MSU Swim and Dive alumni return to McCaffree Pool one final time

More than 500 former alumni of the Michigan State University Swim and Dive staff, together with their family and friends, gathered this Saturday at IM West for one last swim. For generations, the pool has served as a spot of gathering and neighborhood for a lot of. 

While this occasion marked the seventieth anniversary alumni meet, it was much more significant than celebrating the reminiscences they made right here. It was the final time MSU Swim and Dive alumni would meet at IM West whereas getting ready to say goodbye. 

The MSU band began off the occasion with the college’s battle music, adopted by a brief speech from President Kevin Guskiewicz and new athletic director Dan Bartholomae. 

For many alumni, this occasion was greater than only a last farewell. It was an opportunity to revisit the reminiscences and friendships they made within the pool the place they spent numerous hours of their lives, and strolling by way of the IM West doorways one final time was a bittersweet second. 

“When I walked in, it was hard, but I know that there’s a new, beautiful facility that was just built,” James Thurston ’94 stated. “I’m sad, all of us have a lot of hours in here. You know, you’re sad because of the memories, but you’re happy for the future of MSU.”

The Charles McCaffree Pool was in-built 1958 and was residence to MSU Swim and Dive for over 60 years till this system was eradicated in 2021. The pool represents the totally different eras of Michigan State swim and dive, virtually like stepping right into a time capsule crammed with reminiscences.  

“I have a lot of memories,” said two-time Big Ten champ and All-American Richard Crittenden ’70. “I swam here. I was the head of the lifeguards, so I was here after the swimming hours, but I’m a move-on type of person. I understand that times change and these things have to be done.” 

Alumni from totally different generations had one favourite a part of IM West in thoughts: the out of doors pool. After being closed in 2018, the 50-meter out of doors pool, opened in 1959, made its mark. The multi-level 10-meter diving board was one of many many options alumni keep in mind. 

“Swimming within the out of doors pool on faculty soccer sport days, we’d be on the market swimming till mid-November. Your hair could be freezing, like actually in ice,” Thurston stated.

While the closing of IM West was emotional for a lot of, some perceive the significance of opening a brand new facility. 

“In the 80s, this was due for a revamp, and now 35 years later, every single Big Ten school has a new rec center,” stated All-American and Big Ten champion Steve Leissner ’92.

In its 99-year historical past, MSU Swim and Dive has gained 8 National Championships, 127 Big Ten Championships, and produced 474 All-Americans. The program’s legacy additionally consists of 20 Olympic swimmers and divers, together with Clarke Scholes, Gary Dilley and Linda Gustavson.