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Swimming & Diving Celebrates Alumni Weekend
11/4/2016 9:59:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
DURHAM, N.C. – The Duke swimming and diving teams celebrated the past, present and future of the program last weekend, welcoming alumni and current Blue Devil families to campus for two days of events.
Duke alumni spanning a number of classes made the trip back to Durham Friday, joining the current team, staff and families for a celebratory dinner reception in the newly-opened Blue Devil Tower. Blue Devil seniors Bradley Cline and Kirby Quinn both spoke about their experiences as Duke student-athletes and a Blue Devil Network video showcasing program highlights was debuted.
To see the video, click on the attached link.
As part of Friday evening's event, the program also recognized the naming of the head coach's office in honor of longtime Duke swimming and diving head coach Bob Thompson, who passed away in 2009. More than 50 Blue Devil alumni contributed to the naming of the office after Thompson, who oversaw four decades of swimmers and divers at Duke.
The effort to honor Thompson with the naming of the head coach's office was led by alumni Sue Rose ('94), Mike Casey ('87) and Mark Rotblat ('99).
The coaches' offices and team room renovation project will come on the heels of facility upgrades to the Taishoff lobby area and team locker rooms.
“Thank you to the Taishoff Family Foundation in being a major contributor to this project,” said head coach Dan Colella. “Sue, Mike and Mark really rallied the alumni and helped us secure the final funds necessary to make this new project happen.”
Alumni and Blue Devil families also took in last Saturday's home opener at Taishoff Aquatics Pavilion. The men's team (3-1, 0-1 ACC) topped Northwestern, 185-110, while the women (3-1, 1-1 ACC) hung tough with fourth-ranked NC State but ultimately fell by a 177-123 margin.
“It's always great to have alumni back visiting with us,” Colella said. “They're excited about what's been happening with the team over the last several years. We're grateful for their support. Without them, we couldn't do the things we need to do to compete at the highest level. They are always interested in insuring our student-athletes have a great experience. With their generous support, we look forward to another great season promoting both academic and athletic excellence.”
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