Federal Way, Wa. – The men’s swimming and diving team finished 20th in the country at the 2025 NCAA Championship while earning three All-American performances, two top-eight finishes, and two program records, which mark the highest finish since 2010. The Wildcats representing the men’s team were fifth-year Sam Duncan, sophomore Carson Hick, junior Ryan Merani, and junior Levi Sandidge.
Hick was the standout of the week in his second NCAA appearance, smashing two program records. He became a First Team All-American and the fastest 1650 freestyle swimmer in Kentucky history with a time of 14:30.35, earning him 6th place and his highest NCAA finish yet. In the 500 freestyle he set another program record in 4:10.27, finishing 11th nationally and earning Second Team All-America in the event.
Sandidge also competed well in the 1650 freestyle, finishing in eighth place in 14:31.08 and marking him as a First Team All-American alongside Hick. In the 500 freestyle Sandidge finished 28th in 4:14.56.
Merani was the third swimmer that competed this week, marking his third appearance in three years. In the 200 IM he finished as the 42nd fastest in the country in 1:43.80. In the 400 IM he also raced well, placing top-25 in 3:44.16. Merani wrapped up his week by swimming in the 200 butterfly where he swam a 1:41.55 and ended in 26th place.
Duncan was the lone competitor on the boards, competing in the one-meter dive and finishing his Kentucky career in 42nd place with a score of 273.90.
This marks the end of the NCAA season for the men’s team that looks to rebuild and continue their success into next year after a historic week in Washington.
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