New Starting Platforms Installed at Ely Pool

WESTFIELD, Mass.  – Westfield State swimming and diving completed a significant upgrade to the Ely Pool deck with the installation of new custom Kiefer Evolution starting platforms.

Westfield State head coach Dave Laing and senior Kait Kelly pose on the new starting platforms at the Ely Pool.
Westfield State head coach Dave Laing and senior Kait Kelly pose on the new starting platforms at the Ely Pool.
January 19, 2021

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WESTFIELD, Mass.  – Westfield State swimming and diving completed a significant upgrade to the Ely Pool deck with the installation of new custom Kiefer Evolution starting platforms.

The new starting block conforms to all FINA, USA Swimming, NCAA, and NFHS specifications, and replaces 20-year old predecessors.

The blocks have powder-coated stainless steel parts for excellent corrosion resistance, a stainless steel hybrid platform with non-slip surface, grab rails, and fully adjustable foot chocks.

Owls senior captain Kait Kelly (Minnechaug/Hampden, Mass.) and 39th-year head coach Dave Laing were the first to test the new blocks on Monday, January 18.

"This might be the highlight of our season," said Laing, as the team looks to return to practices when students return to campus after the semester break. The team plans to practice during the spring semester, and return to intercollegiate competition in the fall of 2021 as schedules are adjusted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.