Dear Mr. Wright, Mr. Larimore and Ms. Harper, 

 

My name is Bill Volckening, and I am the United States Masters Swimming Editor of SWIM Magazine. I am writing to urge you to save collegiate swimming at Dartmouth.  

 

I attended the Peddie School in the early 1980's. Peddie had an outstanding swim team, but the way swimming was integrated into their Physical Education department was most unique. Peddie's Physical Education Department featured four required "core" sports. These sports were thought to be the ones students would most likely enjoy as adults. Swimming was one of these "core" sports.  

 

My reason for telling you about swimming at Peddie is simple. Not only did many students enjoy scholastic swimming at Peddie, but many of us also enjoy participating in Masters swimming as adults. Swimming is an ideal activity for adults who continue to participate in a physical fitness program. Swimming is also an activity people can enjoy individually or in groups. Most of all, swimming is a lifelong activity. 

 

I encourage you to take another look at all of the sports offered at Dartmouth. Ask yourselves how well these activities will prepare your students for life after college. I hope you will then see how swimming is at the very top of the list of programs you should preserve. 

 

Sincerely Yours, 

 

Bill Volckening 

USMS Editor 

SWIM Magazine