A letter to the Administration:

I swam my entire Freshman year (1968-69) and into the season my Sophomore year.  Dropped out and never earned a letter; just too many other opportunities.  I cannot tell you how important swimming was in getting me through my first year, and how my commitment to swimming has affected the rest of my life.  I regularly compete in Triathlons, and twice have swum from New York to Vermont (8 miles).  Dartmouth swimming is part of who I am.

 

I am hugely saddened, and can only think of Karl Michael spinning in his grave.  Your Dartmouth web pages have communicated the information well (options, consequences, contingencies, etc.).  I don't have the information or heart to tell you you are wrong, but I do know that a multi-billion dollar enterprise can, has, and will face budgetary challenges (both expenses and capital investment) more daunting than this.  You could face this one too, if you chose to do so, but you have chosen not to address this challenge.  I am sad for the next generations of kids who won't have the experience that Karl and I did as Dartmouth swimmers/divers.

 

Bruce Westcott
Marshfield, Vermont