To the Administration of Dartmouth College,

 

As a recent graduate of another Ivy League institution and a four year

varsity swim member, I can only say it was with a great deal of sorrow that

I read of your decision to terminate the men's and women's program in

swimming at Dartmouth. As an economics major and an uncle who is a trustee

at a large state school (Michigan State), I fully understand that $ rule the

decisions at the end of the day. But, to make such a decision without any

prior consultation with the team and alumni is an extremely regrettable

decision.

 

The amazing thing about students who participate in athletics at the highest

levels nationally in Ivy League programs is that they do it for love of the

sport rather than dreams of money or fame. I took great pride in seeing

ESPN show College Game Day from the Harvard-Penn football game this year and

the respect that they showed for the athletes on the field that day. As Ivy

League athletic programs, we are one of the last bastions to compete at the

top level nationally without scholarships to support our programs. We are

the true representatives of scholar-athletes at the national level for we do

both with equal passion.

 

The other amazing thing about Ivy League students in general is the drive

that they have to make things succeed. I find it impossible to believe that

the students, alumni, and other groups that support Dartmouth swimming would

not have found a way to raise/ find the money to make it succeed and

continue on. Students at your school and mine and the rest of the Ivy

League do not know how to fail and they will find a way. I urge you to

reinstate the programs and start a dialogue with the students on how the

money needed to support the team, whether it be operating costs or the

capital expenses associated with a new pool and equipment, can be raised.

Do not sell your student-athletes and the community behind them short by not

giving them a chance to save the program.

 

I urge you to reconsider your decision.

 

Regards,

 

Cameron W. Hamilton

Princeton '99 honorary '72

Senior Associate

The McLean Group

McLean, VA 22102