2008 Woodie Awards
Swimmers left high and dry
Issue date: 9/6/07 Section: Opinion and Editorial
- Page 1 of 1
The elimination of the swimming program after the 2006-07 season dismayed many swimmers and left important questions unanswered. The athletic department cited lack of funds, low student involvement and the departure of the coaching staff as reasons it cut the program. However, the enthusiasm of the team members seemed to be a strong redeeming factor that warranted a discussion before deciding to cut the program altogether.
New information is now surfacing that suggests the swim team may have been offered a grace period to rebuild before the administration made a decision about its future and viability. Several former swimmers claim a plan was discussed with Athletic Director Tom Hart two years ago to give the team until 2010 to be rehabilitated - a plan which Hart now denies suggesting.
When the sport was hurriedly cut before NCAA deadlines and replaced by track and field, the swimmers felt Hart had gone back on his word. Although the swim team's numbers have been consistently under the minimum, there was no direct warning that the program was on the verge of elimination. There didn't seem to be glaring evidence that a track and field program would reach roster minimums, either.
Problems began with the swim team two years ago when Head Coach Kevin Mabie left the program. Instead of initiating a widespread search for a new full-time coach, the Athletic Department recruited Tim Lombardo as a part-time head coach. Since Lombardo already held a full-time position coaching Lindbergh High School's aquatic sports, he had little time to devote to building a swim program at Webster. Lombardo and the team worked through the inconvenience and managed to stay competitive.
While participation has dwindled, those involved were passionate. The swimmers were anticipating an influx of new team members this season, particularly two incoming freshmen - a sign an upturn might be brewing.
The Athletic Department also cited a lack of funds to pay coaching costs. However, this information seems inconsistent because the swim team raised its own funds during the summer months by teaching swim lessons. The money would have gone directly to the swimming program's budget.
Now, the University Center pool is more of a home to lap-swimming alumni than to a competitive, enthusiastic swim team. Meanwhile, the track and field team envisioned by the Athletic Department still lacks a track and field.
If the swim team had failed to legitimize itself over the last several seasons, it should have been made clear to the swimmers that they had to increase their numbers or lose their sport. If a longer period of time was allowed, the team may have been able to address issues to save the team.
Whether cutting the swim program was vital to keeping NCAA eligibility, the Athletic Department let the swimmers down, miscommunicating the team's status.
New information is now surfacing that suggests the swim team may have been offered a grace period to rebuild before the administration made a decision about its future and viability. Several former swimmers claim a plan was discussed with Athletic Director Tom Hart two years ago to give the team until 2010 to be rehabilitated - a plan which Hart now denies suggesting.
When the sport was hurriedly cut before NCAA deadlines and replaced by track and field, the swimmers felt Hart had gone back on his word. Although the swim team's numbers have been consistently under the minimum, there was no direct warning that the program was on the verge of elimination. There didn't seem to be glaring evidence that a track and field program would reach roster minimums, either.
Problems began with the swim team two years ago when Head Coach Kevin Mabie left the program. Instead of initiating a widespread search for a new full-time coach, the Athletic Department recruited Tim Lombardo as a part-time head coach. Since Lombardo already held a full-time position coaching Lindbergh High School's aquatic sports, he had little time to devote to building a swim program at Webster. Lombardo and the team worked through the inconvenience and managed to stay competitive.
While participation has dwindled, those involved were passionate. The swimmers were anticipating an influx of new team members this season, particularly two incoming freshmen - a sign an upturn might be brewing.
The Athletic Department also cited a lack of funds to pay coaching costs. However, this information seems inconsistent because the swim team raised its own funds during the summer months by teaching swim lessons. The money would have gone directly to the swimming program's budget.
Now, the University Center pool is more of a home to lap-swimming alumni than to a competitive, enthusiastic swim team. Meanwhile, the track and field team envisioned by the Athletic Department still lacks a track and field.
If the swim team had failed to legitimize itself over the last several seasons, it should have been made clear to the swimmers that they had to increase their numbers or lose their sport. If a longer period of time was allowed, the team may have been able to address issues to save the team.
Whether cutting the swim program was vital to keeping NCAA eligibility, the Athletic Department let the swimmers down, miscommunicating the team's status.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Former WU Swimmer
posted 9/14/07 @ 1:57 PM CST
As a former WU swimmer that attending these meetings with Tom Hart about the future of the swim team, I do not recall hearing anything about him letting us keep the team until 2010. (Continued…)
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