Ryan West '28 Swims at NCAA Championships
2026 NCAC champion in the 200-yard backstroke, Ryan West '28 participated in the 2026 NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships in Indianapolis. The native of Apex, North Carolina, swam in three events during the event. The photos presented here are laeding up to and through his Friday swim in the 100-yard backstroke.
West is the holder of multiple school records.
Warm-ups begin at the IU Natatorium in Indianapolis.
Wabash head swimming coach Will Bernhardt (on deck) talks strategy with West.
Bernhardt keeps a close eye on West.
West is Wabash's first NCAC individual champion since 2016.
Bernhardt and assistant coach Keith Gill (left) await the 100-yard backstroke.
Bernhardt enjoys a light pre-race moment with Jim Peeples, Wabash Director of Athletics (right).
Gill (left) and Bernhardt chat on deck.
Peeples (right) takes in the swimming spectacle.
The participants in heat 2 of the 100-yard backstroke.
West awaits the call to the sharting blocks.
...and he's off!
West posted a time of 49.85 in his heat, slightly above his school-record time.
West (left) and Bernhardt talk post-race.
West's signature race, the 200-yard backstroke, will take place on March 21.