Cal State Bakersfield ​Men’s ​swimming and diving program is making an appearance at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Championships for the first time in 11 years. 

Senior Vili Sivec has quite the resume as he was named Big West Swimmer of the Week three times this season. He is also a Croatian National Record Holder in three different events. At the Big West Championships, he made his season one to remember.  

In the Men’s 100-yard butterfly prelims, Sivec came in second behind Zac Tamusaitis of UC Santa Barbara. However, the top five finish allowed Sivec to be in the Championship Final. Sivec took full advantage and crushed the automatic qualifying time of 46.11.  

“Well, it’s absolutely amazing to be an NCAA qualifier. It’s been a dream of mine since I came here to the US,” said Sivec.  

With the automatic qualifier, CSUB will be represented at the NCAA Championships for the first time since Mitchell Huxhold did in 2014 and 2015.  

The NCAA Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships will be held in Atlanta, Georgia.