NJAC Swimming & Diving Championships Open with Record-Breaking Performances

Multiple NCAA qualifying times set at opening events in Hampton, Virginia

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The 2026 NJAC Swimming & Diving Championships kicked off Thursday evening at the Hampton Virginia Aquaplex with a series of thrilling relays and record-breaking performances, including multiple NCAA qualifying times. TCNJ and Merchant Marine battled for the early lead in the men's standings, while Salisbury leads the women's standings.

Why it matters

The NJAC Swimming & Diving Championships are a prestigious annual event that showcases the top collegiate talent in the region. Record-breaking performances and NCAA qualifying times at the opening events signal an exciting and competitive championship meet ahead.

The details

In the men's competition, TCNJ's 200 medley relay team broke the conference record with a time of 1:26.82, achieving the NCAA 'B' cut standard. Salisbury and USMMA also surpassed the previous record. TCNJ added another victory in the 800 freestyle relay. On the diving well, USMMA freshman Carter Kov broke the conference record in the 3-meter event. In the women's competition, Salisbury set a new conference record in the 200 medley relay and the 800 freestyle relay, with Kean and Rowan also achieving NCAA 'B' cut times.

  • The 2026 NJAC Swimming & Diving Championships kicked off on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
  • The championships will continue through Sunday at the Hampton Virginia Aquaplex.

The players

TCNJ

The College of New Jersey, a public university and one of the top competitors in the NJAC Swimming & Diving Championships.

Merchant Marine

The United States Merchant Marine Academy, a federal service academy and another top contender in the NJAC Swimming & Diving Championships.

Salisbury

Salisbury University, a public university and the current leader in the women's standings of the NJAC Swimming & Diving Championships.

Carter Kov

A freshman diver at USMMA who broke the conference record in the 3-meter diving event.

Thomas Cable

A diver at USMMA who previously held the conference record in the 3-meter diving event that was broken by Carter Kov.

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What’s next

The championships will continue through Sunday at the Hampton Virginia Aquaplex, with more record-breaking performances and NCAA qualifying times expected.

The takeaway

The opening events of the 2026 NJAC Swimming & Diving Championships have set the stage for an exciting and highly competitive championship meet, with multiple schools and individual athletes making their mark with record-breaking swims and dives.