SMU’s Legendary Perkins Natatorium to Be Replaced

[Water Pony]

From SwimSwam Website:

"While it will be exciting for one of the few Division I programs in a state as large as Texas to be getting a new facility, it will be bitter-sweet moment. The Perkins Natatorium is one of the more historic pools still standing in the United States. The pool’s record board is littered with some of the greats in the history of swimming in the United States."

http://swimswam.com/smus-legendary-perk ... -replaced/

[fifty]

Any details on when/where for the new swim facility? You guys really need an upgrade. Hope it's started asap.

[Grant Carter]

Interesting to read the article and the comments to see how many people in the swimming community, with no connection to SMU other than having races there, have a lot of respect for the building.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Interesting to read the article and the comments to see how many people in the swimming community, with no connection to SMU other than having races there, have a lot of respect for the building.

Yeah - the comments are awesome.

[smustatesman]

I remember my freshman year in 1970 arriving at Perkins, and checking in with Coach Barr in his office to the left of the building's entrance. He had ones name on the chalkboard, and would cross it out as you reported to him. Had my 35mm camera with me that day and took a picture of the pool board. At that time it had names on it like Schollander, Spitz, Merten and Heidenrich. Also remember the smell of the wooden lockers in the locker room above the Band Hall to the right side of the building. Great memories.

[Water Pony]

I remember my freshman year in 1970 arriving at Perkins, and checking in with Coach Barr in his office to the left of the building's entrance. He had ones name on the chalkboard, and would cross it out as you reported to him. Had my 35mm camera with me that day and took a picture of the pool board. At that time it had names on it like Schollander, Spitz, Merten and Heidenrich. Also remember the smell of the wooden lockers in the locker room above the Band Hall to the right side of the building. Great memories.

Thanks, Statesman, for taking the time to recall Coach "Red" Barr, our and my legendary coach, who built the SMU Swimming & Diving program from scratch into a regional, then national aquatic power. During this tenure, Top Five finishes at the NCAAs were common and this tradition was carried on by Coach Mac, who lead the program for decades to similar success. My hope is to witness and recreate this aquatic tradition, so nobly and honorably led by these two gentlemen.

[Charleston Pony]

1970 was a good year to be a Frosh at SMU and what can you say about the program Red built? Sure hope we someday have a new facility that will allow SMU to return to a top 10 powerhouse

[ponyboy]

I idolized Lundquist as a kid.


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[bubba pony]

I recall Coach "Red" Barr's obituary made the NY Times.

[Mustangsabu]

I am sad to see it go. I hoped they would keep it as a rec facility

[gostangs]

Not sure why we would need duplicate rec facilities. It's valuable real estate. I'd add another dorm.

[smustatesman]

We need to get somebody over to Perkins with an empty gallon milk container. They can fill it up with Perkins' pool water. Give it to Eddie Sin., so that when the new facility is completed, he can pour it into the natatorium pool. Let our steeped in tradition swimming team continue back to prominence. Pony Up.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

We need to get somebody over to Perkins with an empty gallon milk container. They can fill it up with Perkins' pool water. Give it to Eddie Sin., so that when the new facility is completed, he can pour it into the natatorium pool. Let our steeped in tradition swimming team continue back to prominence. Pony Up.

Great idea! That would be really cool to do something like this.

[smusic 00]

That would be cool!

[Water Pony]

Eddie may prefer that beer be poured, in lieu of chlorine and water.