Reporting by Riley Overend contributed to this article.
In a true “it’s bigger than the rivalry” moment, University of Michigan head swimming & diving coach Mike Bottom pledged $6,000 over 5 years toward the effort to revive the swimming & diving programs at the Wolverines’ mega-rivals from Michigan State.
“We can do this! I’m joining Sparty! Together let’s BRING BACK MSU SWIMMING & DIVING” Bottom said in an Instagram post that included a photograph of his pledge form.
This is the latest boost to a renewed fundraising drive by program supporters and alumni to raise $6.5 million to fund the program for 5 years. That effort got a huge boost when program alumnus Amanda Mercer pledged a $500,000 donation in honor of her late husband, Todd, also a former member of the team.
The latest figures released by Battle for Spartan Swim and Dive show 103 pledges received so far, only about a third of the prospective donations initially offered last year. The group has set a target of 300 pledges by April 21. Last July, supporters sent MSU a budget proposal claiming to have secured approximately $10 million in funds to cover operating expenses for about five years.
Last month, Michigan State’s university president instructed the school’s advancement office to begin officially working with the Battle for Spartan Swim and Dive advocacy group to collect pledges. The group has fought for the return of both the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams since they were cut after the 2020-21 season. A two-year legal battle, which was resolved in January, has now turned into a fundraising challenge.
A pair of Spartan swimmers, Kasey Venn and Travis Nitkiewicz, won high point awards at the 2023 Collegiate Club Swimming National Championships earlier this month.
Last summer, Bottom signed a 5 year contract extension at Michigan worth at least $1.1 million.
