Life is Good at Bennett Natatorium
BY ERIN BURKETT ’20
4 MIN. READ
For those who know it, Bennett Natatorium is a secluded, peaceful oasis tucked into a quiet corner of the Kardatzke Wellness Center (KWC). The pleasant smell of chlorine greets you as you walk in, much like the friendly student worker in the foyer. The warmth of the air and gentle lapping of water on the side of the pool welcomes swimmers of all ages as they take to the lanes, learn to tread water, stretch their muscles, and even practice dives.
The natatorium celebrated its 50th anniversary of serving the public in the fall of 2022. Construction was completed in 1972 and incorporated with the KWC in 2002. The six-lane, 25-yard pool welcomes citizens of Anderson, houses AU’s swimming and diving teams, AU classes and activities, Madison County Special Olympics, and KWC passholders who wish to utilize the facility.
Perhaps the most unique legacy of Bennett Natatorium is its history of leadership. The pool and its many offerings have only had two directors throughout its 50 years of operation, Gert Wunsch and Jim Scott. According to Scott, his predecessor, “was an amazing woman and left very big shoes to be filled.”
Scott grew up a fish, as some might say. A swimmer his whole life, he has only held jobs associated with water. A lifeguard, swim instructor, and even a professor in AU’s Department of Kinesiology, his veins run with chlorine.
Hailing from Lincoln Junior College in 1991 after a stint with the college to further its own aquatics program, Scott’s life has been built around the natatorium. He fondly remembers his own children growing up in the Anderson community and knows first-hand the role this place has served in people’s lives.
When asked about Bennett Natatorium’s legacy, Scott notes that in many ways, “it taught the city to swim.” Between lessons, parties, and other activities at the pool, it has served the community well as one of few options for indoor swimming in the area.
The natatorium has a knack for attracting people to itself at just the right time. Perhaps the most notable are its lifeguards. Since its inception, students have served as guardians of the pool and have created their own legacy of a staff that is much more like a family. Those who have looked back on their time as guards do so often with fondness.
“It pushed me out of my comfort zone,” said Megan Moran ‘22 on a visit back to the natatorium. “It’s a big family. There’s honestly just so much fun that goes on at the pool.” She notes that lessons she gained from being a lifeguard have stuck with her, including giving herself grace when learning new things.
The familial bonds stick with many guards even after leaving campus. Scott shares that he’s not only attended weddings of his former staff members, but has participated in them as well. Relationships, he shared, are key to the pool. He also pointed out that former guards’ children have made their way to AU and joined the staff themselves!
When asked about his tenure and why he has remained committed to the natatorium, Scott put it simply, “I like you guys [students].” He hopes the pool will remain an important figure on campus and in the city, and that awareness of the natatorium only increases. The life of the pool and legacy of lifeguards will continue as the swim and dive team grows, Special Olympics takes place, and the oasis of campus beckons Ravens near and far to its refreshing edge.
Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.