The Virginia Tech swimming and diving programs are set to utilize a new multi-million dollar facility, located in Christiansburg, for their upcoming 2008 season.
Ned Skinner, head coach of the men’s and women’s teams, said that the new pool facility will include an eight lane 50 meter pool, a 10 meter diving platform, and adequate seating for spectators.
After joining the Atlantic Coast Conference three years ago, Skinner and other coaches realized that there was a serious need for an updated facility.
This realization led to negotiations with the Christiansburg Aquatic Center to commit to building an improved pool facility. The building will not only host Virginia Tech swim team practices and competitions, but will also house a facility for local residents.
Sarah Ameen, a freshmen sprinter on the swim team, has been swimming competitively for 12 years.
“[The pool] is going to bring a lot of great things. It’s going to allow us a better training facility, and allow us to bring more spectators to watch our sport,” Ameen said. As for the transportation issue, Ameen did not express concern. “The older swimmers will definitely help the younger swimmers get rides,” Ameen said.
Other members of the team share this positive attitude. Sara Smith, a junior All-American, said that she is really looking forward to the new pool, citing it’s increased size as the biggest upside. “It is going to be a 50 meter pool, which is what international meets are held in, such as the Olympics,” said Smith.
The larger pool size is important to future team prospects because Skinner will be able to recruit the nation’s elite high school swimmers and divers.
Officials are considering use of a shuttle to take athletes from campus to Christiansburg. However, only 40 percent of training will be done off campus, so the team is still considering its options, said Skinner.
The preliminary designs allow the team to show prospective athletes a concrete plan for success at an ACC level, and an idea for recruits of where they will be spending their university career, said Skinner.
Andrew Rogers, an upcoming sophomore on the swim team, recognizes the importance of the new facility.
“If we have a larger venue we can attract a larger crowd, and we can host larger meets. I think the whole program can benefit,” Rogers said.
Skinner expects the facility to be completed by fall of 2008.
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 The facility is being built in Christiansburg for Tech's swimming and diving team. -Courtesy of VT Sports |
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