Swimming and Diving — Program Information

Wittenberg's swimming and diving facilites are housed in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Center (HPERC). One of the finest dual-meet venues in the North Coast Conference, the six-lane, 25-yard by 25-meter pool was built in 1986. The pool is closely bordered by a balcony style spectator area. The completely tiled deck boasts a tiger mosaic as the centerpiece of the natatorium.

The diving facility is equipped with a one-meter board and a three-meter board. Water depth is 13 feet. The diving team has access to dryland training facilities located in the Field House that includes a trampoline and gymnastic mats.

Strength training takes place in the weight and fitness rooms of the newly remodeled Field House. The latest renovation of the old Field House includes the redesign of the original natatorium into a $350,000 top-of-the-line Fitness Center. It houses equipment that includes five benches, five squat racks, five inclines, 25 Olympic bars, dumb bells from five to 120 pounds, 8,000 pounds of free weights, and seven pieces of Nautilus equipment. Additional strength and power training used by the swimming program include the use of medicine balls, stretch cords, Swedish Balls and Total Performance Power Racks.

Wittenberg's swimming program incorporates a broad training program that concentrates on developing each swimmer to their full capability. The season begins in early-September and extends to mid-March, lasting a total of 19 weeks. The training program includes 8 to 10 workouts per week. The training program is divided into four different groups' -distance, middle distance, stroke and sprint. Typically a swimmer trains with one group on a daily basis, but often swimmers overlap between several groups. One of the key aspects of swimming at Wittenberg is the progression towards individual and team goals. Every swimmer is trained as individually as possible to excel towards his or her goals.

Every group follows a unique training protocol designed to meet the needs of every athlete. Both the men's and the women's team train together under most circumstances. Afternoon practice times are focused around individuals academic schedule. Morning sessions are held before eight o'clock classes begin. Dryland training, in addition to weight training, is regularly used three times per week. Strength training is aided in the water with weekly use of the Total Performance Power Rack, a swimming weight system used in the water. A two-week winter training trip to Florida during late December is a powerful part of Wittenberg's training program.