CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The University of Minnesota Morris is excited to announce that the men's and women's swim and dive teams will be affiliate members of the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) beginning with the 2026-27 season.
 
"UMN Morris is incredibly excited for our new affiliate membership with the A-R-C beginning this year. Men's and Women's Swim and Dive are vital programs to Cougar athletics and our campus as a whole," said Athletic Director Matt Johnson. "The A-R-C's commitment to the student-athlete experience in swim and dive, matches UMN Morris' and we believe in a strong future - together!"
 
Head Coach Dave Molesworth enters his 23rd season with women's swim and dive and his fourth season with men's swim and dive. Molesworth is the only head coach both programs have known. Last season, he was named Women's Head Coach of the Year at the Liberal Arts Championships.
 
"We excited for the new opportunity to be a part of an established conference and help make the A-R-C meet as competitive as it can be," said Molesworth. "We are looking forward to swimming and diving with several teams that we have competed with in the past. I want to thank the A-R-C for accepting our team as members of the conference."
 
The Cougars were previously independent and competed in the Liberal Arts Championships to end the season. The women's team is coming off a second-place finish at the LACs, while the men placed third.