MSU swim and dive could return in 2024 — with a U-M coach

EAST LANSING — Nearly three years ago, Michigan State University cut its swim and dive program, leaving dozens of athletes and with a newly ignited passion to reverse that decision.

Seven months ago, Michigan State University Trustee Melanie Foster issued a “definitive” statement to activists: “We do not see a viable path to establish a swim and dive program.”

That decision became a little less definitive earlier this summer when the board voted to build a new recreation center and pool and, in the process said they might be open to reinstating the program — as long as supporters raised the necessary funding.

Program supporters say they are on the precipice of the program’s return, in part because of an unexpected alliance with a one-time rival.

Where the program stands

The team was tasked with raising $26.5 million following the June Board of Trustees meeting in which a $200 million recreation center was approved. The center will be built with a recreation pool, but the swim team is raising funding to make the facilities capable of hosting Division I swimming competitions.

The funding goal includes $20 million to expand the pool to the necessary size for competition, and $6.5 million toward the team’s operating expenses for the next five years.

Organizers have until Oct. 1 — when final design plans must be submitted — to raise the money.

The program's cut was originally announced in October 2020 as the pandemic shut down in-person sporting events, dropping university revenue significantly — then-athletic director Bill Beekman predicted a loss of $35 million in sports revenue that year, about a quarter of the total budget.

The dissolution of the program sparked years of outrage and activism against the university, including a lawsuit brought by 11 former women's swim and dive team members. The university reached a settlement with the athletes that required MSU to designate an independent gender equity review director who will "conduct a full gender equity review of MSU's athletic program concerning treatment and benefits and athletic financial aid," according to a statement from West Virginia-based law firm Bailey Glasser, which represented the former team members.

MSU activists optimistic about progress

Mike Balow, a swim and dive supporter and former candidate for the board of trustees, said he and others involved with the team “feel pretty good about it — but it's a long way from being done.”

Balow said pledges toward operating expenses already have reached about $5.2 million, about the same level they were at prior to the board's June announcement. The total comes from both large donors and crowdfunding efforts, Balow said.

“We're probably going to need another big donor to help us get that across the finish line,” he added.

How they're getting their funding

Balow said no significant funding had been committed toward the $20 million for the pool expansion but some large donations may be finalized in the coming weeks.

“There are some talks going on with high-level donors,” he said. “We’re looking to make a splash.”

Balow said there are a few donors who are considering pledges over $1 million, and one or two who may be capable of “$10 million or more.” He would not discuss specific individuals because plans aren’t finalized, but said news on the funding may come this summer.

Donors who provide that level of funding may pursue naming rights for the building or specific areas within it, Balow said.

Unlikely ally could help with return

Mike Bottom, retiring coach for the University of Michigan’s swim and dive program, has been involved with the fight for MSU’s team since the initial announcement of the disbandment in October 2020.

Bottom’s collaboration with the rival program may come as a surprise to some, but Bottom said it’s out of a love for the sport and a way to honor the athletes who choose to compete at MSU.

“It's something that affects not just the state, not just Michigan State itself, not just (University of) Michigan — but the world,” he said. Bottom said he’s seen the international field of collegiate swimming impacted by MSU’s program being disbanded.

“It cuts out a piece of that motivational pie that drives people to do this crazy thing called competitive athletics,” he said.

Bottom, who is retiring in August after 15 seasons and a 2013 national championship with the University of Michigan, said he would be open to coaching MSU’s revived program for a few years if he’s needed.

“I'm willing to go do whatever I need to get them moving and going forward,” Bottom, 67, said. “If the end of my legacy can go into helping to establish Michigan State swimming, that would go right up there with the 12 or 13 gold medals that my athletes have won, or the NCAA title.”

“I would be as proud of that, if not more proud of that, than any of those successes,” he added.

Plans for return in short timeframe

Balow and others are eyeing a return to competition in just 14 months. The new recreation center won't be completed until spring 2026, at least.

Balow said the team, though, is planning on returning in fall 2024 as a Division I program using the indoor pool at the aging IM West fitness center. The return would fall on the 100th anniversary of the program, Balow said.

“They should come back probably for the season starting next year and start building their recruiting and transfers so that the team can move over into the new facility in a better state rather than starting from zero in 2026,” Balow said.

Bottom also said the IM West pool, while not state of the art, would be sufficient for the team to find its footing.

“I do believe that you can start to build a great program in that pool,” Bottom said. He added that facilities aren’t always the most important factor in a team’s performance — aspiration and spirit of the athletes are just as important.

What if they don't reach their goal?

If the full $20 million for the expansion isn't raised, Balow said, there may be options for a middle of the road facility that will meet most of the needs for the team and remain a step above a standard recreation pool.

“Let's just say we had $10 million — we could build a sweet pool with $10 million,” he said. But Balow remains hopeful the team can reach the original goal.

University spokesperson Dan Olsen said there aren’t official plans for what will take place if the team doesn't meet the goal. Olsen also said the university continues to track and vet pledge commitments as they come in and support the organizers in their efforts.

Balow said activists met with the third-party pool planning group recently.

David Habel, a former MSU swimmer and member of the Battle for Swim and Dive, also met with MSU Athletic Director Alan Haller last week, the first such meeting since late 2022, Balow said.

Matt Larsen, spokesperson for the athletic department, confirmed the meeting and said Haller, "had a productive meeting with David Habel and is committed to further conversations with the group."

Contact Sheldon Krause at skrause@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @sheldonjkrause.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: MSU swim and dive could return in 2024 — with a U-M coach