The College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) is finally heading to the Elkhart Health and Aquatics Center (Elkhart, IN) for the National Invitational Championship (NIC) next month. The NIC, presented by Mytha Pools, will call Elkhart home for the next two years. The NIC is the largest and most innovative college swimming championship in the country. The event will bring over sixty teams and nearly 800 competitors to Elkhart to compete March 10-12.

The facility was developed between three partnership groups and is operated by Beacon Health Systems, a regional non-profit hospital system. The Aquatic Center was designed by WTI and features a 68-meter Myrtha Pool, an all deep-water competition pool, and Colorado Timing Gen 7 Serial system.  Separate climate zones, a spacious café and landing area are included in the state-of-the-art venue.  The Aquatic Center also features an advanced source capture exhaust system removing chloramines and ensure the highest air quality for those on deck and in the stands. The event is scheduled to bring over two thousand people to Northern Indiana over the next two years. 

“This facility was designed and outfitted by the most innovated minds in our sport. We are thrilled to provide our student-athletes with an opportunity to race in this facility as they close out their college season,” explained Greg Earhart, the CSCAA’s Executive Director.  “This staff is experienced in running athlete-centered, championship events. The CSCAA is thankful to the city of Elkhart and Sports Indiana, who have welcomed our community with open arms. This is the perfect location for a great experience and fast swimming!”

“Myrtha Pools is extremely excited to partner with the CSCAA as the title sponsor of the 2022 & 2023 NIC,” explained Mike Mintenko, Director of Sales for Myrtha Pools. “We are eager to showcase our newest major aquatic center. It’s a fast pool and we are confident that there will be some great performances.”

“We are proud to host the Championships, explained Kevin Milak, Aquatics Director for Elkhart Health and Aquatics.  “This is an extraordinary opportunity to bring some of the finest athletes and programs not only to our facility but to our community. This facility was designed from the beginning to be a world-class experience for athletes, and spectators alike, in the middle of a vibrant, midwestern community”

Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson said, “Here in Elkhart, we are proud of our Aquatics Center and are grateful for a chance to show it off. We are excited to have competitors and coaches to experience our city and will welcome these amazing athletes and their coaches with open arms.”

“We’re excited to have designed this state-of-the-art pool. It allows multiple all-deep course configurations for the National Invitational Championship and its ability to accommodate multiple simultaneous events will keep NIC running smoothly,” said Steve Crocker, Director of Sports Swimming at Water Technology Inc.

The National Invitational Championship was created to serve a growing number of students wanting to participate in a national-level championship.  “The number of postseason opportunities has not kept up with the growth of Division I swimming and diving,” explained CSCAA Executive Director Greg Earhart. “The NIC provides a culminating event for those Division I students not selected for the NCAA Division I Championships.”

About the CSCAA

Founded in 1922, the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) is the first professional association of college coaches in the United States.  The CSCAA is dedicated to serving and providing leadership for the advancement of the sport of swimming and diving at the collegiate level. The CSCAA works to

• protect, promote and expand competitive intercollegiate swimming and diving programs;

• recognize outstanding achievements by coaches, swimmers and divers;

• promote communication and cooperation within swimming and diving and with our partner National Governing Bodies, the NCAA, NAIA and Junior College Associations;

• provide ongoing educational and leadership training for coaches and athletes; and serve as a resource to its membership and for the general public.

About Myrtha Pools

Founded in Italy in 1961, Myrtha Pools is a world leader in the supply and installation of swimming pools and related products. Myrtha Pools has built swimming pools in over 70 countries and has structured and developed its exclusive technologies, specialising in made-to-measure competition pools for swimming, water polo, artistic swimming, high diving and diving.

About Sports Indiana

Sports are a part of the landscape in Indiana. We are home to the NCAA, USA Gymnastics, USA Track & Field, USA Diving, and dozens more governing bodies. We have hosted more than 400 Collegiate and Olympic National and International Championships. But our sports tradition runs much deeper than these global events. sportsindiana.org

About Beacon Health System

Beacon Health System is the largest, locally owned and operated non-profit health care system in the region. Beacon is our community's trusted partner and guide in creating and maintaining health as well as the majority provider of services to the underinsured and underserved. Community Hospital of Bremen, Elkhart General Hospital, Memorial Hospital of South Bend, Beacon Children's Hospital, Beacon Medical Group and Beacon Health & Fitness are powered by more than 7,000 associates and 1,100 physicians who provide the best care possible to people of all ages.