Whittier College’s Lillian Slade Aquatics Center opened in February 2012 as part of a $9 million renovation project of the Graham Athletic Center.

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By Eric Terrazas

Sports Editor

411whittier.com

WHITTIER – A scorching summer is well under way and one area pool that is attracting its share of attention is Whittier College’s Lillian Slade Aquatics Center.

The facility, which opened in February 2012 as part of a $9 million renovation project of the Graham Athletic Center, is the home of the college’s water polo, swimming and diving teams. The aquatics center also hosts programs that serve the community, including an annual summer camp.

The center features a larger pool, which measures at 43 meters by 25 yards, seating for 500 spectators, a four-color video display scoreboard, five banks of lighting, locker rooms for the Poet men’s and women’s teams, and administrative offices.

In addition to the pool, the expanded Graham Athletic Center also features a welcome center and a Hall of Fame conference room.

Whittier College Aquatics Director Justin Pudwill, who coaches both the men’s and women’s water polo teams, believes the year-old facility will help the Poets attract more talent. During the 2012-13 season, both the Poet men and women took third place in the SCIAC (Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference). The Poet men finished 11-20 overall and 6-5 in the SCIAC while the women turned in a record of 17-19 and 7-4.

“We have one of the nicest pools in our conference,” Pudwill said. “It’s very fan-friendly, which is cool. It definitely helps out our recruiting. I think our student body will enjoy it.

“We were on the road for two years – that’s when construction was happening. Last year was our first full year. Both our men and women finished third (last season). We’re hoping to do better this year.”

According to Pudwill, the center also hosts a “series of summer camps that run from the middle of June to the first week of August.”

One such session is the annual summer swim club, which started June 10 and will conclude on Aug. 4. The club runs from 2 to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from noon to 6 p.m. on weekends. The cost was $90 for individuals, $180 for families up to five members, and $200 for families with more than five members. For afternoon only, the fee is $250.

For information on the Lillian Slade Aquatics Center, call 562-907-4271 or visit www.wcpoets.com.

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