Jacob Anderson of Clifton contributes to Olivet's 2016 NAIA National Championship

2016 Mar 9

Jacob Anderson of Clifton, Illinois, finished third in the 200-yard backstroke, posting 1:51.39, at the 2016 NAIA national championship for men's swimming and diving in Columbus, Georgia. He is a member of the Olivet Nazarene University men's swimming and diving team. After only four years in existence, the team captured the University's first NAIA national championship, clinching the 2016 title on March 6.

Anderson finishes his Olivet career as the most decorated swimmer in school history. He has won three individual national titles and three relay titles. In all, he has eight individual All-American awards and 11 relay. He is a senior majoring in accounting at Olivet.

The Olivet women's swimming and diving team, also a four-year-old program, won the National Runner-Up title, marking the team's highest-ever finish. Amanda Moran (freshman, Lockport, Illinois) became the first swimmer in program history to be named NAIA Swimmer of the Year, and Olivet's Scott Teeters was named NAIA Men's Coach of the Year for the second time.

"While we have had numerous final four finishes and several national runner-up finishes, this in our first national champion," said Gary Newsome, Director of Athletics at Olivet. "There's just something special about being the best in your field. We are so proud of our swimming program and the accomplishments and dedication of our young men and women."