Duane Proell
Minnesota is hosting both the women's and men's NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships next month. They've got 2007 locked up too. Read on to learn how Minnesota Aquatics Director, Duane Proell, has worked magic.
Duane Proell is a big believer in low-stress events. Most people wouldn't consider the NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships to be low stress, which the University of Minnesota is hosting next month. But Proell says that there are two equipment factors that ease the pressure at important events: dependability and ease of use.
"Our CTS (Colorado Time Systems) equipment takes out the stress and strain at major events," said Proell. "You know it's going to work every single time. That's because it's straightforward and incredibly user friendly. I can call on any number of people to operate it — students, parents — it's so simple to use."
Proell knows about dependable equipment. In his 32 years as aquatic director of various facilities (16 years at Minnesota), he's only used CTS equipment. "I'm a one-vendor man," he said. "I first purchased CTS equipment in 1974. It's the only timing equipment I've ever used. It's so reliable, and backed so well with service, you stick with what works."
Proell came to Minnesota in 1990, when their facility was built, and purchased CTS touchpads for the facility. "We're still using the same ones," said Proell. "They're hard to break. If you take care of them, they have an unbelievable life expectancy."
But getting back to the NCAA, Proell explains why the NCAA likes Minnesota to host major events: "Our timing equipment is the most dependable in the world," Proell said. "It's fool proof. The NCAA loves CTS timing equipment. The coaches love it. Everyone can breathe easy knowing that there won't be any equipment glitches and the event — from that standpoint, at least — will run smoothly."
Proell also points to Minnesota's new video board from CTS as a big draw for events. "We're absolutely thrilled with it," he stated. "All the athletes and coaches who travel here for meets are always very impressed with its capabilities."
The board upgrade is the perfect example of why Proell likes working with CTS so much. "Rick Connell did a marvelous job of listening carefully to our needs and then recommending the ideal product for our needs. It fits our application perfectly. CTS always listens to what you're trying to accomplish and then finds the right product for you, rather than trying to push something on you."
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