History
Del Prado Stingrays History
The Del Prado Swim Team was formed in 1982. It was started so that the Del Prado Cabana Club could offer a low key, recreational, competitive swim program for the Cabana Club members. The Club found that the Swim Team attracted new members, improved pool safety and provided a source for future Club Lifeguards and Instructors.
The Team created a sense of pride for the neighborhood as 95% of Swim Team members live within walking distance of the pool. The Team also provided an additional source of income for the Club. (We don’t spend all of your dues on the Team!) The Swim Team continues to help with Club clean-up, painting and other chores. Swim Team members have even provided help with electrical upgrades, building of the shed and installation of the new roof. Additionally the Swim Team has donated needed equipment to the Club such as pool covers, BBQ’s, umbrellas, shelving and tools.
The Swim Team was organized and managed in 1982 by the Team’s first Coordinator, Joanne Wright. Joanne was also the Pool Manager, Swim Team Coach and taught Swim School. Many of our kids learned to swim the “Wright Way”.
In 1990 the Team (and Club) had grown to a point where one person could not handle all of the responsibilities associated with the Pool and the Team. The running of the Team was handed off to Curt Gordon and parents who coordinated everything from Insurance, Contracts and Finance to Registration and Snack Bar . A Coach was hired (Gina (Hayak) Juarez) to work exclusively with the team. Gina hired one assistant and then two. Curt and Gina (they had a pact) served for 10 years and retired in 2000. During these years the group introduced computers, starting blocks, electronic starting system, new lane lines, night lighting, parties and morning practices. We even started printing information and having meetings so that all could be informed as to what is going on! Joan Strom took over as Coordinator and has promised to hang around for 10 years too!
When the League was formed in 1982 there were 8 teams. They included Del Prado, PAC, Highland Oaks, Briarhill, Pleasanton Meadows, San Ramon, Amador Valley Tennis Club and Dublin. San Ramon and Amador Valley Tennis soon dropped . ClubSport was added in 1985 and then split into two clubs, Pleasanton (CSP)and San Ramon(CSSR). CSSR dropped out in 1998 and Ruby Hill was added giving us the current group of clubs. Del Prado has won the League Championship 9 times, the most by any team in the League. The Stingrays have also come in second 8 times and 3rd three. With our history of success it is no surprise that Del Prado holds many League records. The Team has grown to 130 swimmers aged 4 1/2 to 18. Remarkably almost all of our swimmers find a way to make every important meet. The number of swimmers who make Championships each year is probably the number one reason for our success.Del Prado continues to run the fastest, most efficient meets in the League. Our swimmers (and parents) are usually home relaxing long before many of the other teams finish with their meets. Del Prado accomplishes this with help from the most dedicated, supportive parents in the League. Without the enormous amount of help that we receive, none of our accomplishments would be possible.
GO STINGRAYS!
