The Morning Swim Show: On Deck at Cactus Classic Getting Reaction About ASU Men’s Swimming Team Being Cut and Fund-raising Efforts

PHOENIX, Arizona, May 27. THE Tuesday edition of The Morning Swim Show focuses on the fight to keep the men's swimming team at Arizona State University alive.

To view this show click here.

Host Peter Busch reports from the deck of the Swimming World Cactus Classic at ASU, talking to swimmers about their thoughts on the recent announcement that the men's team was being cut, along with wrestling and tennis. The men's wrestling team recently was saved after enough supporters donated money.

Of the $250,000 required to save the men's team, $150,000 has been raised so far, said Head Coach Mike Chasson.

The effect of a college swim team can be felt all the way down to the age group level. Roric Fink, coach of Ford Aquatics, said the elimination takes away opportunities from swimmers who want to swim at a major university and lowers incentive for youngsters to want to improve.

Tony Calenti was a recruit for ASU, and said it has been difficult to get into other schools, but has been optimistic that enough money will be raised.

Members of the women's team said they have also been affected. All-American swimmer Caitlin Andrew said the men's and women's teams are like a family, since they train together and travel to meets together. Lindsey Brown said she picked ASU because she wanted to go to a school that trained men and women together. She likes the balance both teams bring to each other.

In Tips and Technique, Dave Gibson, head coach of the Brophy East Swim Team, talks about the way to perfect the backstroke breakout. Demonstrating the technique is Olympic Trials qualifier Alex Lendrum. After six or seven dolphin kicks, Lendrum transitions to a strong flutter kick and a good first stroke. Another key, Gibson said, is to create a strong pushoff and maintain the momentum through the breakout.

Nick Brunelli, ASU alum and one of the top 50 freestylers in the world, closes the show with a request to viewers to help save ASU men's swimming.

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