Lewis & Clark Alumni Swim Meet Fosters Connection
The annual non-scored event brings together alumni and current student swimmers for community-focused competition.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Swimming
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Lewis & Clark College recently hosted its annual Orange vs Black and Alumni swim meet at the Zehntbauer Swimming Pavilion. The non-scored event brought together seventeen alumni to race alongside the current student team during homecoming weekend.
Why it matters
This annual tradition prioritizes connection and mentorship between current collegiate athletes and former team members. By removing the pressure of a scored competition, the event focuses on building community and interaction across generations of swimmers.
Official roster data from the event confirms that 17 alumni participated in the meet alongside current student swimmers. It remains unknown how many total students were active in the non-scored races held at the Zehntbauer Swimming Pavilion.
The players
Lewis & Clark College
A private liberal arts institution in Portland that sponsors collegiate athletic programs.
Zehntbauer Swimming Pavilion
The campus facility used for hosting collegiate and community aquatics programming.
The details
Coaches organized the swimmers into orange and black squads, allowing participants to select their own events ranging from short sprints to 200-yard distances. To ensure the day remained focused on engagement rather than high-stakes competition, the meet was not officially scored. Alumni were also permitted to use flippers during their races, highlighting the casual and inclusive nature of the homecoming tradition.
Timeline
October 17, 2026: The annual Orange vs Black and Alumni swim meet occurred.
Health Landscape
This event reflects the NCAA Division III athletics model by emphasizing student-athlete participation and community building over high-pressure competition. Such gatherings reinforce the role of collegiate sports as a venue for long-term social connection and institutional legacy.
Participating in recreational sports allows alumni to maintain physical activity levels in a social, low-pressure environment. If you are looking to restart competitive training, consider consulting your primary care doctor to ensure your cardiovascular health is ready for increased intensity.
The takeaway
Maintaining regular engagement with athletic communities can support both physical fitness and mental well-being long after college. For those returning to the pool, begin by gradually increasing your distance and consult with a coach or doctor if you plan to incorporate new equipment like fins.
Further reading
Learn more about local aquatic activities and community programming in our Swimming section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Mossy Log.
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