CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has announced its 2025-26 Men’s Swimming & Diving Preseason Coaches’ Poll, with Luther College selected as the favorite to repeat as conference champions. Nebraska Wesleyan earned the second spot, followed by Loras, Coe, and Simpson. 
 
The 2025-26 season is set to open this weekend as teams across the league return a strong mix of championship experience, rising underclassmen, and fresh faces eager to enter the pool. 
 

2025-26 American Rivers Conference Men's Swimming & Diving Preseason Coaches’ Poll
Place	Team (First-place votes)	Points
1.	Luther (3)	15
2.	Nebraska Wesleyan (2)	14
3.	Loras	9
4.	Coe	8
5.	Simpson	4

 
The reigning A-R-C champions, Luther College, return a loaded roster featuring 16 swimmers and two divers, including multiple All-Conference honorees. Among the standouts are Kevin Kretz, the returning A-R-C Swimmer of the Year, and Drew Chamberlain, who captured titles in both the 100 and 200 backstroke. The Norse also bring back Colin Halverson, an NCAA regional qualifier and previous conference Diver of the Year, along with key members of the record-setting men’s medley relay squad—Chamberlain, Gabe Armstrong, Noah Cochran, and Kretz.

Head Coach Aaron Zander enters his seventh season confident his team can continue to build on its success. “We are incredibly excited for the 2025-2026 season! It's an opportunity for us to elevate from previous seasons and grow stronger as a team. There's a lot to be excited for this year!”

Nebraska Wesleyan University looks to continue its upward trajectory after a runner-up finish last season. The Prairie Wolves boast tremendous depth and experience. Key returners include Mattia Rosatelli, Jaryd Holton, Zach Cantorna, Carter Heaton, Brodie Hoesing, and Cullen Greyling, forming a young but battle-tested core ready to challenge at the top once again.

Coach Kyle Hunt praised the early-season energy of his squad. “With 11 new freshmen, it’s going to be an exciting year. I’m already impressed with the talent and work ethic of this year’s team. It’s been all business mixed in with fun and some contagious energy. Go P-Wolves! #MFTA”

After securing third place a season ago, Loras College returns a tight-knit but formidable roster highlighted by several championship performers. Caden Gillmore, a returning A-R-C champion in the 200 freestyle and 200 butterfly, as well as runner-up in the 500 freestyle, headlines the Duhawks roster. Gillmore also holds the current conference record in the 200 freestyle. Fellow all-conference swimmers Gabe Ibanez and Joey Kock will be key contributors as Loras looks to push for another top-three finish.

Coach Nick Wyllie is confident in the potential of his veteran group. “We have a small but extremely talented and focused group this year that could turn some heads.”

The Coe College men’s program continues its upward climb under third-year head coach Joe Tristan, returning a talented group of five swimmers led by several all-conference performers. Kamen Rangelov headlines the Kohawk lineup after an impressive debut season that also included Rookie of the Year honors. Fellow returners Max Deacon, Isiah Lawshe, and Nino Coniglio bring valuable depth and experience.

Tristan expressed his excitement for the upcoming campaign: “It’s an exciting year to be a Kohawk and I am looking forward to a great 2025-2026 season.”

Simpson College continues to make strides within the A-R-C, bringing back ten swimmers who helped the Storm secure a fourth-place finish last season. The squad features three returning All-Conference performers: Tristan Blair, Jared Oosterhuis, and Carter Pilcher, all key members of Simpson’s top freestyle relay teams. With strong leadership and a competitive core, Simpson will look to stay in the mix among the league’s best.