By Elyse Pitkin
Hiram Athletics is excited to announce the completion of renovations to the Alumni Memorial Pool just in time for the College’s swimming and diving team to start their competitive season.
With the swimming and diving team coming off their best finish at the 2022 North Coast Athletic Conference Championships since 2010, the renovated pool will give student-athletes a place to again practice, train and compete on-campus.
“The renovations were needed to keep the pool operational for the future,” said Michael Barber, director of aquatic operations and head coach of the men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs. “The pool has been a huge impact for not only our varsity swim teams, but also other athletic teams, the campus community, and the local community for swim lessons and access for another form of exercise.”
In coordination with ABM, the pool had several renovations including concrete and HVAC work, modifications to the roof, the installation of a new liner, and a new pool deck.
“My performance in the water has improved significantly with the ability to practice on-campus because it means more time in the water,” said Carrie Robinson ’23, captain of the women’s swim team. “And if we must miss practice for class or an internship, we can practice another time, unlike before.”
Over the past three years, the Terriers have trained and competed off-campus at both the Chagrin Valley Athletic Club and Western Reserve Academy, in addition to their annual training trip to Florida, but have still seen tremendous success in the water.
Even members of the surrounding community are excited about the renovations, including Edie Knowlton Benner, PT, Ph.D., OCS, who recalls when she first swam in the pool at just five years old.
“I remember waiting in the registration line outside the pool door every year. It was so exciting get a new card upon completion of classes and to move up to the higher levels, where you were able to swim in the deeper end,” said Dr. Benner. “The pool looks great, and I can’t wait to swim in it. I also look forward to the open swim times evolve so that my patients, the local children, and community members can again enjoy it.”
Benner currently serves as a physical therapist in Mantua, Ohio, and always recommends that people swim and do aquatic therapy exercises to improve joint mobility, cardio fitness, and strength in a buoyant environment.
Open swim hours can be found on the College’s Athletics website.
