WASHINGTON – VIPs in the world of swimming will descend on Howard University’s campus the weekend of September 30. Camille Chatoor (B.A. ’89) and current HU Swimming and Diving Coach Nicholas Askew (B.S. ’00) will be inducted into the HU Athletics Hall of Fame. Instead of simply basking in the glow of this lifetime achievement, Askew plans to share the limelight with the 2022-2023 HU Swimming and Diving team.

“I am humbled to be recognized for this prestigious honor of being inducted into the Howard Athletics Hall of Fame,” said Askew, a former standout swimmer and record holder, who is in his ninth season as head coach. “The timing is great since it will lead into the big event the next day.”

That big event is the “Battle at The Burr,” the season opening meet against the 2022 Big East Champion Georgetown Hoyas. The Hoyas, led by head coach Jack Leavitt, will provide well-contested competition and set the tone for the season. The Battle at The Burr will also serve as an opportunity for both programs to garner significant economic support from their fan and alumni bases. The magnitude of this meet’s reach could be like no other in the sport.

Expected attendance for this meet is a history-making 2,000 spectators.

The Battle at The Burr, hosted by the HU Swimming and Diving team will feature a live DJ, celebrity appearances, VIP lounge and between-race entertainment. Invited guests from the swim and dive world include Joel Shinofield, managing director for sport development at USA Swimming; Maritza McClendon, Olympic silver medalist; Elizabeth Biesel, Olympic bronze medalist; Samantha Barany, executive director of the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America.

Howard University is the only historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the nation with a swim program. The team travels the country and participates in various community events to negate the stereotype that Black people don’t swim. Running a program of its size and implementing projects around educating the community about swimming and diving requires a great deal of time, dedication and funding.

“Raising funds to cover expenses, expanding the program and getting the word out there is huge,” says Askew.

Tickets for the Battle at The Burr are available at www.howarduniversitytickets.com.

Media Contact: Aaliyah Butler; aaliyah.butler@howard.edu