Houston’s Rice Owls Claim Third Straight CSCAA Open Water Championship

Rice University’s swimming program added another milestone to its growing legacy, securing its third consecutive CSCAA Open Water Championship. The Owls delivered a commanding performance that reinforced their status as one of the nation’s most consistent open-water programs. For fans across Houston, the win is another point of pride for a university that continues to shine on the national sports stage.

The event brought together top collegiate swimmers from around the country, but Rice set the pace early and didn’t ease up. With strong swims across the roster, the Owls executed a clean, strategic race plan that kept them out front from the start. Their depth has been a strength all season, and it showed in a format where endurance and race IQ matter as much as speed.

Why It Matters

This championship adds to Rice’s rising momentum in collegiate swimming. Winning three straight titles is no small feat, especially in a discipline as mentally and physically demanding as open-water racing. It reflects the program’s commitment to development, conditioning, and a winning culture.

For Houston sports fans, it’s another reminder of how local collegiate programs—whether on the track, field, or in the water—continue to deliver national achievements that bring pride to the city.

What’s Next

The Owls now shift focus to their upcoming collegiate swim season, where expectations will run even higher. With a championship-caliber foundation already set, the team looks poised for another standout year.

This article is a summary of reporting by Rice University Athletics. Read the full story here.