Syracuse University extends Swimming and Diving through the 2010-11 Season. Read the press release from Athletic Director Daryl Gross announcing the extension of the swimming and diving program, originally planned to be terminated at the end of this school term, for an additional three years.
The Administration of Syracuse University officially announced on June 1, 2007 that it will eliminate their Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving teams after the 2007-08 season. Their intention is to add a Women’s hockey program beginning in the 2008-09 season. Syracuse Director of Athletics Daryl Gross has claimed that the decisions were made based on extensive research within the athletic department. What was concluded was that to be competitive within the Division 1 of the NCAA, the University would need to construct a new swimming facility that would house a larger pool; a financial project the University is not willing to undertake. Dr. Gross has also stated that a women’s hockey team will be more competitive on a national level.
This announcement will end a 90-year swimming and diving tradition at Syracuse, one with a longstanding reputation of both athletic and academic excellence. This past academic year both men’s and women’s swimming were recognized by receiving All-Academic status from the College Swimming Coaches Association of America for the 12th consecutive season.
