NAIA To Move Swim Championships to Elkhart, Indiana
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) on Thursday announced that it will relocate its annual championships to Elkhart, Indiana.
The NAIA Swimming and Diving Championships will be hosted by Bethel University at Elkhart Health and Aquatics Center. The agreement is for an initial two years, for the 2025 and 206 championship.
The NAIA’s term with Columbus, Georgia, ended in 2024.
“We want to thank the Columbus Sports Council for their years of hard work as the host of this championship,” NAIA Director of Championships Austin Bennett said in a press release. “We are excited to bring these events to Elkhart and to crown champions in the pool there for the next two years.”
“Bethel University is honored to host the NAIA Swimming & Diving National Championships,” said Tony Natali, the director of athletics at Bethel. “We have a top-of-the-line facility and will provide a great student athlete experience to all those that qualify. We look forward to working with the NAIA to provide a Championship that will be first class and a memorable experience for all the athletes and spectators.”
Swimming and diving is one of 28 national championships sponsored by NAIA. The prelims-and-finals meet runs over four days, with 20 events for both men’s and women’s.
The 2025 meet will be the 68th annual edition. Columbus hosted the last three championships, with 2021 being cancelled due to COVID-19. The 2020 Championships, which were completed before the pandemic halted athletics, was held in Knoxville, Tenn.