The Clemson Swimming & Diving Team is making their stand in front of the University’s Board of Trustees this upcoming week. On Thursday June 10, a group representing the Clemson Swimming & Diving programs that were recently cut will be going before the Board that represents the top level of the University, and could potentially overrule the Athletic Director.
The big sticking point of the debate has been the Athletic Director, Terry Phillips, giving the lack of a 50-meter pool, and the University’s unwillingness to build one, as the primary reason for cutting the program. Despite what Phillips has said, the Clemson program has been able to pull in some very good recruiting classes even without a 50 meter pool. Keep in mind that college swim meets are swum only in 25 yard pools.
This morning, I received an e-mail from Harry Foster, one of the leaders of the group, stating that the Clemson Athletic Department is trying to “make this a rubber stamp with no discussion.” With enough support from the swimming, and Clemson, communities, we can make sure that the Clemson Board of Trustees doesn’t have the wool pulled over their eyes. According to SwimmingWorld, one member of the Universities administration was even under the impression, due to Phillips’ comments, that the Clemson’s pool wasn’t regulation length.
As Foster so adeptly put it, this meeting could be the defining moment for Clemson Swimming and Diving. Please, take a few minutes this weekend and write a letter to a member of the Board of Trustees, and let them know why YOU think they should save the program. Here are their mailing addressess: Clemson Board of Trustees.