Iowa Western Receives NJCAA Foundation Grant

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Four months ago, the Iowa Western Board of Trustees approved the addition of Men's and Women's Swimming to the athletic department. To further assist the program startup, the NJCAA Foundation has generously awarded IWCC with a $2,000 grant through the NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant.

"I would like to thank the NJCAA Foundation for their support of our new Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Teams," said Iowa Western Athletic Director, Shane Larson. "The grants they provide institutions to support the starting of new athletic programs helps offset the initial startup costs. The initial cost can prohibit schools from being able to provide new opportunities for students."

The program will operate out of the Lewis Central Community School District's pool at Titan Hill Intermediate School and under the shared agreement with Lewis Central, there is no cost for Iowa Western to use the facilities; the Reivers would practice during the school day, so the pool would be available after school for Lewis Central High School swimmers.

Larson added, "Swimming is a very popular sport in our region, and we are excited to be able to provide the opportunity to student-athletes to continue competing in their activities at Iowa Western. This grant will help us in that process and hopefully future expansion opportunities as well."

"Through the NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant, the NJCAA Foundation is creating opportunities for member colleges to expand and develop sports offerings," stated Brian Luckett, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. "Athletics at the two-year level continue to grow and progress, resulting in student-athletes being afforded more significant development opportunities athletically and academically."

Iowa Western Swimming will begin competition this coming winter for the 2024-25 athletics season, bringing the department to 26 collegiate athletics teams that provide athletic and academic opportunities to over 800 student-athletes from across the world.

About NJCAA Foundation
The mission of the NJCAA Foundation is to enhance the NJCAA national organization, student-athletes, member colleges and local communities through financial support, scholarships, program initiatives and community service.