In 1922 a new gymnasium was built on campus, replacing the old one. In this new gymnasium the swimming pool was located in the basement with the gym being located above. This was the first indoor pool to be housed on a college campus. The pool was first open for classes in which a swimming requirement was needed to graduate.
Courtesy of the Gustavus Adolphus College Archives
Nineteen twenty-six marks the first year of the Gustie Swimming Team. The swim team held their first dual meet against Hamline in this year as well
In the year 1949 swimming was just considered a minor sport among Gustavus athletics, but the team achieved its first conference championship title, which was shared with the St. Thomas swimming team.
Courtesy of the Gustavus Adolphus College Archives
In 1984 the second part to Lund Cener was built and this included the Natatorium which contained a 25 yard x 25 meter pool, electronic timing system, diving well, spa, sauna, and spectator seating for 200.
Courtesy of the Gustavus Adolphus College Archives
John Victor (Vic) Gustafson was coach of the swim team from 1945-77. Along with his impressive tenure as the men’s swimming coach, Professor Gustafson also coached track and field, hockey, golf, tennis, and cross country at Gustavus. He served as Associate Professor of Physical Education and was the Outdoor Education Specialist for the department – an area for which he was regionally recognized as an outstanding professional. Professor Gustafson was inducted into the Gustavus Athletics Hall of Fame in 1979.
Courtesy of the Gustavus Adolphus College Archives
In 1987, the new Johnson Student Union was being finished and replacing the location of the old swimming pool was a new dry bar called “The Dive”. The Dive would include a dry bar, juke box, TV, couches, and would be a place for underage students to gather since the drinking age was raised to 21 in 1984. The name for The Dive ties back to the location being where the old swimming pool was located.
In addition to its use by athletic teams, the natatorium is currently used for swimming, aquatics, kayaking/canoeing and other courses taught in the Health and Exercise Science department. The swimming pool and facilities are also available for recreational use by students, staff, faculty, and Gustavus families.
Sources
Gustavian. 1926-27.
Gustavian. 1949-50.
Gymnasium Drive and Building folder, vertical files, Gustavus Adolphus College Archives
Hollingsworth, Lloyd “Holly.” Gustavus Athletics. St. Peter: Gustavus Adolphus College, 1984. Pages 111-112
Lund Center folder, vertical files, Gustavus Adolphus College Archives
Student Union and Food Service Buildings folder, vertical files, Gustavus Adolphus College Archives
