Please sign this petition to assist the following groups in regaining access to the UWL pool:

• UWL Swim Team to train for upcoming Winter Championships
• Other UWL student-athletes
• UWL students 
  • Exercise Sports Science, Physical Education, Special Education classes
    General exercise
• LEHP Adult Fitness & Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Children’s Motor Development Program
• Other community members

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a Division 3 university in La Crosse, WI. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the pool was closed because the HVAC system was classified as “end of life.” After weeks of trying to gain information about the pool closure from UWL Administration, the swim team was notified of an HVAC system replacement project to take place sometime during 2021-2023 (likely later rather than sooner). The team received no responses from efforts to collaborate on implementing short-term solutions or any indication of a plan to re-open the pool, though the dive team was recently permitted to practice in the facility.

Considering the recent WIAC decision to move forward with winter championships, the UWL swim team feels it is imperative that the pool be opened as soon as possible. Each of the other swim teams in the WIAC conference have been and are currently training in their university pools and every other winter sports team at UWL will begin training with their teams on January 4th, contingent on access to university testing. The swim team would like a fair chance to represent UW-La Crosse to the best of their abilities. The women’s team is also striving to achieve their 10th straight conference team title. This is not to mention the countless benefits the pool provides to the UWL student body and La Crosse community.

This decision lies solely in the hands of the UWL Administration & Covid Task Force. If you feel so inclined, please reach out to the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Vitaliano Figueroa (vfigueroa@uwlax.edu) or Vice Chancellor of Finance Bob Hetzel (bhetzel@uwlax.edu) to share your concerns and help support this cause.

Thank you, 

The UW-La Crosse Men’s and Women’s Swim and Dive Team