Franklin Springs, GA – The five-time defending champion, Emmanuel Lions have been picked to claim the Conference Carolinas championship again in 2025-26 Men's Swimming & Diving Preseason Coaches' Poll.

The poll was released today by the Conference office, and the Lions earned 25 points, and all five first place votes to earn the top spot in the poll.  University of Montevallo earned the runner-up spot with 16 total points. 

The Lions return 11 swimmers from the 2024-25 team, including several individual conference champions and record holders. 

Senior, Jan Michalak, junior, Arda Hulagu and sophomore, Maximiliano Benitez were named Preseason Swimmers to Watch.

The Lions will open up their season on October 11^th at the Sewanee Invitational at 1PM. 

The 2025-26 Conference Carolinas Swimming & Diving Championships are scheduled for Wednesday, February 18 through Saturday, February 21 at the Kingsport Aquatic Center in Kingsport, TN. 

For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.