|
SWAT originated in the fall of
1982 as the result of the combination of two community based local
programs that were both struggling with typical small club survival
problems. By combining the Whitesharks of Whitnall and the
Otters of Greenfield, numerous problems were resolved.
Because of significant intercommunity cooperation between Franklin,
Greendale, and Greenfield, swimmers were now able to train within
their own ability groups and at separate practice times.
According to head coach and program founder Dale Schrank, this is
one of the more critical aspects to the success of SWAT
today.
SWAT currently runs a learn to
swim novice program (SWIM-AMERICA) that services over 1,000
registrations per summer. (This is a summer program only due
to pool availability.) SWATS' primary function, however, is
to promote the benefits associated with competitive swimming.
The competitive team averages about 150 per season and trains at
the Whitnall, West-Allis, Greenfield, and Greendale pools.
SWAT also utilizes the Fountainwood, Franklin, and Wilson Park
pools in the summer.
SWAT has had a great deal of success with swimmers from the
area. In just the past 5 years, over 35 area swimmers have
paid for or supplemented their college education with swimming
scholarships. Over 50 swims have been ranked in the top 16 in
the country, and SWAT currently owns 4 state records in
Wisconsin. Four swimmers, who originated with SWAT, have gone
on to make Olympic Trial cuts. Our individual and relay state
champions for Wisconsin, number in the hundreds.
SWAT has also been successful in qualifying individual swimmers and
relay teams for both the Junior National Championships, and the
Senior National Championships. In the summer of 1998, SWAT
qualified more swimmers for these meets than any other Wisconsin
team.
Both the Board and coaching staff of the Southwest Aquatic Team are
confident that with continuing parental and community support, our
program will continue to set the standard for competitive swimming
in the state of Wisconsin.
|
