PHOENIX, Arizona, June 9. MONDAY'S edition of The Morning Swim Show features a candid interview with the president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and a look at ways college swim teams on the brink of extinction can save their programs.

Peter Busch talks to Dr. Myles Brand, president of the NCAA, about his thoughts on college athletic teams being cut. Brand said he's most worried about the student-athletes who aren't able to work with coaches and people that can prepare them for life.

Brand said athletics should be subsidized more than they are at the majority of universities, and that he is glad to see many colleges with about 20 men's sports, adding that no college program will ever reduce its sports down to only the big moneymakers.

Brand said the best way for college swim teams to save their programs is to "celebrate the accomplishments of our student-athletes," which he said will create bigger fan interest outside the major sports.

Host Brent Rutemiller closes the show with a slide presentation submitted to The Morning Swim Show by Kevin Polansky of the Polansky Financial Group. The slideshow details ways college teams can keep their programs alive. Some of the ways include establishing more communication with alumni through boosters, newsletters and alumni meets; maintaining contact with the media and key university officials; organize fundraisers and make people see your top athletes.

As far as endowing sports teams, finding a sponsor who will support the program and incorporate a life insurance program towards the program. The presentation offers many tips on enticing supporters to buy into the life insurance program.

Benefactors are some of the most important parts of making a strong college swim program. The presentation ends with ways to make the benefactors feel important to the team and get a sense of ownership.

From Swimming World Magazine