INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Calvin University men’s swimming and diving team concluded its impressive run at the NCAA Division III Championships with three All-America honors on the final day of competition, held at the IU Natatorium in Indianapolis. The Knights finished 12th in the final team standings with a total of 100 points, capping off a successful championship meet.
Senior Charles Platt led the way for Calvin, securing a sixth-place finish in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 43.90 seconds. This marked Platt’s third individual top-eight swim of the meet, adding to his earlier third-place finishes in both the 200-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke. Freshman Jackson Merkel also contributed to the Knights’ success, earning a 16th-place finish in the 200-yard backstroke with a time of 1:49.25, earning him 2nd Team Division III All-America honors.
The Calvin quartet of Platt, sophomore Carter Detweiler, Merkel and freshman David Gabrielle rounded out the All-America performances with a 16th-place finish in the 400-yard freestyle relay, clocking in at 3:01.73. This relay performance also secured 2nd Team Division III All-America accolades for all four swimmers.
Platt’s Standout Performance
Charles Platt’s consistent performance throughout the NCAA Championships was a highlight for Calvin. His sixth-place finish in the 100 freestyle added to his earlier podium finishes, solidifying his status as one of the top swimmers in Division III. Platt’s achievements contribute to a strong legacy of Calvin swimmers at the national level. A look back at Calvin’s 100 freestyle All-Americans shows a history of success: Julian Iturbe earned the honor in 2022, Jacob Heeres in 2023, Noah Holstege in 2023, Charles Platt in 2025, and David Bajwa also in 2025, before Platt’s 2026 performance.
Merkel Makes Waves as a Freshman
Freshman Jackson Merkel’s performance in the 200-yard backstroke demonstrated his potential as a rising star in Calvin’s swimming program. His 16th-place finish earned him All-America recognition, building on his fifth-place All-America swim in the 100-yard backstroke the previous night. Merkel’s success highlights the strength of Calvin’s recruiting and development program.
IU Natatorium Hosts Championship Meet
The NCAA Division III Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships were held at the Indiana University Natatorium, a renowned aquatic venue with a rich history of hosting major swimming events. The IU Natatorium, built in 1982, has hosted numerous state, regional, national, and international competitions, including USA Olympic trials, according to the facility’s website. The NCAA DIII Championships ran from March 18-21, 2026, bringing together the nation’s top Division III swimmers.
Calvin’s performance at the NCAA Championships underscores the program’s commitment to excellence and its ability to compete at the highest level. The Knights’ three All-America swims and 12th-place team finish represent a significant achievement for the university. As the season concludes, Calvin looks ahead to continued success and development in the years to come.
The Calvin swimming and diving program will now turn its focus to the offseason, with preparations already underway for the 2026-27 season. The coaching staff will be looking to build on this year’s success and continue to develop a strong team capable of competing for national championships. Stay tuned for updates on recruiting, training, and upcoming competitions.
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