The initial idea for a swimming pool on the John Carroll campus dated back to the days that followed the big move to University Heights. No sooner had classes commenced on the east side that the idea of a natatorium was being floated around.
 
The main instigator of this proposal was a Jesuit by the name of Father John Weber. According to Donald Gavin's book "John Carroll University: A Century of Service", Weber – who was designated as of the top student recruiters for the institution upon his arrival in 1936 – would make the promise to incoming freshmen each year with the promise of a swimming pool.
 
Sadly, with each passing year that a pool did not materialize, an unfortunate nickname of "Father Fibber" would be attached to Father Weber.
 
The idea for the swimming pool would sit on the shelf for quite some time. It was not until the mid 1960's that the plans were resurrected.


Decade of Progress
 
There would not have been an advancement of the pool proposal were it not for the master plan implemented by the Executive Committee of John Carroll University that bore the banner "Decade of Progress". The idea was to provide an informational base on enrollment patterns, academic trends, budget projections ans fundraising objectives. It also identified and analyzed problems as a means to progress.

The time frame was set from to cover the time the plan was introduced (1963) until 1973. 

Eventually, the pool plans would be encompassed by this bold move forward.

In a Carroll News article dated October 14, 1966, and written by Jim McConnell, the proclamation was made that indeed a pool would become a reality.

"Construction of two dormitories, an indoor swimming pool, plus an extensive addition to the Student Activities Center are planned by the Administration in the remaining seven years of the Decade of Progress, it has been learned," wrote McConnell.
 
The article mentions the pool as being set for a 1970 completion date.
 
1970 would come and go without a pool, but that did not mean the idea had been buried.


Splash Party
 
In February of 1973, the Carroll News announced with the headline "$1-Million 'Splash Party' by Spring '74!" that construction would begin that summer.
 
"The University officially confirmed today plans to begin construction this summer of a $1-million dollar addition to its gymnasium. The pool addition will be located on the south side of the present gymnasium, which is on the corner of Washington and South Belvoir Boulevard."
 
The article went on to say that in addition to being used as a prime recreational facility, the pool will also allow an expansion of the teaching program in the Department of Physical Education and open the door to possible participation by JCU in varsity swimming competition.
 
"We are pleased to begin this project which has been contemplated for many years," said Henry F. Birkenhauer, S.J., the JCU president at the time. "The pool will fill an important recreational need, especially for the 1,000 students who live on campus."
 
Proof that nothing would come easy for this campus swimming pool, the proposed opening of the pool would be delayed from the spring of 1974 to the fall of 1975.
 
In the meantime, the pool would be christened as the William H. Johnson Natatorium, bearing the name of a late John Carroll trustee who had championed the pool's cause. Johnson, who was president of White Consolidated until his death in 1972, saw the need for expanding John Carroll's athletic facilities.
 
The official dedication took place on Sunday, October 19, with the school's new swimming & diving coach Ron Zwierlein overseeing a diving exhibition as part of the ceremonies.
 

Worth The Wait

According to the Carroll News, less than two weeks after the dedication, on November 1, varsity coeducational swimming practice began.

"Coach Zwierlein reported that team meetings have been held, nominations for co-captains were made, and uniforms chosen. Those nominated included Larry Keck, Mike Beier, and Karen Kunath. Zwierlein said that roughly 28 people had approached him about participating in the sport. He suspects that there are others who have not yet contacted him but might still be interested in swimming this fall."
 
The story was told years later that Zwierlein did not wait for athletes to come to him. Instead, he went door-to-door in the dorms looking for potential swimmers and divers to form a team. Thus began the John Carroll varsity swimming & diving program.
 
Six years later, John Carroll would win its first Presidents' Athletic Conference title in 1981.
 
As of today, the program has won more Ohio Athletic Conference banners than any other at John Carroll.

For all the promises made by Father John Weber, and for all the false starts at attempting construction, Johnson Natatorium turns 45 years old this fall. 

It was said that during the dedication ceremonies, a mysterious ripple developed on the surface of the pool water. This prompted Father Birkenhauer to comment that perhaps it was the spirit of Father Weber who caused the motion.