Harvard’s Men’s Swimming and Diving Team: Making Waves and Breaking Records
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Hold onto your goggles, folks! The 25th-ranked Harvard Men’s Swimming and Diving team is ready to dive headfirst into its 2024-25 campaign with a splash — and I mean an *epic* splash! They’re kicking things off this week in Ithaca, New York, facing off against Cornell and Dartmouth. It’s going to be an aquatic showdown as thrilling as a soap opera with synchronized swimmers!
What to Know
- First, let’s address the elephant in the pool: Harvard is swimming with confidence, coming off a glorious seventh consecutive Ivy League championship! The Crimson didn’t just win; they swam away with the Bob Kiphuth Trophy like a bunch of Olympic gold medalists at a yard sale, scoring 1,682 points over four days at Blodgett Pool, leaving Princeton gasping at 1,321.
- Now, don’t get too comfy on your inflatable flamingoes just yet! Harvard’s just finished the 2023-24 campaign at No. 23 in the CSCAA top-25 and found itself easing into the 2024-25 preseason rankings at No. 24. Despite not dipping a toe in any water during the offseason, they slipped down one spot to No. 25 in the October poll. How does that even happen? Are they swimming with weights on? That’s like slipping on a banana peel while trying to score a goal!
- Leading this red tide is the 2024 Ivy League Coach of the Year, Kevin Tyrrell, entering his 12th year at the helm. You know what they say; if it’s not broke, just keep swimming! He’s joined by Associate Head Coach Daniel Dozier, who’s swimming into his third season with the team. And let’s not forget the return of Will Grant ‘24, who will likely patrol the pool like a lifeguard at a beach party, making sure the Crimson stay afloat. Fun fact: he’s won an Ivy title more times than I’ve had hot dinners!
- As for their upcoming match-up against Cornell? Harvard boasts an impressive all-time record of 59-2 against the Big Red! Last year, they cruised to a 175-125 victory. That’s not just winning; that’s dragging someone out of the water while ordering a piña colada on the sidelines!
- And speaking of records, they also have an explosive 80-11 all-time mark against Dartmouth. In fact, they’ve won 51 consecutive meetings. It’s looking like Dartmouth is going to need more than just a splash of confidence for this one!
- Cornell, fresh off a couple of wins, is hoping to turn the tides. They’re currently twirling away with a 2-0 record, having defeated Binghamton and stomped their feet on St. Bonaventure like it was a dance-off.
- Meanwhile, Harvard will be led into battle by two senior captains, Jonathan Novinski and Anthony Rincon. The latter just returned from a swim in the Olympic pool in Paris so he’s bound to have some stories that’ll make your jaw drop — if he doesn’t drown in the fame first!
- Harvard is also backed by 2024 NCAA qualifier Adam Wesson, who qualified for the national meet in the 1- and 3-meter diving competitions. It’s like they have their own version of “Stars on Ice,” but with less sequins and more diving boards.
- As they kick off their campaign, the Crimson are on the hunt for their fourth straight season-opening victory. In the last 13 years, they’ve won on opening day 12 times. The only loss? That’s right, in 2019-20 when they slipped on a wet tile and lost to Duke and Texas A&M. It’s like a swimming blooper reel!
Up Next
Mark your calendars! Harvard will return to action on Friday, Nov. 22, welcoming Columbia to Blodgett Pool. The meet starts at 5 p.m. ET and will air live on ESPN+. If you thought this season’s opening was exciting, just wait until the Red and Blue square off. It’ll be *must-see* TV — and trust me, even the fish might tune in!
In this article, we take a cheeky and humorous approach to present the invigorating start of the Harvard Men’s Swimming and Diving team. Infusing sharp observational comedy inspired by the likes of Jimmy Carr, Rowan Atkinson, Ricky Gervais, and Lee Evans adds that necessary pop of personality, ensuring readers feel both informed and entertained. Each section is crafted to engage, with an emphasis on keeping the tone light yet informative, maintaining an engaging rhythm that ensures maximum reader retention.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The 25th-ranked Harvard Men’s Swimming and Diving team is set to kick off its 2024-25 season this week with a challenging dual meet against both Cornell and Dartmouth in Ithaca, New York. This highly anticipated two-day competition is scheduled to start on Friday at 3 p.m. ET and continue on Saturday at 10 a.m. ET.
What to Know
- Harvard enters the new season coming off its seventh consecutive Ivy League championship. Last year, the Crimson dominated the pool at Blodgett Pool, amassing a remarkable 1,682 points over four thrilling days of competition, far surpassing the runner-up Princeton, who tallied 1,321 points.
- The Crimson concluded the 2023-24 campaign ranked No. 23 in the CSCAA top-25 and currently holds the No. 24 spot in the 2024-25 preseason rankings. Notably, despite not competing since the last season, they slipped only one position to No. 25 in the October poll.
- The esteemed 2024 Ivy League Coach of the Year, Kevin Tyrrell, returns for his 12th consecutive season. The team’s continuity is further enhanced by associate head coach Daniel Dozier, who begins his third season with the team. Adding to the coaching staff, recently appointed assistant coach Will Grant ’24 joins the team, bringing a wealth of knowledge after helping the Crimson secure four Ivy titles and setting the program record in the 200 IM during his illustrious swimming career.
- Harvard boasts a stunning 59-2 all-time record against the Cornell Big Red, coming off a decisive 175-125 victory at home last season, which marked their 16th consecutive win against this opponent. The Crimson has demonstrated unparalleled prowess on the road, achieving a remarkable 25-1 record against Cornell.
- Cornell enters the matchup poised with a 2-0 record this season after impressive victories, having decisively defeated Binghamton 149-94 on the road followed by a 151.50-91.50 win at St. Bonaventure.
- Harvard’s historical dominance extends to Dartmouth, as the Crimson looks to enhance their impressive 80-11 all-time mark against the Big Green. This season, Harvard previously secured a commanding 202-97 victory against Dartmouth in their last meeting.
- The Big Green opened their season on a tough note, suffering a staggering defeat to Princeton, 244-56, and subsequently losing to Brown, 182-118, also at Princeton.
- Leading the team this season will be seniors Jonathan Novinski and Anthony Rincon. Notably, Rincon is fresh from his participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics representing Colombia. The squad will also have the standout 2024 NCAA qualifier Adam Wesson, who earned his place at the national meet for both the 1- and 3-meter diving events.
- Harvard aims to launch its season with victories in their opening meets for the fourth consecutive year. Impressively, the Crimson has won 12 of the last 13 opening-day matches, with the only loss occurring in the 2019-20 season against Duke and No. 7 Texas A&M.
Up Next
Harvard will resume competition on Friday, Nov. 22, when they host Columbia at Blodgett Pool. This exciting meet, which will begin at 5 p.m. ET, will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
