Four NJIT men's swimmers have achieved recognition on the 2026 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team, celebrating their athletic and academic excellence. The honorees鈥擮xford Bayley, Bartosz Bryg, Michael McGillycuddy, and Zac Kuzak鈥攎ust maintain a GPA of 3.50 or higher while being key contributors to their team's performance. Bayley, with a 3.942 GPA, and Kuzak, boasting a perfect 4.0, are both repeat selections. Bryg and McGillycuddy also excelled academically, with GPAs of 3.88 and 3.90, respectively, alongside their contributions in the pool this season.

By the Numbers
  • Four swimmers named to the 2026 CSC Academic All-District Team.
  • Kuzak holds a perfect 4.0 GPA; Bayley has a 3.942 GPA.
  • Bayley is a two-time America East All-Academic Team recipient.
  • Bryg recorded two second-place finishes in his events against Lafayette.
  • McGillycuddy placed second in the 200 backstroke this season.
Yes, But

While the achievements highlight the athletes' abilities to balance academics and sports, the pressure to maintain high academic standards alongside athletic performance can create significant stressors. This dual commitment often requires extensive time management and resilience.

State of Play
  • All honorees played pivotal roles in NJIT's strong performance at the 2025 ECAC, where they had 18 finals appearances.
  • Kuzak is recognized for his advocacy work within the America East Conference beyond just swimming.
What's Next

Looking ahead, these athletes will aim to further their success in both academics and athletics as they prepare for upcoming meets and continue their educational pursuits. Their leadership roles and strong academic performance may also influence future recruitment and team dynamics.

Bottom Line

The recognition of these four Highlanders underscores the importance of academic achievement in collegiate athletics. Their successes serve as a powerful reminder of persistence and excellence, showcasing how noteworthy athletes can excel both in academics and competition.