Press Release courtesy of Millikin Athletics.
Millikin University Athletics and the Decatur Family YMCA have formed a new partnership resulting in a new home for the Big Blue men’s and women’s swimming team.
Starting this fall, the Millikin swimming program will utilize the state-of-the-art eight-lane facility to provide a quality training experience for the Big Blue swimmers. The YMCA is making adjustments to the facility and their aquatics activities to accommodate the needs of a college athletic training program. Millikin University logos will be installed in key areas of the facility to welcome the swimmers and to celebrate the collaboration.
Early this summer during a regular inspection, it was determined that extensive repairs would be required to continue operation of the Millikin’s McIntosh Swimming Pool located in the Griswold Center. After additional evaluation and review from outside experts, the University learned that it would take over $200,000 to make the needed repairs to keep its 45-year-old six-lane pool open. Based on the extent of the repairs, it was determined that the McIntosh Pool will close.
“This decision was difficult given the rich history of the swimming in the facility, but it is the best move for the growing swimming program,” said Dr. Craig White, Millikin Director of Athletics. “Millikin is committed to maintaining our current swimming program under Director of Swimming Molly Duesterhaus. The eight-lane pool and the cooperation of the Decatur Family YMCA has provided us with a wonderful opportunity the Big Blue swimming program.”
“Although this will be a change in the training program for Millikin, the quality of the facility at the YMCA will allow for the continued success of our athletes,” said Millikin Director of Swimming Dr. Molly Duesterhaus. “Training in a newer facility with wide and non-turbulent lanes and upgraded equipment will enhance the preparation of our swimmers to compete at the highest level in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) and at the NCAA Division III level. Millikin is pleased to work with new partners at the YMCA, who understood the need and opened their home to ensure the continued success of a long-standing program. The Decatur YMCA will be excellent partners in the next phase of Millikin Swimming.”
“As we celebrate our 140th year serving Decatur, we are honored to have this opportunity to work with Millikin as it too has a long and storied history in our community,” said Matt Whitehead, CEO Decatur Family YMCA. “We are very excited to be the home of The Millikin Big Blue Swim Team and look forward to playing a part in the continued success of the program.”
