Swim GSA Mission: Passion, Power, Performance = Success for Life

Welcome to Swim GSA!


Swim GSA was founded in 1946 and became one of the most established youth competitive year-round swim teams in NC. We have empowered swimmers with core values such as teamwork, integrity, and passion, to be the best they can be, both in and out of the pool. We operate as a parent-owned, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Please browse our website, and if you have any questions, refer to the list below for who to contact. See you at the pool!

 

HISTORY OF FIRSTS OF SWIM GSA

Swim GSA has a very rich history dating back to 1946. The Greensboro Recreation Department Swim Club was originated in 1949, when Coach Robert B. Jamieson, Athletic Director at Greensboro Senior High School, asked an old friend to come to Greensboro to develop a competitive swim team. The team was renamed Greensboro Swimming Association in 1962, and was once more renamed Swim GSA in 2014. 

1946: Bob Jamieson starts coaching his 10 year old daughter, Barbara.

1950: A small group of girls join Barbara, and they win their first Carolinas Championship in Wilson, NC. The girls' teams continue to win the Carolinas Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Championships for 13 consecutive years. 

Garland Murray gives generously of his knowledge and time by coaching the first boys' swimming team at Senior High School. Pat Earey is appointed to follow Coach Murray and continues the outstanding success. 

Team workouts were held at the Central YMCA pool, UNCG pool, and outdoor lakes. 

1955: The group forms the Greensboro Swim Association (GSA). 

  • Dr. Richard Taliaferro: President
  • Dr. John Burwell: Vice President
  • George McCraith: Secretary
  • Joe P. Glynn: Corresponding Secretary
  • Carroll O. Weaver: Treasurer
  • PURPOSE:
    • To promote and excellent aquatic program for Greensboro. 
  • The city opens Lindley Park Pool at a cost of $195,830 with Pat Earey as manager. 2,000 people attend the dedication. The program features NC State's National AAU CHampionship team, coached by Willis Casey. 

1957: The 1st Eastern Invitational Meet is held at Lindley. There were many outstanding national champions that competed. 

1962: Bob Sawyer becomes the coach of boys for GSA. He also serves as manager of the pool. 

1967: GSA continues to produce very excellent teams as competition increases locally, state-wide, and nationally. 

GSA acknowledges the assistance of many Greensboro groups who shared their facilities for practices: 

  • Greensboro College
  • Central YMCA
  • UNCG
  • Fairview Rec Center

1973: The first GSA newsletter is published. 

1981: Angelo Kontoulas joins the GSA coaching staff from Greensboro Central YMCA. 

1983: Bob Jamieson retires as coach of GSA. After a national search, GSA selects Garry Nelson to succeed Coach Jamieson as the first full-time Head Coach. 

1985: GSA hires its first full-time Assistant Coach and also rents office space for the first time, to establish a permanent GSA office at 2411 Walters Street. GSA purchases its first computer for the office. 

1986: Angelo Kontoulas becomes the new Head Coach of GSA and Carrie Brody is hired as the new GSA Assistant Coach. The GSA office moves to 1301 Carolina Street. 

1987: GSA signs an agreement with NC A&T State University to use their swimming facilities for the GSA Age Group Program. 

1988: Jennifer Post becomes the new GSA Assistant Coach, later becoming the Head Age Group Coach. 

1990: Peggy Dursthoff becomes the new Head Age Group Coach. 

1993: Rich Crane is hired as Head Group Coach. 

1995: GSA hires its first part-time Administrative Assistant for the office. GSA purchases HYTEK software for the office.