MOUNT BERRY, Ga. - The Southern Athletic Association has released its Men's Swimming Preseason Poll, with the Vikings projected to finish fourth after finishing in the top three last season.
Under new head coach Zach Healy, the Vikings return three All-SAA finishers from last season. Spearheading the trio is junior Nick Fonzo, who took home the title of High Point Swimmer of the Year for the second consecutive year. Also, look out for JC Cook and Evan Pelletier to build on the solid years they put together last season.
The poll was voted on by the league's seven head coaches.
2025-26 SAA Men's Swimming & Diving Preseason Poll
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Trinity – 47 (5)
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Rhodes – 43 (2)
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Centre – 37
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Berry – 31
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Southwestern – 28
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Sewanee – 27
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Millsaps – 18
Trinity enters the season looking to build on its runner-up finish at last year's SCAC Championships, where the Tigers scored 1,034 points, just eight shy of the title. Leading the way is Luke Fender, the reigning SCAC Swimmer of the Meet, who broke his own school and conference records in the 1650 free. Fender is a CSCAA All-American and a five-time conference champion. Also returning are seven-time SCAC champion Nathan Perez, five-time champion William Walker, and four-time champion Trace Briones.
Rhodes, the two-time defending SAA Champion, looks to extend its dominance. The Lynx return Jack Whitten, a three-time 200 Breast champion and NCAA qualifier, as well as Philip Mu, last season's 400 IM champion as a freshman. Also returning is Liam Ashton, the reigning 200 Fly champion.
The 2026 SAA Swimming and Diving Championship is set for February 11–14 at Champions Hall in Danville, Kentucky.
