Swim club marks 40th anniversary

BRANDON -- In 1963, a Brandon doctor named G.R. Greenwell had a half-million dollar idea he thought would yield a priceless return.

Greenwell turned 19 acres on Beverly Boulevard into the Brandon Swim and Tennis Club. The facility boasted the first tennis courts in the area and the first Olympic-size pool in greater Tampa Bay.

In 1966, ABC's Wide World of Sports televised the AAU National Indoor Swimming and Diving Championships -- outside for the first time. NBC followed with coverage of the U.S. Invitational diving championships, officially placing Brandon on the map and justifying Greenwell's dream.

The club celebrated its 40th anniversary Saturday at the Crown Plaza Hotel, as approximately 100 people paid $100-a-plate for a fundraising dinner designed to give the facility a facelift. Greenwell told the club's supporters he was passing the baton to the community to continue what he started.

"This celebration isn't for me," Greenwell said. "It's about what a facility of this nature can and has done -- especially for the children. They've been given many opportunities to earn their self-respect by taking on a task that's difficult and sticking with it until they get it done. There is no money that can pay for that kind of feeling."

The club has helped produce college scholarships, NCAA champions and Olympic gold medalists -- including 1996 and 2000 swimmer Brooke Bennett. College squads have practiced there and national diving teams from as far away as Japan have made splashes.

Greenwell's sons, Joe and Pat, grew up at the club and earned their way to collegiate diving stardom at Penn State/Florida and Pittsburgh, respectively. Today, Joe Greenwell is the club's general manger, member of the board and coach of the Jetstream diving team. He said the club has kept pace with the growth of Brandon.

"Back then, there were no issues about exposure to sun, so there was a lot of open air," Joe Greenwell said. "There's shelter area now with indoor activities."

In honor of its 40th anniversary, the club is offering $40 enrollment fees with dues of $40 per month for the next year. Current members will receive similar savings for referrals.

Joe Greenwell said the money will be used to expand and renovate the facility and for child mentoring.

"We're about a lot more than just high-level competitive sports," Joe said. "We want to help families raise their families.

"We have an environment where you can do a little dreaming and shoot for just about any goal."