By Kevin Clack, Sports Editor
If you happened to see a goldfish flop into a drain pipe opening next to the street last week, Head Groundskeeper Darrin McKim said not to worry. He said they’re always in the drains, you just never see them.
The fish travel through the connecting pipes that drain excess rain water between Dugan Library and O’Shaughnessy Hall, and from the south parking lot into the south pond in front of the library.
Due to last week’s heavy rainfall, however, Director of Facilities Bruce Sanderson said the pond and rain sewage pipes filled to capacity, allowing the fish to swim close to the opening of the water drains next to the streets.
“You could probably go to any of those drains on campus and pull the lid up and you’re probably going to see fish in there,” Sanderson said.
McKim said they have even spotted fish in the south parking lot when it’s flooded. But as the water drains back into the pond, so do the fish.
Originally, McKim said, the pond was built as a backup water source if the fire hydrants on campus weren’t enough to put a fire out.
“The fish have all come in from the birds off the ducks feet,” McKim said. “Ducks carry the eggs, so wherever a duck goes, you’re going to have fish eventually.”
Sanderson said the fish freely move through the pipes and feed on the grass and seeds from flower beds, so they are not stuck.
It is not unusual for fish to be seen in the drain openings along the street, Sanderson said, but keep your eye open next time a fish on campus needs a helping hand during a flood.
PHOTO: HIGH RAINFALL LAST WEEK caused the ponds to overflow, leaving an escape route for curious fish. Courtesy photo, Newman University Twitter
