Hendrix College Athletics

Dr. Bob Courtway  joined the Hendrix faculty in 1961 with a reputation as the premier high school swimming coach in Arkansas. He organized the Hendrix Aquakids program, instituted a “Learn to Swim” program for Conway second grade students, and started a summer recreation program for area youth. For these and other community activities, he received the community service award of the Conway Chamber of Commerce. His men’s swimming team set the pace in Arkansas collegiate circles for many years, winning 12 AIC crowns and competing in the NAIA national swimming championships 13 times. For eight years, he served on the U.S. Swimming Olympic Committee. Courtway was named to the NAIA Swimming Hall of Fame in 1979. Before his retirement in 1992, he had also coached track, cross-country, tennis, women’s swimming, women’s basketball, and water polo, and served as chairman of both the Education and Physical Education Departments and as athletic director. The swimming pool has been named in his honor.