Swim team cancelled, pool set for closure

Those with dreams of swimming through Citrus College to a university were left to drown this past spring as the swim team was eliminated due to budget cuts.

We have swimmers who were hoping to go to state or were hoping to go to a university on a swim scholarship," swimmer and political science major, Stefano Saltalamacchia, 21, said. "What university is going to look at a Citrus College swimmer with no swim team to back them up?"

Additionally, in an effort to cut costs, Citrus will be closing its pool to students and the public after the end of the water polo season and will be reopening the pool on April 25, 2011 for the final eight weeks of the Spring semester, when the aquatics classes resume.

Aside from eliminating the swim team, Citrus, along with community colleges throughout California, is reducing the amount of games that are to be played, giving each team a shorter schedule.

Jody Wise, dean of physical education and athletics, estimates an amount of $15,000 to $30,000 will be saved through the suspension of the swim team, as well as the pool's closure. "It's strictly an estimate," Wise said.

Wise ultimately made the decision to suspend the swim team after consulting with assistant athletic directors Cliff Wurst and Mary Brawner.

"There was no forewarning," diving coach Alan Crick said.

Many swimmers, including those incoming from other schools, shared Crick's shocked reaction at the decision.

"It's surprising and sad at the same time," swimmer Greg Yokomizo, 19, said. " I was looking forward to swimming one more year."

Wise said several aspects of the situation were considered before the outcome was determined.

"It's not a decision we made lightly," Wise said.

First, the managers had to figure out what would have the least impact on other teams in the Western State Conference.

With the fall 2010 sports schedules already set, they were left to select a spring 2011 sport to eliminate.

Other considerations were taken into account, including what sport could be suspended that could be brought back when the economy improves, what team carries both male and female athletes, and which coaches are involved with more than one team.

"Swimming fit that profile," Wise said.

A petition started by former swimmer Brittany Orduno and Saltalamacchia was made to combat the swim team's elimination.

It was turned in to Vice President of Student Services Jeanne Hamilton, who will turn it in to Superintendent/President Geraldine Perri, Ph.D.

The petition consisted of 250 signatures from "anyone that has had a part in the aquatics program," Saltalamacchia said.

Other efforts made were speeches and testimonies given by Sandy Orduno, Tricia Kyle, Crick, and Saltalamacchia at the Board of Trustee's meeting on July 13.

"This program attracts and produces not only outstanding athletes for Citrus, but outstanding students," Sandy Orduno, Brittany Orduno's mother, stated.

"It would be sad to see these great students go elsewhere because Citrus no longer offers them this outstanding aquatics program," Orduno said.

First-year college student and swimmer Brad Thomson, 18, said he "was pretty mad."

"It was my reason for coming here," he said.

"Students have gotten a lot out of the aquatics program, swimming specifically," head swim coach Tim Kyle said. "I hope in the near future they reinstate the program."

Sometimes the best decision isn't the easiest to make, and with the arduous decision made final, Wise believes that will secure all of Citrus' other teams.

As far as the swim program goes, "We will bring it back as soon as we can," Wise said.