The conference now spreads through 13 states, 37 institutions, and 71 teams within its 11 sports. The addition of Augustana results in the first time the state of Illinois is represented in the MPSF, while Washington & Jefferson is the MPSF’s second school from Pennsylvania (Penn State Behrend). “The continued growth of the conference means the creation of new competitive experiences for our coaches and student-athletes. Adding two new members allows the MPSF to expand its conference championship tournament resulting in the opportunity to crown D-I and D-III champions. We look forward to stellar contributions from the Vikings and the Presidents as they join the top Water Polo conference in the country.” “I am excited to welcome Augustana College and Washington & Jefferson to the MPSF as the newest members of our conference,” said Mellis. Since the arrival of first-year MPSF Executive Director Foti Mellis on June 1, 2021, the Vikings and Presidents mark the 11th and 12th teams added to the 11-sport conference, to go along with the addition of fencing and artistic swimming as the MPSF’s two newest sports. Needless to say, it will be an honor to play against the premier Division-I programs in the country as well.”
PSB, Augustana, Austin and W&J share the same conference in women’s play and we look forward to continue our rivalries on the men's side as well, under the MPSF’s umbrella. “We are happy that we found a home to share with our Division-III opponents and outstanding Division-I programs. "This is a great day for W&J men's water polo,” said Malezanov. The Presidents are coached by Nikola Malezanov, who completed his fifth-year as head coach this past fall. Competing against Austin, Augustana and Penn State-Behrend offers Washington & Jefferson a Division-III regular-season schedule, while the MPSF Championship Tournament in November gives our students a chance to play against the most successful Division-I programs annually.” “With four NCAA Division-III members now, the MPSF provides a unique experience for our men’s water polo program. “We are excited to accept the invitation to join the MPSF,” said Washington & Jefferson College Director of Athletics Scott McGuinness. Washington & Jefferson athletic programs primarily compete in the Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC). The Presidents, who will enter their 23rd season of varsity men’s water polo, won nine games last year and reached the third-place game of the CWPA’s Division-III Eastern Championships. Located in Washington, Pennsylvania, Washington & Jefferson enters the MPSF from the Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC). This new league affiliation will provide an excellent student-athlete experience for our team members. As we enter our program's second season, this move will help us to continue to strengthen our competitive position on a national level." Second-year Augustana Head Coach Ryan Pryor added, "We are very excited to be joining the MPSF and look forward to competing in the country's premier water polo league beginning in the fall. Viking sports are primarily affiliated with the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW).
Augustana, the only NCAA Men’s Water Polo program in Illinois, joins Austin College as the only two Division-III teams not located on the west or east coast.
The Vikings became the first-ever first-year program to finish ahead of at least two teams in that championship tournament. Located in Rock Island, Illinois, Augustana transitions to the MPSF from its inaugural 2021 season as an independent, which included four wins (including in its inaugural contest) and a fifth-place finish in the College Water Polo Association (CWPA) Division-III Eastern Championships.
Additionally, competing in the MPSF will provide our program with an additional chance to play in California and showcase Augustana to prospective recruits and their families." “It promises to be a tremendous experience for our student-athletes. "Augustana is fortunate to partner with the MPSF in the sport of men's water polo, and looks forward to the opportunity to compete annually in a quality post-season tournament against the nation's most talented programs,” said Vikings’ Director of Athletics Mike Zapolski.
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