OVERVIEW OF SWIMMING AND DIVING PROGRAMS
at the
University of Rhode Island

The Varsity Swimming and Diving Program combines two goals: Since 1972, when the teams were established, no student has been denied the opportunity to participate. Yet, in that relatively short
period of time, the teams have produced: These accolades represent some of the highest achievements
possible either in our conference or within the University of Rhode
Island. This formula of participation and excellence fits within
the University's definition of what a student-athlete should be. Education is our number one priority.

Tootell Aquatic Center[41K]

The Tootell Aquatic Center houses three pools:
  1. 25-yard competition pool [48K picture] eight lanes
    4-1/2 feet to 7-1/2 feet deep
  2. a diving tank [36K picture] 2 one-meter boards
    1 three-meter board
    14 feet deep
  3. a warm-up/down pool [24K picture] twenty-five yards
    four lanes

The Tootell Aquatic Center also contains a trampoline for divers
as well as numerous "on deck" pieces of equipment including four
VASA Trainers.

Both Men and Women have varsity weight rooms as well as a
strength coach to facilitate individual progress.

At the southern end of the athletic complex the Mackal Center
(built in 1991) provides all university students with an indoor
track, tennis and basketball courts, and two additional weight
rooms. There are over ten acres of athletic fields, plus an
outdoor track and twelve outdoor tennis courts available to our
swimmers ad divers.

Training Program

Teams begin training right when students return to the campus
in September, but in such a manner as to allow them to adjust
to the new academic year.
By October 1:
2 1/2 hours per day,
6 days per week.
The emphasis in this part of the season is on building cardiovascular
and muscular strength and overall fitness.
By mid-October we will continue to train:
6 days per week,
2 1/2 hours per session,
plus two mornings per week.
This schedule follows through our championship meets in
February and early March.

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas the training regimen
is modified to meet the needs and pressures of finishing up
the semester with its heavier academic responsibilities.

Since 1978, the teams have participated in the CSCAA Swimming
Forum at the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida. Over seventy other colleges and universities
participate in this training opportunity and competition.
This, along with a week to ten days of intense training back on
campus in January, provides a good base for us to use for the
remainder of the season.

Back to Varsity Swimming