Sycamores Dive into Postseason: A Look at Indiana State Swimming’s Momentum
Ten Indiana State swimmers are set to compete at the 2026 CSCAA National Invitational Championship in Ocala, Florida, from March 12-14. This appearance follows a successful defense of their Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Swimming & Diving Championship title, marking the second consecutive year the Sycamores have topped the field.
Building on Conference Success
Indiana State secured the MVC championship with a total of 1,236 points, surpassing Southern Illinois (1,161) and Missouri State (1,117). The team showcased individual brilliance, with Grace Cummings, Ali Pearson, and Jecza Lopez each claiming individual titles. The Sycamores also won the 200-yard Medley Relay.
Postseason Representation
Representing Indiana State in Florida will be Kalli Agapios, Kaleigh Kelley, Erin Cummins, Raine Boles, Ali Pearson, Claire Parsons, Maria Saldana Riebeling, Gemma Dilks, Addison Johnson, and Anna Asplund. They join Jecza Lopez and Grace Cummings, who have already qualified for postseason competition through NCAA Zone C and NCAA qualification respectively.
Looking Back at 2025: A Program Best
The Sycamores are aiming to surpass their performance at the 2025 CSCAA NIC, where they achieved a program-best ninth-place finish with 334 points. At last year’s event, 14 Indiana State swimmers participated in either the A-Finals or B-Finals.
Championship Schedule Breakdown
The three-day championship will follow a structured schedule. Preliminary sessions begin at 9:30 a.m. ET, followed by finals at 6 p.m. ET each day. The schedule includes events like the 50 Backstroke, 500 Freestyle, 200 IM, and relays.
Thursday, March 12: 50 Back, 500 Free, 50 Fly, 200 IM, 50 Breast, 50 Free, 400 Medley Relay
Friday, March 13: 400 IM, 100 Fly, 200 Free, 100 Breast, 100 Back, 800 Free Relay
Saturday, March 14: 100 IM, 200 Back, 100 Free, 200 Breast, 200 Fly, 400 Free Relay, 1000/1650 Free
Coach Christensen’s Perspective
Head coach Josh Christensen emphasized the importance of the NIC as a valuable postseason opportunity. He noted the meet provides a platform for competition against teams nationwide and serves as a crucial learning and growth experience for the program.
Follow the Sycamores
Stay updated on Indiana State Swimming and Diving by visiting GoSycamores.com. You can also identify the team on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
FAQ
Q: Where is the 2026 CSCAA National Invitational Championship being held?
A: The championship is being held at the Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training facility in Ocala, Florida.
Q: When does the championship begin?
A: The championship begins on March 12, 2026.
Q: How many Sycamores are competing?
A: Ten Indiana State swimmers will be competing, in addition to Jecza Lopez and Grace Cummings who have already qualified for other postseason events.
