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LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Support swimming and diving teams
Letters to the Editor | 11/25/08
Posted online at 12:56 AM EST on 11/25/08
To the Editor:
The recent closure of the Linsey Pool ("Pool closure creates concern," Nov. 18 issue) has affected much of the Brandeis community. However, no group has been more affected than the swimming and diving teams, who have trained at least 18 hours a week in the pool for over 30 years. Initially, we were pleased to see a quick commitment to the rest of our season, with our coach and the Athletics department working hard to find us adequate training time in pools off campus. A few weeks later, we still anxiously await notice about future seasons for the Brandeis University Swimming and Diving Team.
As proud members of BUSDT, we can attest to the hard work and passion that our teammates exhibit every day. We exemplify the role of scholar-athletes, maintaining high GPAs in all academic disciplines as well as involving ourselves within the greater Brandeis community. It was to our utmost surprise when we learned that mechanical problems with the pool have thrown the future of our team into jeopardy. We understand that the University isn't in a position to implement the costly repairs and/or renovations that are necessary to get the pool back into working order.
However, we do not understand why this must put the future of BUSDT in question. Yes, training off campus is challenging. Yes, it means more early-morning and late-night practices, more last minute changes and more uncertainty. Yes, we have lost our main fundraising program, swim lessons on Saturday mornings. But these are challenges that we are ready to take on. We are just waiting for a decision from the University. Our alumni are waiting to hear whether their strongest tie to Brandeis will continue. We're waiting to see if the juniors on the team will get a senior season. Most of all, we're waiting to see if the University will do the right thing.
We are asking, pleading and begging this University to make the right decision. Don't end over 30 years of tradition because the pool was neglected one too many times. Do not make us continue our season with the anxiety of not knowing if there will be a team next year. Do not cut hundreds of alums' main connection to Brandeis because the pool failed amid the economic crisis. Do not force the underclassmen to consider transferring if they want to continue swimming and diving careers. We are not asking for a new pool. We are just asking that you keep BUSDT alive.
-Leah Lipka '09, Rachel Nadas '09 and
Mike Rubin '09
The writers are captains of the Brandeis University Swimming and Diving Team.
The recent closure of the Linsey Pool ("Pool closure creates concern," Nov. 18 issue) has affected much of the Brandeis community. However, no group has been more affected than the swimming and diving teams, who have trained at least 18 hours a week in the pool for over 30 years. Initially, we were pleased to see a quick commitment to the rest of our season, with our coach and the Athletics department working hard to find us adequate training time in pools off campus. A few weeks later, we still anxiously await notice about future seasons for the Brandeis University Swimming and Diving Team.
As proud members of BUSDT, we can attest to the hard work and passion that our teammates exhibit every day. We exemplify the role of scholar-athletes, maintaining high GPAs in all academic disciplines as well as involving ourselves within the greater Brandeis community. It was to our utmost surprise when we learned that mechanical problems with the pool have thrown the future of our team into jeopardy. We understand that the University isn't in a position to implement the costly repairs and/or renovations that are necessary to get the pool back into working order.
However, we do not understand why this must put the future of BUSDT in question. Yes, training off campus is challenging. Yes, it means more early-morning and late-night practices, more last minute changes and more uncertainty. Yes, we have lost our main fundraising program, swim lessons on Saturday mornings. But these are challenges that we are ready to take on. We are just waiting for a decision from the University. Our alumni are waiting to hear whether their strongest tie to Brandeis will continue. We're waiting to see if the juniors on the team will get a senior season. Most of all, we're waiting to see if the University will do the right thing.
We are asking, pleading and begging this University to make the right decision. Don't end over 30 years of tradition because the pool was neglected one too many times. Do not make us continue our season with the anxiety of not knowing if there will be a team next year. Do not cut hundreds of alums' main connection to Brandeis because the pool failed amid the economic crisis. Do not force the underclassmen to consider transferring if they want to continue swimming and diving careers. We are not asking for a new pool. We are just asking that you keep BUSDT alive.
-Leah Lipka '09, Rachel Nadas '09 and
Mike Rubin '09
The writers are captains of the Brandeis University Swimming and Diving Team.
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