CLEVELAND, Miss. -- Thanks to a donation from Amy Teater Tibbens, the Delta State University swimming program is utilizing brand new starting blocks at the Ronald G. Mayers Aquatic Center. 

Teater, who graduated from Delta State in 1991, was a member of the Delta State swim team for four seasons. She was also an All-NSIC performer in the 1991 season for the Lady Statesmen. 

"We are very grateful to have recently installed the state of the art Myrtha competition blocks and backstroke wedges," said Statesmen and Lady Statesmen swimming head coach Dan'l Murray. 

"The incredibly generous gift made by Amy has been impactful for the college team and throughout the community. These are the same starting blocks used at the USA Swimming Olympic Trials."

"While at Delta State, Coach Ronnie Mayers and the swim team were such an important part of my life," Tibbens exclaimed. "The program has grown into a powerhouse of a team, and it is an honor to give back to the team that gave so much to me."

"When hosting statewide championships and collegiate conference championships at the Ronald G. Mayers Aquatic Center, athletes and coaches expect a championship caliber experience at Delta State," explained Murray.

The new blocks greatly enhance the student-athlete experience when it comes to competition, and also benefits other student-athletes from other clubs or institutions, and for aquatic programs in the community as well. 

"This is an incredibly designed competition pool and it is considered by coaches and swimmers as a fast pool. Already having one of top facilities in the country, the addition of these new starting blocks was the last remaining aspect to modernize our aquatic center from a championship level standpoint," said Murray.