Student Aquatic Center—Swim Team Commemorative Marker and Tree

In 1967, with the completion of the Student Aquatic Center, intercollegiate swimming returned to UT. The oak tree and its commemorative marker in the lawn circle in the middle of the parking lot directly northwest of the entrance to the building were placed (presented to Dr. Andrew Holt) in 1971 to coincide with the first graduations of some of the original team members. The marker in honor of the first swim team was designed and made by the School of Architecture from a special hardened aluminum. The marker has stylized waves and a swimmer on its top. A poem commemorating the oak tree, written by David Crosby, a student from Seaholm High School in Birmingham, Michigan, is inscribed on the marker. The names of all the original team members, coaches, and managers are also inscribed on the marker.

    The commemorative marker, which had deteriorated over the years, along with various trophies and memorabilia related to intercollegiate swimming, was removed with the relocation of intercollegiate swimming and diving to the Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center in 2011. The oak tree was struck by lightning and split in half and was removed for safety reasons in 2012.

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  • Title Student Aquatic Center—Swim Team Commemorative Marker and Tree
  • Author
  • Keywords Student Aquatic Center—Swim Team Commemorative Marker and Tree
  • Website Name Volopedia
  • Publisher University of Tennessee Libraries
  • URL
  • Access Date May 10, 2025
  • Original Published Date
  • Date of Last Update October 16, 2018