On SwimSwam Podcast, we’re giving you an in-depth listen at all things swimming. Host Coleman Hodges welcomes guests and guest co-hosts alike to get perspective on our ever-changing swimming universe and break down the past, present, and future of aquatic sports.
We sat down with former members of the East Carolina University swim and dive team, which got cut unexpectedly just weeks ago. This included former head coach Richard Kobe and sophomores Randi Palandro and Ryan Brennan. We discussed what made East Carolina such a special team, how the fundraising of over $400,000 has gone so far, and what it might take to revive this storied program.
Music: Otis McDonald
www.otismacmusic.com
Thanks to SwimSwam for your continued coverage of our quest to save the program at East Carolina. This loss is greater than one school and we welcome the support of others in the swim community nationally to save it. A victory here is a victory for ALL! Join us. http://www.saveecuswimdive.org, #saveECUswimdive.
ECU swimmers, your program will not be returning next year unfortunately. For your future please don’t hold your breath on this and wait until August to scramble for another school.
Coleman. If people who aren’t even associated with the program want to make a pledge, is there any information we can have?
Snarky – here’s more information on how to donate: https://staging.swimswam.com/donations-to-save-ecu-swimming-diving-programs-approach-400000/
New website up: saveecuswimdive.org
Thank you for the support!!
Absolutely shameful that ECU AD dept can’t find the decency to call the 30 year coach of one of their most successful athletic programs and tell him what he likely already knows deep in his heart, which is this fundraising effort, while admirable as hell, isn’t going to change the decision.
Agreed – The administration is too almighty and powerful in its own eyes. Mr Gilbert is like the Tinman of Wizard of OZ – heartless.
If enough money is being raised to support the program and the pool IS up to Div. 1 standards then what is the real reason swimming and diving is being canned? Would like to know that. Also understand coach Jabs cut his budget drastically. Didn’t that help? No? Then I guess there is another reason. Please just be honest with us. What a horrible decision to end a 66 year winning tradition and wipe out the only team who seems to be able to win in the AAC. I was diver for four years and wouldn’t trade my back pains for anything in the world. Can’t imagine how betrayed the current swimmers and divers and coaches and parents and fans… Read more »
Good luck ECU!