New natatorium makes U of I the aquatic destination

200 Athletes will square off at the USA Diving Winter National Championships in Iowa City.  The ultimate goal is to make it to the Olympics.  The first step is to win at the new U of I Campus Recreation and Wellness Center this week.  The new complex's first major tournament is a big win for the university, divers, and city. Jumping off a diving board into an Olympic sized pool at the new U of I Campus Recreation and Wellness Center springs the university into the new aquatic millennium.

“This facility is definitely one of the best ones I've seen in a long time,” said diver Danny Cox.

Diver Danny Cox has toured many facilities in his 14 year career.  He's one of two hundred divers competing in the USA Diving Winter National Championships for one step closer to Olympic gold.

“It was a cast of thousands and we managed to cut it down to Iowa,” said USA Diving Team Performance Director Steve Foley.

The reason to USA Diving Team Performance Director Steve Foley is simple.

“It was important to come to a facility that was going to mirror Olympic Games in the future,” said Foley.

That means top notch features.

“You look at the spring boards and the lights in the facility,” said Cox.

So a diver can see just how long before they hit the water.

“We have the full complement of towers,” said Aquatic Director Phil Julson, “It's an Olympic sized an actual official Olympic sized pool.”

All elements that make this new natatorium competitive to host major tournaments.  And that puts the University of Iowa back on the aquatic map.

“It means a lot for the university to get kids who are recruiting age to get to see what our campus is like and experience that,” said Julson.

It's not only good news for the University, but for Iowa City as a whole.  The economic impact from these visitors will ripple throughout the area.  The tournament will continue throughout the week.  Nine members of the 2008 US Olympic team and other hopefuls will compete.