Augie Busch walked to the top of the stands overlooking the Hillenbrand Aquatic Center and surveyed the construction site.
Bulldozers were moving dirt around a huge square.
I wonder where the dirt goes? he asked. No one standing near him could answer.
The $13.2 million Hillenbrand Aquatic Center renovation will give Buschs Wildcats the flexibility to create different course lengths, and allow UA to host all types of meets.
The length of the pool will grow to nearly 70 meters from 50. The new depth eight feet at both ends and nine feet in the middle to allow for draining is ideal for a major program, Busch said.
Construction crews are also re-positioning the seats so that fans wont have to stand in the sun to get a better view.
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Anytime you can boast a new facility thats huge, said Busch, who was hired last July to replace Rick DeMont. The west building will be a space exclusive to the swimmers with a nutrition area, a classroom and an on-site place to hang out. No one else has that. In the south building, we will put our trophies and showcase our accomplishments.
Its going to be really nice. It will be up there in terms of water space. Stanford is the gold standard. I think well be in the top 5. ASU has three pools a long course, a smaller pool, and a diving well. Well be right up there with them, if not better.
Construction started March 28. Crews are expected to finish by New Years Day.
In the meantime, UA swimmers are training at Amphitheater High School and using the Hillenbrand diving pool for practice.
UA assistant coach recovering from crash
Sarah Shimomura is not the only one in the Arizona swimming program who has been hit by a vehicle while riding a bike.
UA assistant coach Jeese Stipek was riding home from Aprils Catsys the student-athlete award banquet when he was hit by an X-ray technicians car.
Stipek was taken to Banner-University Medical Center, where he received X-rays on his pelvis, face, and both shoulders. He was also given a tetanus shot.
Stipek tore the rotator cuff in his right shoulder and suffered a hematoma in his right hip. He starts rehab Friday, one month after undergoing shoulder surgery. Full recovery may take a year.
Stipek has been getting tips on what to expect and do from fellow assistant coach Cory Chitwood.
I think its interesting how 做厙勛圖 is known for its safe biking, but I dont necessarily believe thats the case, Stipek said. I will get back on the bike once Im recovered, but it will be a while. I am nervous and extremely aware of my surroundings. I would say its a little bit of PTSD as far as riding goes.
First, Stipek will have to buy a new bike. His was totaled in the accident.
