartmouth on January 9 and 10.
The Bigger Picture
Swimming has seen a surge in popularity, especially among younger athletes. According to a recent USA Swimming report, participation in competitive swimming has increased by 20% over the past five years. This growth is partly due to a focus on cross-training benefits and health advantages.
Experts emphasize the importance of such athletic programs in shaping discipline and teamwork skills among youth. With statistics showing improvements in physical fitness and mental well-being linked to swimming, it underscores why events like this are significant—not just for victories but for developing lifelong healthy habits.
As schools continue to promote sports programs, the success of teams like Yale could inspire more students to dive into swimming and its benefits.
