THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The California Lutheran University men's swim and dive team had a shortened season a year ago and are looking to make up for lost time in 2021-22. 

The Purple and Gold are returning 22 Kingsmen and welcoming four new faces. Seniors and All-Americans Andreas Nybo and Luke Rodarte are leading a team that is hungry for greatness. The 2019-20 squad finished third at the SCIAC Championships and looks to make it back on the podium this year. 

Roster | Schedule

The Kingsmen start the 2021-22 season on Saturday at the Malibu Invite. We talked with Head Coach Barry Schreifels about the upcoming year.

Your team saw some action last year, how has that helped you going into the new season? 
It was very important for the continued growth of our program to have a few meets last spring. We had some very impressive swims led by an incredible team record in the 100 Back by Miles Gaitan. Racing is the essence of our sport and swimming meets fueled our training in and out of the water last season.  

What can you tell us about the returning class, which Kingsmen should we be looking out for? 
The returning class is experienced, talented, and has set some large team goals for the upcoming season. Both Nybo and Rodarte earned All-America status last spring. Luke went on last summer to a stunning performance at the USA Swimming Olympic Trials Meet. The medley and freestyle relays return every swimmer and expect to contend at the SCIAC championship meet and make an impact at the NCAA Championship.  The returning class is filled with team record holders and is motivated to make this a season to remember. 

Then you have the incoming class, who can make noise in the pool? 
The incoming class has a great deal of talent and will challenge the returners for positions on the relays and team records. Caelan Jack and Keegan March will have a huge impact on the all-time top 10 list through the season. Lincoln Hall will join the team as soon as the water polo season ends and looks to be a top breaststroker in the conference. 

What can you tell us about your schedule, what meets are you looking forward to? 
CLU has a rounded schedule with Division III, D-II, and D-I opponents. Our rival teams in the SCIAC conference will present excellent competition as the team pushes for the NCAA Championship in Indianapolis, in the Spring. 

What are your thoughts about the season? What can we expect from the team? 
The team is talented, motivated, and focused. The team has strong leadership that will keep everyone on track for a fantastic season.

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Release by Ryan Jorgenson, Sports Information Director