I just heard that two more universities, Rutgers and James Madison, are ditching men's swimming while spending zillions on football and golf. My own alma mater almost cut women's swimming several years ago. They were saved by alumni fundraising, but not until the swim team put itself up for sale on ebay. Endurance sports get no respect. It makes no sense. I thought open water swimming and triathlons and road racing were on the rise even among young kids. If so, why cut all those sports in college? I guess it's still just a miniscule percentage that participate compared to other sports, like my least favorite youth sport -- travel soccer.
In my experience, I definitely agree with GoodSmith or BadSmith above, I can never tell them apart. I do see more girls than boys at meets these days.
I think where SmithAlpha or Beta and I disagree is in the "sky is falling" concern about US swimming.
I will eventually go to a national meet and take my beating like the half man that I am. My last Nationals experience left me humbled and dejected. At least I now know what I'm up against and can prepare better.
In my experience, I definitely agree with GoodSmith or BadSmith above, I can never tell them apart. I do see more girls than boys at meets these days.
I think where SmithAlpha or Beta and I disagree is in the "sky is falling" concern about US swimming.
I will eventually go to a national meet and take my beating like the half man that I am. My last Nationals experience left me humbled and dejected. At least I now know what I'm up against and can prepare better.
