Transcript Staff Writer

Competitive swimming has been a part of the Norman community for more than 40 years.

Norman Public Schools swimmers and divers have captured 13 state championships since 1975.

But efforts for a districtwide aquatic center seem to be stuck on the diving block waiting for the sharp report of the starting pistol.

A collection of local residents have formed Pisces Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organized with the goal of constructing a swim complex within the Norman school district. The group believes an aquatic center would allow for the incorporation of aquatic education into the elementary physical education program; enhance competitive athletics at the junior high and high school level; and provide cross-training and aquatic rehabilitation opportunities for students.

Pisces Project also has developed a business plan for a $5.5 million 30,000 square foot facility. Their envisioned complex would contain a competitive pool, diving well pool, instructional pool, spectator seating, weight room, locker rooms, offices and classrooms. Pisces Project would like the funding to come from a district bond issue. The projected annual operating costs for the center is more than $275,000.

For Pisces Project steering committee member and longtime swim parent Diane Moershel, a swim facility makes sense for the district.

"I was a swim parent for years," she said as her daughter Ellen, 20, was a competitive swimmer for Norman High School and currently is on a swimming scholarship at Lindenwood University, St. Charles, Mo. "Norman always has had a great group of kids, but no facility. Even Moore has its own high school pool. For a town the size of Norman not to have one, we are behind the times."

NPS has had a long-standing relationship with the University of Oklahoma to use the indoor pool of the Murray Case Sells Swim Complex, 1701 Asp Ave. The current agreement between the two has NPS renting the facility for the year at $20,000. Moershel said Murray Case Sells is in need of expensive improvements if the district continues to use it.

The condition of Murray Case Sells was one of the factors that got the Pisces Project moving. The organization researched the Frisco school district of Frisco, Texas swim complex and met with NPS officials.

"They were generous with their time," Moershel said of NPS Superintendent Dr. Joseph Siano and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Richard Schiller. "They said we needed to demonstrate that the facility would be an educational pool and not just a need for the swim team."

The Pisces Project integrated those points as plans for physical education, water safety and fitness were adopted. Siano said he liked their proposal, but doesn't know how it fits into district's vision just yet.

"Swimming is a great life-long activity for children and adults," he said. "Anything like that we would be very supportive. It's a project with a lot of potential."

Siano believes an aquatic center would be a productive joint venture with the community. But he also said any future facility plans are on hold as the district currently is conducting an internal facility management study. The report is due in January and could be the blueprint for the district for the next five to 10 years.

"We are looking at current and potential facility use from the athletic, academic and performing arts aspect and the ability of the district to best serve those areas," he said. "We are looking at where we are today and where we want to be in five to 10 years. We are also looking at what financing will be available and what are district priorities. I think this would be a great endeavor with lots of potential for the district and community. It may be a great project five years from now."

Moershel would like to get the aquatic center in two years. She said there has been word OU is looking into reviving its female swimming program and constructing a new swim complex of its own.

"There has been a lot of talk that OU may shut down Murray Case Sells," she said. "Students don't want to swim there that much anymore."

OU Associate Athletic Director for Communications, Kenny Mossman said the university was exploring the option of new sports teams, but no decision had been made.

"We've looked at various sports additions, but nothing is settled." he said.

When asked about a female swim team he said, "We are looking at a lot of options."

There may not be a team, but OU has begun the process of looking into a new swim center. Clarke Stroud, OU vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students, said a student driven initiative for a new aquatic facility has been raised.

"We are in the very early stages of evaluating our needs and working with our students," he said. "There is no timeline. The students are looking into commissioning a feasibility study."

OU students do have a history of accomplishments. Stroud said they were instrumental in the renovations to the residence halls and the Oklahoma Memorial Union.

That's good news for Moershel who knows she may be battling against the stream. But she believes the benefits of a swim complex stretch farther than any lane and could be more rewarding than any splashless rip into the water from the high dive.

"If we had a swim complex, it would attract upscale businesses," she said. "Pools like this are common in Texas, California, the east coast and even Missouri. It could be a real inducement based on the quality of life."

Students also could benefit. According to the Pisces Project brochure there are more than 4,900 swimming scholarships available. And if Norman is going to dip into that pool of resources, Moershel thinks Siano is the man to lead the way.

"He has done a tremendous job getting Norman up to snuff in terms of facilities," she said. "We just want one more. If Norman is serious about making its schools first rate, this is the way to do it."

Tony Pennington 366-3541 schools@normantranscript.com