Valparaiso University has reached an agreement with the Mid-American Conference (MAC) to become an affiliate conference member in men’s swimming, beginning with the 2021-22 academic year.

“We are excited to have our men’s swimming program join the MAC,” Director of Athletics Mark LaBarbera said. “Competing against other in-state and regional schools will enhance the competitive experience for our student-athletes. Participating in a more regionally-based championship will provide the families of our swimmers a better opportunity to be part of their sons’ championship experience.”

“I am pleased to welcome Valparaiso University as an affiliate member in men’s swimming and diving,” MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher said. “We have developed a strong Conference from across the Midwest that provides the opportunity for the participating student-athletes to excel at the highest levels of collegiate swimming.”

Valpo will be one of six programs competing in men’s swimming and diving in the MAC. Two full MAC membership institutions – Ball State and Miami — will be joined by four affiliate members, all of which are full members of the Missouri Valley Conference ­— Evansville, Missouri State, Southern Illinois and Valpo.

“We are excited for the opportunity for our men’s swimming team to join the MAC as an affiliate member next season,” Valpo swimming head coach Maggie Kroemer said. “Being in the MAC for men’s swimming, and competing with the rest of the men’s programs from MVC institutions, is the best thing for our program.”

The Valpo men’s swimming program has been an affiliate member of the Summit League for the last four seasons, since the institution moved to the Missouri Valley Conference during the summer of 2017. Valpo will wrap up its time as an affiliate member of the Summit League at the Summit League Championships next month.

“We are appreciative of the Summit League for the home they have provided our men’s swimming program over the past four years and for the first-rate manner in which they have treated our student-athletes,” LaBarbera said.