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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/03/AR2009030303239.html?sid=ST2009030303250

We used to have a whole contingent of Mustang swimmers from North Dakota.

That was a really long, but interesting read. I look forward to following her progress. Thanks for coming in today!

Many of you are aware that our swimming teams have suffered in recent years from the lack of a good indoor swimming facility. Our pool was built in 1958 when they dug a hole in the floor of what used to be the old men's gym ( moved to Moody) and created a wonderful pool for that time period. A tribute to our legendary coach A.R. "Red" Barr. Unfortunately, the building is now in dire straights with a the roof in terrible condition, the lockers untouched/unremodeled since 1958, heating system....etc. in horrible condition. Our facility is a huge deterrent to recruiting top talent and in particular U.S. kids. Hall of Fame former Coach George McMillion has been on a 10 year campaign to raise money for a new $18 million dollar facility. The architectural plans are already drawn up for a state of the art facility that could be built at the site of Perkins Natatorium giving the Vard an impressive new building and look. The new plans are supported by Pres. Turner and AD Orsini. Last year more than 11 million dollars in pledges were received; however, the lack of a lead donor and hard economic times on many of the big donors have this project barely on life support. It would be great to attract top American recruits, such as the young lady in the article; however, the real top kids are inclined to look to programs that have top training and competing facilities. It is a tribute to coaches Eddie, Steve and Jim that they have remained as competitive as they are with a facility that is so out dated and in need of massive repairs.

Some people call Baltimore charming. I think its a dump myself. But Perkins is way past its prime and if I were to ever win the lottery!