Cam High welcomed a new aquatic program on campus with the opening of its swimming pool in the former upper parking lot. The pool’s long waited arrival  was met by students, teachers, staff, local dignitaries and Camarillo residents alike.

The opening ceremony took place Feb. 18 at 2 pm. After the ceremony, honoring everyone who was involved in the 10-month long development of the new pool, the Scorpion swim team, accompanied by the associated student body, Mr. Glenn Lipman, principal and all the associate principals were the first to test the water by jumping in fully clothed.

Upon getting out, Mr. Lipman said,” The water is fine!”

The pool cost $4 million to build and boasts underwater LED lighting, 13 lanes, a digital scoreboard and 8,556 square feet.

Mr. Kevin Buddhu, swim team coach, said the pool will not only be used to train the school’s swim team but enhance the Camarillo community’s aquatic skills. In the works are adult water aerobics and children’s swim classes.

With its first meet next week, Cam High’s swim team has hopes of having a larger and louder home team advantage. Students said they are excited to be able to go and watch their fellow students compete.

Spencer White, A.S.B. member and senior, said,” This is a big deal, especially with the rise of the Scorpion Cyclone. We will be able to rally students easier and have more attendance for our excellent swim team.”

“The pool  is going to enable the community to see what a good aquatics program looks like.,” said Buddhu. “Parents,  family members and fellow students will be able to see their swim and water polo teams compete more easily.” Buddhu added that the whole community will benefit from the pool. “When I first joined Camarillo in 1986, the principal promised the building of the pool then. Almost  30 years later we have the pool we needed.”

“[Now we] do not have to ride a bus all the way to Oxnard to practice,” said Brandon Pillado, junior and swim team member.

David Gatchell, fellow swimmer and junior, said,’For once we will have a home meet.”