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5 Jaw-Dropping Moments That Define Army West Point Swimming's New Dynasty

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The Army West Point Swimming & Diving program is currently experiencing a historic resurgence, transforming from a perennial contender into a dominant force within the Patriot League and a national talking point. As of late 2025, the Black Knights have cemented their status with championship wins and record-shattering performances, highlighted by an unforgettable victory over their most bitter rival, the U.S. Naval Academy. This article dives into the fresh, up-to-the-minute details of the program's success, the key figures driving the momentum, and the milestones that signal a new era of aquatic excellence at West Point.

The 2024-2025 season has been particularly monumental, showcasing the depth and commitment of both the men's and women's teams under the strategic guidance of Director of Swimming & Diving, Brandt Nigro. From securing major conference titles to breaking decades-long losing streaks, the program’s recent achievements are a testament to the rigorous training and unwavering spirit of the Corps of Cadets.

The Architects of Aquatic Excellence: Key Staff and Leadership

The foundation of any successful collegiate athletic program lies in its leadership, and Army West Point Swimming & Diving is no exception. The program is helmed by a dedicated and recently extended coaching staff, ensuring stability and a clear vision for the future.

Director of Swimming & Diving: Brandt Nigro

  • Role: Director of Swimming & Diving, overseeing both the men's and women's programs.
  • Tenure: Named Head Coach in the summer of 2019, he is currently in his sixth year at the helm.
  • Contract Extension: In June 2024, Nigro was awarded a new multi-year contract extension, solidifying his long-term commitment to the Black Knights.
  • Key Achievement: He has been the driving force behind the team's Patriot League success and the historic sweep of Navy.

Key Coaching Staff

  • Kelly Lennon: Associate Head Coach for Women's Swimming & Diving and Women's Recruiting Coordinator.
  • Connor Dorff: Head Diving Coach.
  • Alex Cremer: Assistant Swimming Coach, who joined the staff in September 2023.

This cohesive coaching staff has been instrumental in recruiting top-tier talent and fostering a culture of competitive excellence that prepares cadets not only for the pool but for their future military careers.

Moment 1: The Historic 2024 Star Meet Sweep of Navy

The Army-Navy rivalry, known as the Star Meet in swimming, is arguably the most intense competition in college sports, and the 2024 edition delivered a moment for the ages. On a historic Thursday night in December 2024 at Crandall Pool in West Point, the Black Knights achieved what was once thought impossible: a complete sweep of the U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen.

Breaking the 36-Year Drought

The men's team's victory was particularly significant, marking the first time in 36 years that Army had swept Navy. This monumental win secured both "stars" for the Black Knights, igniting massive celebrations across the academy. The men’s team's performance was not just a win but a total domination, as they rewrote the school record books by setting 12 new program marks during the meet.

The Rise of Johnny Crush

A key figure in the Star Meet triumph was freshman sensation Johnny Crush. Crush delivered a performance for the ages, setting new program records in the 50-backstroke and the 100-backstroke. His blistering times, including a 44.5-second 100-backstroke, were pivotal in securing the men's victory and earning him the Patriot League Male Swimmer of the Week honors.

Moment 2: The 2025 Patriot League Championship Domination

The momentum from the Navy sweep carried directly into the postseason, culminating in a major conference victory. The Army West Point men's team captured the 2025 Patriot League Swimming and Diving title, showcasing their consistent elite performance throughout the season.

The championship meet, held in Lewisburg, Pa., saw the Black Knights men's team outperform all conference rivals, a clear indicator that the program is operating at its peak. While the women's program did not secure the top spot, they demonstrated their competitive strength by collecting a second-place finish at the 2024 Patriot League Championships, proving the overall health and depth of the entire program.

Moment 3: Record-Breaking Individual Achievements

Beyond the team titles, the current era is defined by a cascade of individual and relay records being broken. The sheer number of program records—12 set during the 2024 Navy Star Meet alone—underscores the exceptional talent on the roster. These records are not just numbers; they are a direct reflection of the rigorous training schedule and the high level of competition within the team.

Notable Record Setters and All-Americans

  • Johnny Crush: A freshman who has already become a program cornerstone with multiple backstroke records.
  • Legacy of Excellence: The program's history is also being honored, with Ray Thayer '46, a six-time All-America honoree from the 1940s, being announced as part of the 2025 Army West Point Athletics Hall of Fame class. This connection to the past inspires the current generation of Black Knights.

Moment 4: A Schedule Built for Success (2024-2026)

The team’s strategic planning extends well beyond the current season. The 2024-25 schedule, announced by Director Brandt Nigro, was designed to challenge the Black Knights with a mix of tough dual meets and major invitationals, ensuring they are prepared for the Patriot League and NCAA competition.

Looking ahead, the 2025-26 schedule is already set, with the team preparing for the 2026 NCAA Division I Swimming & Diving Championships in Atlanta, Ga. This forward-looking approach highlights the program's serious intent to not just dominate the conference, but to make a significant impact on the national stage. The commitment to a challenging schedule is a non-negotiable part of the West Point ethos.

Moment 5: The Unwavering Spirit of the Black Knights

The success of Army West Point Swimming & Diving is ultimately rooted in the unique commitment of its cadet-athletes. Unlike most NCAA Division I athletes, these swimmers balance an intense training regimen with the demanding academic and military requirements of the United States Military Academy. Every Patriot League title and every record broken is a dual victory—a win for the athlete and a win for the future officer.

The Black Knights' performance in the pool is a direct reflection of the values instilled at West Point: Duty, Honor, Country. Their recent triumphs, especially the sweep of rival Navy, serve as a powerful morale boost and a source of pride for the entire Corps of Cadets. As the 2025-2026 season approaches, with a talented roster already announced, the dynasty built by Coach Nigro and his team appears poised to continue its run of historic success.

5 Jaw-Dropping Moments That Define Army West Point Swimming's New Dynasty
army west point swimming
army west point swimming

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