ROBERT J. H. KIPHUTH EXHIBITION POOL

Yale University, Payne Whitney Gymnasium

Located in the west wing of the Payne Whitney Gymnasium on the campus of Yale University, the Robert J. H. Kiphuth Exhibition Pool is home to the OMNI Swim Club. Opened in 1932, the "Ex" Pool is named for long time Yale University swimming coach and athletic director, Robert J. H. Kiphuth. Kiphuth coached for 42 years compiling a won-loss record of 528-12, a winning percentage over 95 percent. His Yale teams had winning streaks of over 150 meets, twice, setting the NCAA record of 201. He coached on five Olympic teams from 1924 to 1940 and won the NCAA national title three times.

The Ex Pool is a six lane, 25-yard facility with a seating capacity that can accommodate over 2,000 spectators. The seating, much like the Yale Bowl, encompasses the pool and along with a 157 foot high ceiling, allows unobstructed views from anywhere in the stands. Portholes are positioned around the pool so that a spectator need not climb more than three steps to their seat. Located at the deep end is an observation window that was installed after World War II and a six-lane Colorado Timing display. The Ex Pool has been the site for numerous national competitions, including the NCAA and AAU championships and the site of the first annual Yale-Harvard-Princeton meet.

PRACTICE POOL

Yale University, Payne Whitney Gymnasium

OMNI also trains in the Practice Pool, world's largest suspended natatorium. Quite a feat in architecture in the 30's, the Practice Pool is a 50-meter training facility located on the third floor of the Gymnasium. With the help of two bulkheads, the practice pool can be divided into two 25-yard courses. The Practice Pool usually undergoes its transformation in November, giving OMNI the opportunity of training long course well into the winter season.