CSUB Swim & Dive Returns to MPSF in 2026-27

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Following notice that The Big West would discontinue its sponsorship of men's and women's swimming and diving, the Cal State Bakersfield Athletics Department moved swiftly to secure affiliate membership for the two sports with the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF). The MPSF recently approved CSUB's admittance to the league, locking in the opportunity for Roadrunner student-athletes to continue competing for championships.

"With new Director of Swimming and Diving Shane Pelton leading our Roadrunners, we are excited about the future of our program," said Dr. Sarah Tuohy, CSUB's Acting Director of Athletics. "The shift back to the MPFS was an easy decision that will allow our student-athletes to continue to shine in the pool. We look forward to seeing them compete for conference titles in the years to come."

The MPSF was established in 1992-93 to serve the competitive needs of member institutions from the Big West, Pacific-10 (now the Pac-12) and Western Athletic Conferences, as well as other selected universities in the western United States; and to provide championship competition for Division-I Intercollegiate Olympic sports in a conference setting. In 2025-26, the MPSF sponsored competition in 16 Intercollegiate Olympic sports, while serving 104 teams from 60 universities across 22 states and two nations.

The 2026-27 season will signal a return to the MPSF for Cal State Bakersfield Swim & Dive as the `Runners competed as affiliate members in the league during multiple stints, including a three-year stint following CSUB's move to The Big West in 2020-21. The Bakersfield men's swimming and diving squad won the MPSF team title in 2011 and the `Runners boast 13 individual Champions as part of the conference.

"We are thrilled to join the MPSF as we begin a new era for CSUB Swimming & Diving," Pelton said. "The MPSF provides a highly-competitive platform for our student-athletes and creates an opportunity for them to challenge themselves at a high level while continuing to raise the standard within our program. We are excited for the opportunities this partnership will create for our team, our university, and the future of CSUB Swimming & Diving."

Stay tuned to GoRunners.com and follow @CSUB_SwimDive on social media for the most up-to-date information on the `Runner Swim & Dive program.

~GoRunners.com~

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