Columbus, GA – The third-ranked Patriots men's swimming team opened the NAIA National Championships by breaking the school record in the lone event of the day, the 800 free relay, Wednesday night.  Cumberlands placed fifth overall in the event, scoring 28 team points.

UC clocked a 6:50.68 to surpass the previous school record of 6:50.79 set back in 2017.  Martian Herion led off the relay with the fastest split as he went 1:41.27.  John Morgan McDonald, Daniel Ruiz Ramis, and Ruben Gonzalez de Oliveira closed out the relay. 

Cumberlands placed one spot higher than they did at the 2020 NAIA National Championships and improved by 0.13 seconds over their previous season best time.
 

Keiser is atop the team standings with 40 points, while SCAD Savannah is in second place.

The Patriots will return to the water tomorrow for day two of the NAIA National Championships.  Prelims are set for 9 a.m., with the finals beginning at 5 p.m.  Live video of the championship is available here.

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