Just a month before students returned to SHS, county officials discovered alarming water discoloration and faulty plaster in Spieker pool, causing a sudden need for renovation. While the project was just expected to only last a few weeks, the pool was under construction through the start of the year. From code violations to a delay in acquiring county’s permits to precede, the pool experienced a series of setbacks that definitely affected the entire community. Chief of Operations Mr. Micheal Dwyer worked hard to move the project along to where it needed to be. He explained that the operations crew tried to get the pool renovated as fast as possible but there were multiple setbacks. For example Dwyer stated that, “Once you put the water back in, you have to clean the water. You have to clean the pool, then you have to regulate it, get it to a certain pH level. Then you have to put in the chemicals and then you have to get it to the right heat for competition and so forth.” These requirements made the project last much longer than first anticipated. Dwyer also emphasized the importance and urgency of the project, “I’m thankful that the county pointed these things out and wanted us to bring it to code because ultimately, it was for your safety.”
Although the project seemed necessary to those involved, some members of Sacred Heart’s aquatic community have complaints about it. When asked if the renovations were essential, SHP water polo player Casey Coleman ‘26 said, “No.” She mentioned the way it has impacted her daily schedule, “It has been really hard to adapt. We have had to have a lot of flexibility and responsibility, especially having practice for school at 9pm at least 30-45 minutes away from everyone’s houses.” Coleman highlighted the toll the project has taken on her sleep schedule. Sleep is very important to the growth and development of young adults, but this project is preventing athletes from prioritizing their personal health. Not only has the project affected SHP’s student athletes mentally, but it has also impacted athletic performance. Late time slots have affected the effectiveness of practices as Coleman emphasized, “Performance wise during night practices it’s hard to be fully mentally and physically present so late at night, when you just want to be in bed or eating dinner with your family.”
The recent renovations at Spieker Pool seem to be essential to keeping SHP’s athletes safe and healthy, although it has negatively affected some athletes’ sleep, routines, and performance. Ultimately, the project emphasizes the struggle to ensure everyone’s well being when unexpected challenges arise.
