Williamsburg, KY – The second-ranked University of the Cumberlands Swimming & Diving team has announced their 2021-22 schedule, which will feature seven regular season meets in addition to the Mid-South Conference and NAIA Championships.  The Patriots will swim a mixture of MSC opponents as well as branching out and adding to new additions to the schedule in Berry and Milligan.

"It's important that we have that variety in our schedule and that we have an opportunity to see different teams," said Head Coach Eric Skelly.  "This year was should present us with a chance to have some great races with these meets and challenge our swimmers to perform at a high level." 

The Patriots men's swimming team has won 22 straight dual meets, while UC's women's team has notched 20 consecutive wins over the span of three seasons.

Cumberlands opens their 2021-22 schedule on Saturday, October 9, when they travel to Barbourville, KY to face Union.  It marks the first time since the 2012-13 season the Patriots and Bulldogs will meet in the season opener. 

The Patriots return home for back-to-back home meets to close out October.  Their home opener is October 16 against Shawnee State.  It marks the first time that the Bears have visited the Patriots Aquatic Center after the two schools meet in last year's season opener.  Cumberlands closes out the month hosting NCAA DIII Berry at 10 a.m.

UC will use those meet as tune-ups as they prepare for their mid-season meet in November.  This year the Patriots will take part in the Bulldogs Fall Invite November 18-20.  Cumberlands closes out their 2021 schedule with a trip to Versailles, KY to face MSC rival Midway on December 4.

Cumberlands has a pair of dual meets slated for January beginning January 13 when they take part in a tri-meet with Lincoln and Asbury.  This meet was slated for last season, however, was cancelled. Lincoln is a newcomer to the Mid-South Conference this year.

The Patriots will close out their regular season on January 22 when they host Milligan at 12 p.m.  The Buffaloes finished last season ranked seventh on the men's side and eighth on the women's side in the NAIA.

"Milligan is a team on the rise and give us a great challenge," said Skelly.  "This meet will make our swimmers step up as we head into conference championship."

The Mid-South Conference Championship is slated for February 4-6 in Kingsport, TN, while NAIA National Championship is scheduled for March 2-5.  Cumberlands will be looking to successfully defend its conference titles on both sides.

All home meets will be live streamed here.

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