More bad news for the swimming world today, as it was announced that Clemson would be cutting both its men’s and women’s swimming programs following the 2011-2012 season.
ALthough several other college programs have been put on the chopping block this season, Clemson will be the first from the “major six” conferences to go. This might help to dispell the idea that the only way to save college swimming is to save the mid-majors, as the big programs are starting to fall as well. The Athletics depratment will use the next 2 seasons to gradually phase out the team, allowing current swimmers an opportunity to finish their swimming careers at the school. The women’s diving program will continue, however, perhaps following the lead of the Miami Men, their ACC foes, who compete without a swim team.
Unlike most of the other schools that have cut their swimming programs, Clemson didn’t cite the typical recession-led inability to continue funding the program. Instead, they justified the cut by saying that they were not willing to expend the money for a 50-meter pool, and that they did not believe that their program could remain competitive without one. The athletics department made every effort short of building a 50 meter pool, as from 2001-2003, they totally renovated the McHugh Natatorium, including new lockerrooms.
The athletics department also said that they were considering adding a women’s golf program instead, as they needed to “keep in mind the interests in South Carolina, the areas of athletic talent among South Carolina young people, our responsibilities under Title IX, and a variety of other factors.” As the home state of the famed Myrtle Beach golf course, as well as the 6th most golf courses per capita in the nation (9.70 per 100,000, if you were wondering-North Dakota is number 1), golf is definitely huge in South Carolina.
Don’t crucify me for saying it, but I think in this instance the decision makes sense. Clemson was on an uptick through the 2009 season, where the women finished 5th in the ACC. The teams also slashed many school records, with the men’s and women’s graduating class of 2009 being responsible for no fewer than 12 school records, and qualifying several swimmers for the 2008 Olympic Trials, including Rachel Regone and Tom Recko. But the program had a bit of a backslide in 2010, with the women finishing 9th and the women 8th.
As sad as it is to see a program go, Clemson will probably be able to muster better performances, more interest, and will serve their in-state recruiting base better with a golf team than a swim team. I do find it a little curious that they chose to maintain their diving program, given that the nearest platforms for them to train on are out of the state.
But let’s not let swimming go down without a fight. Here is a link to a facebook page supporting the program, that already has over 900 members.
From that group, the following is contact information, in case you’re interested in voicing your displeasure over the cut.
Terry Don Phillips, AD
864-656-1935
Phil Grayson, Assoicate AD
864-656-0396
[Staff Member or Department Name]
Jervey Athletic Center
100 Perimeter Road
Clemson, SC 29633-0031
James F. Barker, FAIA
President
Clemson University
201 Sikes Hall
Clemson, SC 29634
864-656-3413
Very informative post. Thanks for taking the time to share your view with us.
Sorry about the grammer as I type poorly and no spell check!
I understand your desire to see both sides but “overloading the mailbox ” is how you get attention to somthing that was handled badly. ther is more to the story then the AD is telling. Herer are some examples At the meeting it was stated that the program was sound financially and that in order to compete for a national championship, a long couse pool was needed, but they could not afford to build one. My son and all the 15 swimmers (out of 65) at the meeting told Terry Don Phillips they don’y swim 50 meters in the ACC and NCAA and they don’t need a pool. Would they reinstate the program wotout the pool? He said no. then… Read more »
Tony, I’ve read the article you mentioned, and also touched base with your son. Fortunately, he didn’t have quite as attacking of a response to the article as you did, and understands that we want to help him and Clemson swimming in any way possible.
Somebody has to at the very least state the side of the administration. They can’t state their own case publicly, because it would be bad PR. This article doesn’t mean they’re right, but they deserve to at least have their side of the argument explored. After all, if someone didn’t take the time to state the case of the administration, then we wouldn’t be able to respond with all of the reasons why they’re wrong.… Read more »
Sarah, there’s no doubt that this group is a great group of athletes. I swam in HS with a few of their swimmers.
You make some very good points. I guess, as with most decisions, it comes down to weighing the pros versus the cons. And there’s no doubt that they will CONTINUE to be a positive influence in their communities, regardless of whether they are members of the swim program or not.
I don’t have any stats on it, but I’d imagine that golf teams, in general, have similarly high academic achievements to swim teams.
And as far as letting the coach go, it’s kind of a tough balance. All of those outstanding citizens didn’t end up in the… Read more »
If you want to talk competition…swimmer Michelle Parkhurst was named Clemson Female Athlete of the DECADE about a year ago in the Orange and White. Freshman Eric Bruck came in SECOND in the ACC as a freshman…and they now tell him he can’t swim for Clemson when he is a senior. The kid could place extremely well at Olympic Trials in 2012. If the kids are being “competitive” then change leadership…look at football…new coaches can do wonders for a team. Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.
Title IX can not be even in the conversation, at all. The logic of numbers make it impossible as a reason.
It’s not all about competition. Clemson swimming and diving programs… Read more »
http://swimviking.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-take-on-clemson-cut.html
there you go. 🙁
Braden, big programs have been falling since 92. When I swam in college, we still had Arkansas, Nebraska and Kansas on our schedule. The point never was that saving the mid-majors would save swimming. it is that lack of parity, and keeping the D1 meet so exclusive is not good for the sport.
This is tragic. this one scares me. Of course I will have something to say about it. I will post some time this week.
I didn’t say it was good for the sport. I think it might be good for the Athletic Department, however. There would probably be little to no facility cost, and they already have a men’s golf team.
Furthermore, from the AD”s perspective, is swimming going to be able to compete? They poured a lot of money into the program the last 10 years, and still didn’t sniff any ACC Championships. All I’m saying is that I think they present a very compelling argument for cutting their program, beyond simple budget constraints, or Title IX concerns.
I’d be willing to bet that even with two D-1 programs left (College of Charleston is the other), that South Carolina has more D-1 swimming… Read more »