Stanford men’s swimming concluded a successful weekend at the SMU Last Chance Invite in Dallas, Texas, securing four NCAA qualifying times and numerous personal bests. The No. 6 ranked Cardinal used the meet, their second “last chance” opportunity in as many weeks, to fine-tune performances ahead of the national championship.
Strong Performances Lead to NCAA Bids
Gibson Holmes led the charge for Stanford, achieving qualifying marks in both the 100 fly (45.59) and the 200 fly (1:39.45). His 200 fly time currently ranks ninth fastest in the country this season. Henry Morrissey too secured his spot at the NCAA Championships with a season-best time of 14:57.58 in the mile.
Ray Liu contributed significantly to the team’s qualifying efforts, achieving personal bests in both the 200 IM (1:44.44) and the 400 IM (3:45.40), earning him bids in both events. Several other Stanford swimmers also posted personal bests, including freshman Connor Jones in the 400 IM (3:46.63) and fellow freshman Andy Kravchenko in the 200 free (1:36.83). Liu also achieved a personal best in the 100 backstroke.
Looking Ahead
The Cardinal will now shift their focus to the 2026 NCAA Championships, scheduled to take place from March 25-28 at Georgia Tech – the same location as the ACC Championships. Stanford could potentially contend for the team title, though success will depend on performance against other top programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What events did Gibson Holmes qualify for at the NCAA Championships?
Gibson Holmes qualified for the NCAA Championships in both the 100 fly and the 200 fly.
How many NCAA qualifying times did Stanford achieve at the SMU Last Chance Invite?
Stanford achieved four NCAA qualifying times at the SMU Last Chance Invite.
When and where will the 2026 NCAA Championships be held?
The 2026 NCAA Championships will be held from March 25-28 at Georgia Tech.
What impact do these recent improvements have on Stanford’s chances at the NCAA Championships?
