Craig Dinkel (1985) - CSUN Athletics Hall of Fame

Craig Dinkel

Induction:
1985
Class:
1982

Craig Dinkel was inducted into the CSUN Athletics Hall of Fame in 1985. Dinkel is one of the most decorated competitive sprinters in the history of the CSUN men's swimming and diving program. Dinkel_Craig_HOF_Headshot

Competing under legendary head coach Pete Accardy during the late 1970s and early 1980s, Dinkel established himself as a dominant force in NCAA Division II collegiate swimming, earning All-America honors 23 times in his career. He was a member of three national championship teams (1979, 1979, 1981).

Dinkel won eight individual and relay NCAA championships, including the 50-yard freestyle in 1980 (20.55). He dominated the individual 100-yard freestyle event, capturing consecutive NCAA Division II national titles in 1978 (45.95s), 1979 (46.71s), and 1980 (45.55s).

Dinkel also won NCAA championships as part of relay teams in 1978 (400-yard freestyle relay) with Curt Kravitz, Mike Hamm, Mike Stuart (3:30.321), 1979 (400-yard freestyle relay) with Billy Dederick, Todd Haywood and Jeff Navin (3:06.28), 1980 (400-yard freestyle relay) with Robby Cordobes, Jeff Navin, Jeff Thornton (3:05.12)

He set four NCAA records, including the 50-yard freestyle, and owns CSUN records in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle. Dinkel held one record held for 20 years, the same record that qualified him as the second-fastest sprint freestyler in the world at one time.

Dinkel twice qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials and competed in several International competitions. He won three Gold Medals at the Jr. Olympics.