The University of the Pacific men’s swimming program claimed the 2025 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championship Saturday, putting a bow on Pacific’s performance at the Human Performance Center Pool in St. George, Utah.

The Tigers clinched their fourth conference title in program history on the men’s side and first since the 2004-05 season. They won the title by 41 points over University of the Incarnate Word with a 331-290 advantage.

“This was a true team effort,” said head coach Katelyne Herrington. “We needed everyone to put everything on the line to make it happen. We had to have swimmers step up in events they’ve never raced before. We had swimmers double up in events. Everyone put their heart and soul on the line to make it happen.”

Mitchell Hopper ’25 was a catalyst for the men’s efforts, breaking a school record in the men’s 200 IM (1:46.19) on the second day of the championships and being a key member of relay events that pushed the Tigers to the finish.

“I want to give a huge shout-out to Mitchell Hopper for breaking the 200 IM, winning the 100 free and helping us win in nearly every relay event he was on,” Herrington said.

The native of Happy Valley, Oregon started strong in the 200 IM, sprinting through the first two portions of the event. After completing the third leg, Hopper cruised to victory, breaking the previous Pacific record held by Neil Franka in 2017.

“This feeling is what we put the work in for,” Hopper said. “I am so happy that this team was able to get it done. We all knew from day one that we had a chance. Winning just confirms that we put in more work than anyone else.”

Hopper’s achievement marks the second record broken this season by a Tiger. Javier Lopez Guillen ’28 achieved the fastest swim in the men’s 200 fly record with a time of 1:43.62 in December. Guillen also won the 200 fly and 100 fly as part of the Tigers’ successful week at MPSF Championships.

In total, the Tigers earned 18 first place finishes across all four days. While the preparation and process turned the dream into a reality, the Tigers were grateful for the support that motivated them to go above and beyond.

“It was a competitive weekend that was electric, and I want to thank everyone who was cheering us on in St. George and home online,” Herrington said. “We couldn’t have done it without our amazing supporters.”

With a conference title in their back pockets, the Tigers now look ahead to the National Invitational Championships in Ocala, Florida from March 13-15.