Thompson Gymnasium’s Alumni Pool couldn’t have a more fitting name—at least this weekend. About 20 former Blue Jays will compete against current aquatic athletes in the first-ever Alumni Swim meet Saturday.
Alumni vs. student sporting events are not uncommon at the College, whether they are held during Homecoming and Family Weekend or throughout the academic year. This year, however, marks the first swim team event.
“This is something I’ve wanted to see done for a while, and something I would like to come back for,” said Megan Leppo ’14, women’s swim team captain. She approached Caitlin Koller ’11, assistant director of Alumni Relations about adding the event to the Homecoming line up this year and was met with not just a warm response, but also validation that there was a demand—others, Koller told her, had been asking for an alumni meet.
Koller said inviting alumni back to campus to participate in games, matches and meets is a great way to reconnect alumni to the sport, the College and each other—and add in some friendly competition to see, as Koller said, “who can be the better Jay: alumni or students?” Likewise, the event is beneficial to current swim team members; it serves as pre-season training.
Leppo said she is eager to bring back people who haven’t interacted since College—and about the range of class years attracted to the event. Alumni from 2013 and as far back as 1982 will return to campus with swimsuit in tow to compete against students in a range of events and distances.
“This is a great opportunity to interact with alumni and their families … and see that we share this common experience … of E-town and swimming,” she said.
Mike Guinivan—former swim coach who led the team for about 20 years—is slated to appear; Leppo is excited about his return because of his long legacy. Koller and Leppo anticipate a larger, lively crowd; many alumni summers signed up to bring their spouses and children, and current team members are sure to rally their own supporters.
The event begins at 9a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 and is expected to be over before the parade begins at 11 a.m.