Sunfish Club History
The North Delta Sunfish Summer Swim Club began way back in 1971. We
are affiliated with the BCSSA. (British Columbia Summer Swimming
Association). The original name was the “North Delta Summer
Swim Club. The club’s original logo was designed by a club
swimmer & high school student named Russell Morris. The theme
of the logo depicted 2 fish on either side of the smiling sun. This
was in keeping with the Municipality of Delta’s sun emblem
identity!
Mr. Al Collins, a retired RCAF airman donated his time to start the
club in the spring of 1971. Initially, the registration #’s
were ~ 45-50 swimmers, primarily from the residential neighborhood
near the North Delta Outdoor Pool (NDOP). Competitive Swimming was
offered since 1971 & Diving was offered in 1982. Synchronized
swimming was briefly offered in the 1990’s. Water Polo began
in 2005.
In 1971, all coaching staff was voluntary. In 1972, the coaching
staff received an honorarium. Since 1973, coaching staff have been
paid a salary.
We have had many wonderful residents of Delta who have served as
Sunfish Presidents over the years…Joan Rutledge, Shirley
Laidlaw, Bob Murphy, Bob Bradbury, and Doug Elwood. Mona Lougheed,
Nan Martin, Andy Johnston, Michelle Lohr, Mike Towill, Dave Revitt,
Brian Sharpe, Mike Trites, Dave Brandt, Ferruccio Gottardi, Murray
Lunn, Booth Palmer, Deb Durocher, Diane Gerwin & currently
2008…Mr. Tj Weidema.
In 1971, all the equipment was donated by local merchants.
Annieville fisherman gave rope & wooden floats for the lane
ropes. The team photo was taken by Mr. Kellet of Kellet Photos. Al
Collins constructed the starting blocks. All equipment was
transported to & from the pool each day as there were no
storage facilities back then. Originally, practices at the outdoor
pool were after 8pm. Eventually as the club grew, things progressed
to 3 practices/day.
In the 1980’s, there were attempts to close the NDOP. The
club rallied & successfully managed to persuade the
Municipality into leaving the Outdoor pool open! The Sunfish Club
has rallied for many years to ensure that the NDOP remains open
& it still does today!
The Sunfish has had many dedicated Coaches over the years: Al
Collins, Dianne Rogers, Bob Gair, Kelly Frank, Carl Cooper, Anne
Martin, Pam Rai, Chris Ericson, Joe Lee, Carol Gair x 12 years,
Dayna Palmer, Kristen Dixon, Kasandra Palmer & most recently
Jeff Grace.
Parent Participation is a must in a swim club & many parents
regularly volunteer time to time swims, record & officiate,
etc.
Membership since 1976 has varied from 60 swimmers to 164 swimmers.
The average is ~ 120 swimmers/season. We swim at both the NDOP
& Sungod Aquatic Centre from May- December. Since 2005, we have
offered competitive swimming, Water Polo & a Masters Program
for Parents.
The North Delta Sunfish Summer Swim Club has ~ 20 or swimmers /year
who qualify at Regionals & progress to Provincials. Some of
these swimmers qualify at Individual Events & others through
Relay Teams.
Record holders over the years include:
1) Craig McCord…1st male swimmer under 55 seconds in
Freestyle…54.5, 1982
2) Anne Martin…Fastest female, 50 m Freestyle, 27.7 seconds,
100m Freestyle 101. 3, 1982
3) Karol Sastaunik, Runner –Up Aggregate, 11-12 years ,
1978
4) Karol Sastaunik, Overall, 11-12 years, 1979
5) Tracy Gair, Overall, 11-12 years, 1980
6) Vicki Lee Pawluk, Runner-Up Aggregate, 9-19 years old, 1975
7) Shelley Johnstoin, Overall, 11-12 Years, 1981
8) Anne Martin, Overall, 15-16Years, 1982
9) Lisa Pawson, Overall, Devision 1, 1984
10) Niki Bennett, Overall, Division 5, 1984
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