The Barton College women’s swimming team will have a new home this fall as Conference Carolinas has announced the addition of the program as its 21st championship sport for the 2017-18 academic year.
“Conference Carolinas believes in the value of high-quality competition to provide exceptional student-athlete educational experiences,” said Conference Carolinas Commissioner Dr. Alan Patterson. “Swimming and diving is known for the dedication, competitive spirit and lifelong-lasting benefits. I am pleased conference members are sponsoring women's swimming and diving as an NCAA Division II sport and men's swimming and diving as an emerging sport. I am confident the inclusion will add to the conference brand and student-athlete experience.”
Five league institutions will sponsor women’s swimming, including Barton, Converse College, Emmanuel (Ga.) College, King (Tenn.) University and Limestone College. Chowan University will also compete in women’s swimming as an associate league member.
The inaugural Conference Carolinas Swimming Championship is scheduled to take place February 8-10, 2018 in Spartanburg, S.C. and will be hosted by Converse College.
"We are excited to have the opportunity to compete in Conference Carolinas next season," said Barton head coach Tyler Ziegler. "Our teams will now be able to contribute to the Joby Hawn Cup standings which is something we look forward to being a part of. As a young program I believe this is a perfect fit as we will be able to grow with the conference and be competitive right away."
Barton’s women'swimming program previously competed in the Bluegrass Mountain Conference along with Chowan, Converse and Limestone where the Lady Bulldogs brought home a 12th place finish.