Recently, Crawfish Aquatics stopped doing business with Nicholls State University. Crawfish Aquatics was attempting to manage staffing needs and their operating costs for the local program. Participation had declined and they were struggling to find a full-time permanent employee for the Nicholls facility. These were the main factors that contributed to their decision to leave Nicholls and focus on their other operating locations. 

As of now, Nicholls is not in conversation with any other partners. The local swimmers that were on campus with Crawfish Aquatics are now working with Thibodaux Regional to provide support staff, coaches, and a training facility. Nicholls has not been approached by any other community stakeholder to use the facility for regular training or events. 

Dr. Michele Caruso and Mr. Terry Braud, Vice President of Finance and Administration, said, “At this time, we are considering several options and no decision will be made until we do a full analysis of all of those options. The student experience is a primary factor as we work through all potential options.” 

The Nicholls maintenance staff is now maintaining the pool and will continue to do so  until future plans have been finalized. The annual operating costs for supplies, maintenance, and support costs will be fully assumed by the university budget. 

No student organizations have been directly impacted by this change. Most groups use the saltwater pool at the Brady Clubhouse, which has been freshly painted and is available to all Nicholls students. It also proves to be a great area for small student events. 

As for the Nicholls Pool, Dr. Caruso and Mr. Braud said, “Nothing is off the table at this point, and as soon as there is a clear direction for the pool, students and the community will be notified.”