University of Virginia Library

Looks Like $1 Million

By LAURI GOODMAN

"This pool is the best in the
ACC and one of the best in the
United States" said Head
Swimming Coach Ron Good
about the newly-opened pool
located beside University Hall.

The idea of building a
natatorium in that location was
originally conceived by
Director of Intercollegiate
Athletics Steve Sebo. But it
was only recently that the
funds, which came mainly
from the University, were
allocated for it. The cost was a
little over $1 million.

Mr. Good developed the
design for the pool himself,
and Assistant Director of
Planning Waller Hunt Jr. put
the plans on paper. The pool
took about 22 months to
complete.

The quality of the pool's
equipment is outstanding. The
spring boards, their stands, and
the lane line floats are all the
same as those used at the
recent Munich Olympics.

The starting blocks at the
pool are the only ones of their
kind in the world. They were
made specifically for this pool
as a testing ground for their
efficiency.

There are also many
interesting underwater
features. The underwater
windows and speaker system
provide new possibilities and
an unusual point of view.

Mr. Good said the pool has
attracted a lot of attention and
more importantly, a lot of
good swimmers to the
University. Many
championship events, including
the State and ACC swimming
championships, will be held in
the new facility. There are
hopes that a national
swimming championship will
be held at the University in the
future.

The pool is open weekdays
8 to 10 p.m., for students,
faculty and staff only.

Also within the pool
complex are 10 handball and
squash courts, a wrestling
room, a room for fencing
practice and a classroom.