It was a tumultuous offseason for the UNC Wilmington swim team, to say the least.

Coming off the heels of another successful season—something that is taken for granted at this point—the press surrounding UNCW’s Swimming and Diving program was hardly positive.

On May 15, 2013, UNCW’s Intercollegiate Athletics Review Committee released a comprehensive review of the universities’ athletic situation. The review, which took a deeper look into UNCW’s athletic budget crisis, detailed plans to cut five sports programs, one of which was the UNCW Swimming and Diving team.

“It was hard to deal with,” said junior Sara Smith. “We all put in so much work for the team, so losing it would have been a shame.”

Smith, who was voted as one of the captains for the women’s team, quickly became proactive, starting an online petition meant to raise awareness with the hopes of saving UNCW’s most successful athletic program.

Within 24 hours, the online petition had close to 6,000 signatures. Five days later, the petition had reached 11,000. As of June 5, 2013, the petition had garnered close to 15,000 signatures. Over 50 major collegiate swim teams pledged their support in helping keep the UNCW swim team. Olympic medalists Ryan Lochte and Dana Torres, as well as (in)famous cyclist Lance Armstrong all took to their Twitter accounts to show support.

On May 30, UNCW Chancellor Gary Miller announced that there would be no cutting of the athletic programs, thanks in large part to the grassroots support from the Wilmington community.

While the overall goal was accomplished, doubt over the sustainability of the program lingers. Two of the men’s top point scorers, CJ Fiala and Nick Lowe, transferred to other schools because of the uncertainty. Fiala now swims for Virginia Tech, and Lowe went up the road to UNC. It’s a problem Smith says remains in the back of many swimmer’s minds.

“It’s tough, because there’s this continuing doubt over the future of our program,” said Smith. “We put so much effort into making everyone aware and getting people involved. While we’re all glad that it worked, the idea of possibly having to do it again, down the road, is scary.”

In the water, UNCW has seen underwhelming results thus far. The men’s team, which is legitimately in danger of losing its first CAA title in over a decade, has started the season 3-4, 1-1 in the CAA. The women’s team has also struggled, starting the year 2-7, 0-3 in the CAA.

While half a year’s success is nothing to make definite decisions over, there is mounting fear that one of the swim team’s largest argumentative advantages, the success of the program, is in danger. How long can a non-revenue sport keep the support of a community without continual success? Coach Dave Allen has already voiced concerns over the lack of commitments caused by the program’s murky future.

For now, all the swimmers can do is compete, a welcome change from what their offseason required of them. While it’s clear the fight is far from over, the strong support from the community is an encouraging sign. For now, UNCW Swimming and Diving is safe.

The “AquaHawks” next return to Seahawk Natatorium on Jan. 18 for a duel-meet against Wingate. The meet is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.