All-star swimmers started arriving at Biola University Monday, August 3, 2009 for the North American Challenge Cup that will commence Wednesday, August 5, 2009. With the swimming world championships having just finished in Rome, Italy, all eyes are watching the water and as some universities cut swim teams, Biola is gearing up for another season.

The North American Swim Challenge has brought teams from along the west coast, Canada, and Mexico to La Mirada. Biola is excited to host the swimmers, aging from 11 to 18, in its residence halls. The prominent meet has been a starting block for U.S. Olympian swimmers such as Aaron Piersol and Kaitlin Sandeno.  

Due to the current economic crisis, some colleges have been forced to cut several sports programs. However, swimming and diving programs have felt the worst of the cuts recently, according to the National Collegiate Scouting Association.  With schools, such as Pepperdine University, the University of Washington and recently the University of California Irvine cutting either their entire swim programs or portions of their programs, swimmers are feeling the direct effect of budget cuts.

Despite some universities cutting swim teams, Biola looks forward to another strong competitive season for it’s swim and dive program.

Learn more about Biola’s swimming and diving program.

Written by Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Coordinator. Jenna can be reached at (562) 777-4061 or through email at jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.