Is College Swimming Going Extinct?!

[@micket114]

I understand the focus being on Division 1 and the House settlement/NIL (not just here but swimming as a whole). Another threat to swimming at the college level that is not getting enough attention (in my opinion) is the threat to D3 and D2 regarding aging facilities and dropping college enrollment. We have seen several programs cut due to aging facilities (especially in the northeast and NY specifically). Many colleges built pools in the 60s and 70s, which are now 50-60+ years old and at the end of their lifespan. This, combined with dropping enrollment, means colleges are struggling to keep the doors open (and a growing list are losing that battle and closing), much less having the 15 or so million to build a new 6-8 lane pool. I get that there's no clear-cut answer to this question. I mean, no one is handing out money to build pools, and increasing enrollment is bigger than just a sport-specific question/answer, but it is an issue that I fear will cause more programs to be cut and schools to close in general in the next five or so years. This, combined with House, could create a devasting 1-2 punch on the sport.

[@danieljacob1035]

Great observation. This deserves it's own podcast.

[@andrewjyates2118]

From an outsiders perspective it looks like the children's story 'The goose that laid the golden egg'. It seemed that US college sport had something that was very special and the rest of the world looked on with admiration.

[@erikmyer]

Fascinating conversation!

[@banksfamily4474]

Thanks for covering this issue! I have a kid in the class of 2026 and we are wondering what the impact, if any, will be for him...

[@MrDaniel142089]

Huge episode! A lot of questions in college swimming 😬

[@julesmeyeri2056]

Come 2 England and don't worry about anything 😊

[@erikmyer]

Will colleges be able to "fire" an athlete if they receive money and don't perform up to expectations?

[@spencermiles5675]

I would assume so considering that is already how it works before the money got involved.