The Oakland University men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs will be forced out of their pool for what university officials hope is a short period of time.
In a letter to staff and students on Nov. 10, the university announced that the campus will be closed from 5 p.m. on Nov. 21 until 5 p.m. on Nov. 30 to perform repairs on a high- temperature hot water pipe system that serves various key facilities, including the natatorium.
The closure will come while students are off for a majority of that week due to Thanksgiving break, but it could affect the men’s and women’s swimming programs that have both won 12 straight Horizon League titles.
A women’s only meet against Eastern Michigan scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 20, has been moved up to Wednesday, Nov. 19.
According to the Oakland University athletics communications office, Oakland coaches are looking into adjusting weight training times and other commitments, and are also exploring the option of training at a nearby high school until its pool is ready.
As for when that is, the university is hopeful it will be after Nov. 30.
Both the men and women won their first Horizon League meets of the season on Oct. 3 and 4 against Youngstown State.
Oakland split a dual against Cincinnati, with the men picking up a victory. The Golden Grizzlies than took losses against Power 4 opponents Purdue, Michigan and Pitt.
Oakland is also scheduled to host a midseason invite, the Golden Grizzly Classic, from Dec. 3 to 6.
The campus closure is also affecting the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 girls state championships originally scheduled for Oakland On Nov. 21 (Friday) and 22 (Saturday).
The event will still be held at Oakland, but the MHSAA is now moving the event up day to Thursday (preliminaries) and Friday (finals).
Building maintenance during a holiday break!!! No way!!! The outrage!!!
Why are you outraged?