The Hub of SMU Spirit

[Bergermeister]

...in their temporary stall since 1956, the Mustang Band has a new corral in the works - between Ford and Moody. This is good news.

[Water Pony]

I can't believe they might abandon their Perkins mates, the Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving Teams. LOL.

We both could use new digs. They certainly have earned and deserve it!

[CalallenStang]

...in their temporary stall since 1956, the Mustang Band has a new corral in the works - between Ford and Moody. This is good news.

It will be inside the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports. This has been in the works for awhile but only recently did SMU get behind the effort. See the right side on this page: http://www.smu.edu/SecondCentury/News/2 ... tball.aspx

Water Pony, you'll like this: one of the Athletics priorities is "Construct an aquatic center that will provide a world-class facility for swimmers and divers."
http://www.smu.edu/SecondCentury/Priori ... etics.aspx

[PonyPower]

Water Pony, you'll like this: one of the Athletics priorities is "Construct an aquatic center that will provide a world-class facility for swimmers and divers."

That should be priority No. 1 on the athletic department's shopping list.

[Stallion]

Nobody is stopping anyone from donating money for a aquatics centerl-but its not even close to the highest priority for the good of the athletic department. The Bottom Line is SMU isn't going to build it with university money-someone is going to have to fork over the money. Until its the No. 1 priority for a donor it won't get built.

[DiamondM75]

The Mustang Band joke has always been.

Since the band hall is in the basement of the natatorium, and is below the water level of the natatorium pool, and since the band hall is next to the outdoor pool, and is also below the water level of the outdoor pool. The Mustang Band is the only band that rehearses under water.

[Water Pony]

Nobody is stopping anyone from donating money for a aquatics centerl-but its not even close to the highest priority for the good of the athletic department. The Bottom Line is SMU isn't going to build it with university money-someone is going to have to fork over the money. Until its the No. 1 priority for a donor it won't get built.

Stallion is painfully correct. I have been assisting on this development effort for more than six years and administration has made it crystal clear that unless the vast majority of the projected $16m is donated, the school will not move on it. A basic design has been agreed on, which includes replacing Perkins with an indoor long course pool, which would be integrated with the outdoor facility.

Our reality is that Swimming & Diving facilities are not cheap. Since these teams are one of the remaining non-revenue sports with a long and successfully history with very active alums, including a member of the Board of Trustees, we have avoided the chopping block so far.

However, our facilities significantly limit training for Men and Women (which didn't exist when I swam) teams, competitive facilities and, most importantly, recruiting. There is a reason these former Top Ten programs, no longer enjoy strong results at National meets.

Had to get this off my chest.

[Longtime]

Never understood why the swim team alumni haven't made this happen. Swimmers have to be among the most successful alumni groups at SMU or any school. Maybe it's a stereotype, but most swimmers seem to be high achievers. The dedication it takes to succeed in swimming often translates to the classroom, and therefore you would think it would translate to the real world as well.

I've got to believe there are enough wealthy ex-SMU swimmers to get the thing built, but I guess it's not as easy as that. Especially since we're talking millions instead of many thousands of dollars.

[RE Tycoon]

I was always under the impression that the powers that be were counting on the Olympics in DFW to fund a new natatorium. After that predictably failed, they were left without a plan.

Admittedly though, I'm not even remotely plugged in to the athletic department brain trust.

[Water Pony]

I was always under the impression that the powers that be were counting on the Olympics in DFW to fund a new natatorium. After that predictably failed, they were left without a plan.

Admittedly though, I'm not even remotely plugged in to the athletic department brain trust.

That was "a" plan (btw, DFW never had a chance to be a finalist with its heat in Aug/Sept.), but never realistic. It was to be build south of where the library is going, along Central Expressway.

The current plan (wish list) is where Perkins Natatorium is now. Good design given the constraints of that prime spot.

[NickSMU17]

How far away is the project?

[Bergermeister]

Good design given the constraints of that prime spot.

Is there a sketch or drawing of the proposed facility? I would think it would take up the entire lot and assume it will "preserve" the Perkins facade/entry design in the new structure the way Ownby Stadium is refelcted in Ford Stadium.