As a member of the College of Charleston swimming team, I can tell you that this team is unlike any other. Over the past three and a half years, I have made a ‘family’ of goofs, geniuses, first-rate athletes, artists, competitors, idealists, motivators, coaches, advice-givers, my best friends. These people are more than my teammates- they are my life-long comrades. If I could wish anything for the next generation of college swimmers and divers, I would wish they could have the same experience I have been fortunate enough to have.

Today, November 6, 2014, in a tear-filled meeting, my wish was threatened when the team received the news that the College of Charleston Department of Athletics is considering disbandment of the teams due to costly repairs of the Stern Center Pool facility. While I will be able to end my swimming career as a Cougar, it breaks my heart to think that current recruits, prospective athletes, and unknowing young swimmers who would one day realize that CofC is for them, will not be able to have the life-changing college experience which I have been afforded.

Moreover, Stern Center is the only pool accessible to students, faculty, and staff at the College. Shutting down the pool would not only dissolve a team, but also drown a fitness opportunity for many novice swimmers. With a mere six months before the proposed repurposing of the pool, swimmers are faced with finding a new home, the college faces losing an amazing team, and students face losing a recreation opportunity. There is hope though; the Athletic Director alluded to the possibility of keeping the program and the facility should adequate money be raised.

I ask that anyone reading this, sign this petition in attempt to save our pool and team. I ask that you rally behind us in demonstrating, to the Athletic department, the amount of heart, competitive sprit, and love for the team and sport embodied in this group of people. I ask that you sign this petition to extend the possibility that young athletes will, one day, be able to find the family they never knew they had as a CofC swimmer or diver.

Thank you and Go Cougars!

#SaveCofCSwimandDive

Josh Shaffer

Class of 2015