Prese Release:Update on SOU Pool Closure and Meeting between SOU Aquatics Alumni
Update on SOU Pool Closure and Meeting between SOU Aquatics Alumni
The Southern Oregon University administrators recently hosted Raider alum Michael Ashe, as he spoke of the alumni’s concern over the closure of the aquatics complex and the future of aquatic athletics in Southern Oregon. The 1984 graduate and pool programmer, swimming and water polo coach proposed a two-part solution programming the pool and changing it into an asset; and reinstating women’s and men’s competitive swimming and water polo teams.
Currently, the aquatics complex at SOU’s McNeal Hall remains closed due to university-wide budget cuts. In January, the college announced their plans to shut the aquatics facility at the end of their fiscal year, June 30, 2007. As the only pool in the region capable of hosting swim meets and water polo tournaments, the closure leaves nearly 500 athletes from Rogue Valley high school, age group, and masters programs up a dry creek.
Efforts by vocal supporters facilitated SOU agreeing to operate the pool when the pool’s primary users – aside from the college – pay its operating cost of $87,000, plus an additional $25,000 for needed repairs. With only a few months’ notice, the aquatics community raised awareness and monies totaling $45,000. Not enough to keep the pool open.
Realizing shutting down the area’s aquatics center is a lose-lose situation, Provost Ed Battistella, Vice President of Student Affairs Jonathan Eldridge, and Dennis Francois Athletic Director joined former coach Lee Howard, to view Ashe’s presentation. Also present were Jim Heath and Cyndi Mathews from the Aquatics Foundation of Southern Oregon,
“The pool is presently sitting idle. If a program were in place, it would be generating at least $14,000 per month in revenue… over the course of the year that is $168,000. If the annual operating costs are $87,000, they would now have a surplus of $81,000 to invest in the rehabilitation of the pool equipment. And that doesn't include the revenue generated by the increased student population. Not utilizing the pool for what it can be is just very short sighted,” says Ashe.
Restarting aquatics at SOU would draw from 20,000 Northern California and Oregon athletes with limited collegiate choices. Only four Oregon colleges offer aquatics programs. “By starting aquatics programs, SOU would take a leadership role, not only in pool management, but aquatics throughout the valley,” says Cyndi Mathews, Executive Director of AFSO, “Then the aquatic programs, sports, lessons and regional competitions that have grown stronger simply because this facility exists can continue for all ages of Southern Oregon athletes and community members.”
Ashe says that over 700 alumni want to see aquatics return. They are even willing to privately endow the program for generations to come… saving the taxpayers money and providing a source of revenue for the University. “This meeting has planted the seed; I hope they have the vision to see the bigger picture. They can take the lead in the area of aquatics in the State of Oregon,” says Ashe.
Meanwhile, the aquatics community is continuing to search for answers to the valley’s growing aquatic programs need for quality facilities. For questions or to make a donation contact us at 261-3073 or SouthernOregonSwim.org
|
