Jack Suydam Natatorium

The Jack Suydam Natatorium is home to the Central Connecticut Swimming and Diving teams and has the capacity to seat up to 1,200 spectators. The venue is named for Jack Suydam, who was responsible for organizing and developing the Central Connecticut swimming program.

On May 4, 1991, Central Connecticut honored Suydam's many contributions to the university with the dedication of the Jack Suydam Natatorium. It was rededicated on November 14, 2004 in front of a capacity crowd following extensive renovations over the previous year. Joining then Director of Athletics C.J. Jones and current head coach Bill Ball for the rededication ceremonies were Suydam's son, Rick, and grandson, Trevor.

Suydam began his career at Central Connecticut State University in 1965. He started CCSU's first swimming team in 1967 and built the program over the next 23 years. Throughout his collegiate coaching career, Suydam coached six All-Americans and sent several swimmers to the NCAA Championships.

Suydam swam at Miami (OH), graduating from the university in 1961. He then earned a master's degree from Ohio University and launched his coaching career as an assistant coach at Ohio from 1961-1963. He also served as a biology teacher and varsity swim coach at Shaw High School in East Cleveland, OH from 1963-1965 prior to his arrival at CCSU.

During his 23 years as the head coach of the CCSU swimming team from 1967-1988, Suydam recruited over 300 Central Connecticut student-athletes. He was also a professor in the CCSU physical education department and served as the president of the New England Men's Intercollegiate Swimming Coaches' Association as well as the treasurer of the CCSU Swimming Club.

Suydam was a certified referee for the Connecticut Swimming Officials' Association and was the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution Award from the College Swimming Coaches' Association. He also received a 20-year Service Award from the American Red Cross.