Al Rust was an outstanding IAC swimmer in the 1930's, a member of the Junior National Champion Water Polo Team, named to the High School All-American Interscholastic Swimming Team, and won the high point trophy at the City Meet many times.

Al Rust representing the Indianapolis Athletic Club swam in the National Athletic Union Men's Senior Swimming Championships in 1936 at Chicago and in 1937 at Yale Univeristy.  He won first place in the 50 yard freestyle and finished third in the 100 and 220 yard freestyle at both National Championships.  In 1937 he received All-American recognition when he was chosen for the interscholastic All-American team by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

For six consecutive years from 1935 - 1940, Al scored the most points in senior swimming events at the City Championships.  In 1956, the City Championship Jack Schafer Memorial Trophy was retired to Al because he had won it more times than any other competitor.

Al placed second in the Indiana-Kentucky AAU 2 1/4 mile White River Swim.  He was the center for the Indianapolis YMCA undefeated water polo squad.