SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Senior Kevin Coates (Louisville, Ky./Ballard) (Louisville, Ky./Ballard) broke his own school record in a 9:11.77 sixth place finish in the 1000 freestyle on Wednesday at the NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving Nationals. His performance earned him All-American status.

Coates has earned three All-American and one All-America Honorable Mention awards in the 1000 freestyle during his career.

"Kevin swam an outstanding race," head coach Steve Thompson said. "He is a proven swimmer at this level, but I am always impressed watching him challenge the best swimmers in Division II and I am amazed by his accomplishments. He is certainly making history for our program."

It is the eighth time in Coates' career he's earned All-America or All-America Honorable Mention status. He is tied with Adam Brown for most national honors for a male in school history. Coates is also now tied with Michael Lapustin for most All-America accolades with five. Coates has two opportunities to pass Brown and Lapustin as Coates has swims in the 500 and 1650 remaining at nationals.

Coates wasn't the only Flyer in action on Wednesday. Sophomore Brandon Drogemuller (Hollister, Calif./San Benito) (Hollister, Calif./San Benito) finished 12th in the 1000 freestyle to earn All-America Honorable Mention accolades. Drogeumuler finished in 9:26.85. His 12th place finish is two places better than his 14th place finish last year.

It is the fourth time in five years Lewis has scored multiple swimmers in the top 16 of the 1000 freestyle.

"Brandon was aggressive early," Thompson said. "Unfortunately, he wasn't able to make the adjustments he needed to later in the race. I am proud he was able to score in a very competitive field and I am confident he will have a strong mile on Saturday."

Both Coates and Drogemuller will compete in the 500 preliminaries Friday morning.

After day one Lewis is in 17th place with 18 points.