Wading For the Pool’s Completion
Overdue pool renovations affect athletes and coaches as season approaches
By Dat Huynh
Overdue pool renovations affect athletes and coaches as season approaches
By Dat Huynh
With renovations to the swimming pool overdue and construction taking longer than expected, swimmers and coaches are prepared to start the season behind schedule.
According to the Amy Ruffo, the Manager of Construction at the San José Unified School District, a new boiler and lights were added, with some slight adjustments made to the heat and chemical exchanger for a total cost of $500,000 completed on Feb. 3.
Returning swimmer Jeila Bacon, 11, was not surprised by the delay, but felt disappointed about this situation.
“I would say I’m upset, but not as mad as one would be, because it’s not surprising that the pool’s not done on time,” Bacon said. “Regardless, I’m still planning on going to practices, meets and staying committed.”
Anthony Giacinto, 12, views the renovation as an ill-timed nuisance and would prefer to have the pool completely redone, as it is used by the swim and water polo teams.
“I strongly think we need to get a new pool,” Giacinto said. “The pool constantly has problems and it is not deep enough to even host water polo games.”
While the construction proved unnecessarily difficult and stressful for many, former Pioneer swimmer, now assistant swim coach, Alisabeth Bacon believes that extra time was crucial in elevating the pool to a higher standard.
“The new lights and blocks will help keep us safe while swimming at night and will help us prepare for swimming fast at swim meets,” said Alisabeth Bacon. “We are super grateful and excited to have an updated space for us to practice and compete.”
Although the late finish cut into the team’s conditioning time before meets, players and coaches still look forward to competing with these renovations.
Coming back for his last swim season, Ryan Edington, 12, prepared for this upcoming season with a positive, team-focused mindset, no matter the challenges.
“Swimming is the same in every pool,” said Edington. “I just look forward to getting in the water with my friends, no matter where we are.”
According to the Amy Ruffo, the Manager of Construction at the San José Unified School District, a new boiler and lights were added, with some slight adjustments made to the heat and chemical exchanger for a total cost of $500,000 completed on Feb. 3.
Returning swimmer Jeila Bacon, 11, was not surprised by the delay, but felt disappointed about this situation.
“I would say I’m upset, but not as mad as one would be, because it’s not surprising that the pool’s not done on time,” Bacon said. “Regardless, I’m still planning on going to practices, meets and staying committed.”
Anthony Giacinto, 12, views the renovation as an ill-timed nuisance and would prefer to have the pool completely redone, as it is used by the swim and water polo teams.
“I strongly think we need to get a new pool,” Giacinto said. “The pool constantly has problems and it is not deep enough to even host water polo games.”
While the construction proved unnecessarily difficult and stressful for many, former Pioneer swimmer, now assistant swim coach, Alisabeth Bacon believes that extra time was crucial in elevating the pool to a higher standard.
“The new lights and blocks will help keep us safe while swimming at night and will help us prepare for swimming fast at swim meets,” said Alisabeth Bacon. “We are super grateful and excited to have an updated space for us to practice and compete.”
Although the late finish cut into the team’s conditioning time before meets, players and coaches still look forward to competing with these renovations.
Coming back for his last swim season, Ryan Edington, 12, prepared for this upcoming season with a positive, team-focused mindset, no matter the challenges.
“Swimming is the same in every pool,” said Edington. “I just look forward to getting in the water with my friends, no matter where we are.”