Army/Navy Men Battle, Mids Women Eye 14th Straight Title

Patriot League Championships set to feature close races and high-stakes rivalries

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The 2026 Patriot League Swimming and Diving Championships are set to take place from February 18-21 in Annapolis, Maryland. The Army men look to defend their first league title since 2001, while the Navy women aim for their 14th consecutive championship. Top swimmers to watch include Army's Johnny Crush and Kohen Rankin, and Navy's Ben Irwin.

Why it matters

The Army-Navy rivalry is one of the most storied in college sports, and the swimming and diving championships represent a key battleground. The men's title race is expected to be tight, with Army and Navy battling for supremacy. On the women's side, Navy's dynasty is on the line as they seek to extend their remarkable championship streak.

The details

Last year, the Army men won their first Patriot League title since 2001, edging Navy by just 16 points in a thrilling meet that came down to the final relay. This year, the Black Knights will look to sophomore standout Johnny Crush and senior Kohen Rankin to lead them to another championship. Navy, however, boasts strong depth and will counter with junior Ben Irwin, who is the defending champion in the 200 backstroke and 200 butterfly. On the women's side, Navy cruised to a 13th straight title in 2025 and returns key contributors like senior Lauren Walsh in the breaststroke events.

  • The 2026 Patriot League Swimming and Diving Championships will take place from Wednesday, February 18 to Saturday, February 21.
  • The meet will be held at Lejeune Hall in Annapolis, Maryland.

The players

Johnny Crush

Sophomore, U.S. Military Academy. Crush is the defending Patriot League champion in the 100 backstroke and was instrumental in leading Army to their first league title in over 20 years last season.

Kohen Rankin

Senior, U.S. Military Academy. Rankin has never lost an individual breaststroke race at the Patriot League Championships, sweeping the 100 and 200 breast from 2023-2025.

Ben Irwin

Junior, U.S. Naval Academy. Irwin is the two-time defending champion in the 200 backstroke and 200 butterfly, and looks to three-peat in those events this year.

Lauren Walsh

Senior, U.S. Naval Academy. Walsh was Navy's highest individual point scorer last year and will look to regain the 200 breaststroke title she won as a freshman.

MacKenzie Kim

Senior diver, U.S. Naval Academy. Kim swept the 1-meter and 3-meter diving events last year, providing a crucial boost to Navy's dominant team performance.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.