Longtime Syracuse head coach Lou Walker issued a statement regarding the announcement that men's and women's swimming would be eliminated at the University.  As you read, you can almost see a gun being held to his head.

"This is certainly disappointing and sad news. This is disappointing for our current student-athletes who after the 2007-08 season will lose their opportunity to represent their University. This is a disappointing day for our alums who take great pride in the years they competed for the Orange and the continued relationship that they have through following the current team. This is a sad day for the Walker family, who has dedicated their lives to Syracuse University and the swimming and diving program.

“It is, however, a time to reflect with great pride in the many accomplishments of the program, including the recent Olympians who competed in the summer games of 1996, 2000 and 2004, those who have represented Syracuse at the National Championships in 16 of the last 17 years and 25 of the 31 years of my time as head coach at the University, as well as those who came before who achieved this level of accomplishment. It is time to take great pride in the many academic achievements of our student-athletes over the years, as well as their involvement in the community. It is a time to reflect with sadness at the coming end to the long history of swimming and diving at Syracuse. A look in my files finds the oldest meet result dated March 4, 1910.

“We will, however, move forward with pride and dignity and work as we always have to give the student-athletes a quality experience in the final year of the program.”