By Bryana Cielo
In the beginning of November, the College of Charleston in South Carolina announced the termination of their men’s and women’s NCAA Division I swimming and diving teams. Their lack of funds to repair the 40-year old Stern Center aquatic facility is reportedly the reason for this.
“Unfortunately, the cutting of the NCAA Division I swimming and diving programs is part of the financial realities that are being faced by athletics departments across the country,” said a statement released by Joe Hull, Charleston’s Athletic Director, “These financial challenges could increase in the future with the new NCAA governance structure.”
Charleston’s Aquatic Facility requires over 1.5 million dollars worth of repairs, mainly to its aged ventilation system. The College of Charleston said they will honor all athletic scholarships granted to current student-athletes. Additionally, the ones who intend to further their swimming and diving careers will be granted releases so that they can compete in the 2015-2016 season with another program if they so choose.
These assurances were not enough to satisfy athletes, though. Josh Schaffer, a senior at the College of Charleston, started a petition to save the CofC Aquatic Teams. He wants future CofC student-athletes to be afforded the same experience he has had as a member of the swim team there. Schaffer has gotten over 13,000 people to agree with him after writing an emotional letter to the public. Bob Bowman, coach of Olympic legend Michael Phelps, is amongst them.
“If the goal of higher level education is to build citizens with strong core values, and healthy appreciation for the process of self improvement; then a well organized collegiate swimming program is one of the best avenues to achieve these aims," Bowman said. "The synergy between students, alumni and institution is a powerful force in the life of a college. Please reconsider your plan to drop this valuable program,” Bowman appealed.
Despite these vast efforts, the College of Charleston staff seems firm on their decision.
