NAIA Swimming and Diving Given Extension to Save Championship Status

As you are aware, at a past meeting of the NAIA Council of Athletic Administrators (CAA) it was determined that Swimming and Diving had until 2011 to increase to 50 men's and 50 women's teams or it would lose it championship status within the NAIA.

In recent months, the NAIA S&D Coaches Association has taken several proactive steps to help ensure our continued growth. One of the steps we are currently taking is in contacting athletic directors (and perhaps presidents) at colleges where a pool is available, yet no teams are fielded.

I have spoken today with Jud Damon, Savannah College of Art & Design's athletic director, who is a member of the CAA and is en route from Orlando, where the CAA has concluded its June meetings.

And he reports good news! The CAA recognizes our efforts to grow the sport and is appreciative of it. In that light, they have extended our full championship status from 2011 until 2016. We will be re-evaluated in 2011, and if we show continued progress to their satisfaction, we will be granted another five-year extension (to 2021) or, we will be given permanent championship status. It is likely it will take the 50 men's and 50 women's teams to receive the full status, though this is not a specific condition agreed upon.

In short, we have been given solid status through 2016. Let's continue the work we have begun to keep Swimming and Diving a strong and growing sport in the NAIA.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to "the cause" to this point. If we were all together, I'd say a glass of champagne and a toast to our success is in order!