Rocklin

Indications point to the fact that the womenÕs and menÕs swimming programs at UC Davis are about to be cut. These programs are among the most successful at UCD.

Aggie swimmers are in line with the universityÕs expectation of what a student-athlete is, showing excellence in both classroom and in athletics. Swimmers represent UCD with academic integrity as well as excellence in the pool. They are Big West conference champions this year, the only athletic program to have won this in NCAA Division I. Swimming has NCAA division qualifiers, and swimmers in the Hall of Fame. Twelve Current Aggie swimmers and divers were named to the Academic All-Big West Conference.

Rand and Ted Schaal are the largest donors to ICA of all time, with a $1 million donation to build the current state-of-the-art swimming facility at UCD. If swimming is cut, what does this show other potential donors, that their donation may be in vain in the future? Schaal Pool opened in 2004; it would be a shame to see it closed only six short years later.

An alternative plan must be put forth by ICA that respects the core principles and all that they represent. In these core principles it states that UCD cannot reduce its broad-based program, but rather must seek to add sports. We must not let the university dramatically alter a century of pride and traditions for the sake of resolving a temporary challenge.

Willie de Graaf

Rocklin

Comments

comments