Ladies and Gentlemen:

In October 2002, 14 varsity swimmers from the classes of '59-61 gathered

in Hanover for a mini-reunion of our own, together with alumni from many

other classes during that weekend. We immediately reestablished our former

camaraderie not only at our own banquet with our wives and former coach Ron

Keenhold, but also held a mock "swimming meet" at the Karl Michael pool.

There is something about competing together that brings about very close

relationships. Also most importantly, it prepares one for a lifetime of

competition and teamwork. Imagine our outrage upon hearing the announcement,

cynically handed down from the college administration on the eve of

Thanksgiving without any consultation whatsoever with the grass roots of the

students, coaches or alumni. In my long business career, I saw first hand

that decisions that come down from above without regard or consultation with

the field are very often disastrous.

Tradition has to count for something. In our era alone, we had a

national champion in John Glover, a dedicated Olympic and Dartmouth coach in

Karl Michael, two individual Eastern champions, a nationally recognized relay

team, and a number of us held All-American status. During earlier and later

years under coach Ron Keenhold, this sound performance and tradition

continued as well. Meanwhile, robust academic records prevailed. Swimming

was one of seven major sports. This decision is a betrayal, especially of

the student swimmers, and also of the staff and of the tradition of which I

speak. Your are creating a tragedy that you will inflict on the many young

men and women who have been striving for years to become outstanding

swimmers.

I personally do not believe that we need a twenty-million dollar

expenditure for a 50 meter pool. Please be reminded that we ran our program

very successfully in the old Spaulding Pool. The new Karl Michael pool was a

state of the art facility when constructed, where the NCAA championships were

once held. A relatively small amount should be expended to repair the now 40

year old Michael Pool. My strong belief is that with a little cooperation

from the admissions department and a continuation of the existing program, we

can still be competitive. I know for a fact that the admissions policy for

many years seriously hurt the men's swimming program. Now, I cannot imagine

that Dartmouth will be the only Ivy League school without a swimming program.

I must insist on a reconsideration of this matter. I am encouraged to

see that athletes in other sports lend their strong support to an across the

board cut in the athletic department, rather than an elimination of this

program. Perhaps they know that they could be next. I must also invite your

attention to the fact that there has been a proliferation of minor sports and

academic programs with a questionable basis that should be more in the path

of budget cuts. I will follow this controversy very closely. I can assure you

that those of us who care (and there are many of us who do) will not give up

as long as this travesty stands.

Sincerely yours,

Dick Prior ' 60