Vandebilt swimmers move to Vandebilt pool

The Vandebilt Catholic swimming program followed the lead of the Bayou Barracudas earlier this month by leaving Imperial Pool for Ellendale, the Terriers newly-appointed home.

It all came down to dollars and cents – and common sense.

&#8220It’s the same story as the Barracudas,” explained Duane Ring, head coach of the Terriers and co-coach of the Barracudas. &#8220We were looking at $250,000 in repairs just to bring the (Imperial) pool up to par.”

Vandebilt Athletic Director Calvin Buxton endorsed the move.

&#8220We had to do what was best for the program,” he said.

Vandebilt Catholic and the Barracudas were tenants at Imperial for 16 years. During that span, no improvements or renovations were made to the pool.

&#8220It’s an old pool, and nothing had actually been done to it in 25 years,” Ring said. &#8220It has never been re-plastered and it still has its original heater.”

Both programs kicked in money for several pumps over the years, but it became too expensive to remain on property that neither program owned.

Earlier this summer, Ring and Barracudas co-coach Frank Shepard agreed to a deal that would allow them to bring both programs to Ellendale in exchange for their services.

&#8220Frank and I are aquatic directors there,” Ring said. &#8220We coach our teams, but we also help out with (the country club’s) swimming program.”

The pool at Ellendale will be heated. Lights will also be installed and swimming hours will be extended.

&#8220It’s been a smooth transition so far,” Ring said. &#8220The pool here is a tad smaller than where we were at and it’s a little crowded, but it’s better than no home at all.”