Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
By JULIANNE WU
© St. Petersburg Times, published May 31, 2001
LARGO -- The Suncoast WaterWorks synchronized swim team is quite busy these days.
Sixty members strong, the all-girls team is training for Friday and Saturday performances. Team members are also training lifeguards how to teach the art form to children.
"The whole idea is to expand the sport," said Sherri Lee, who handles the public relations for WaterWorks and is the parent of two daughters in the group: Nichole, 13, and Jenna, 9.
"We think this is a good time, especially since synchronized swimming is now included in the Olympics," said Mrs. Lee.
The team -- the only one of its kind in Pinellas County -- is using a $5,000 grant from the U.S. Synchronized Swimming Association Foundation to teach future instructors. After about two hours of training, the instructors will establish synchronized swimming classes for boys and girls, ages 8 through 19.
Called "Summer in Synch League," the program will instruct children at Morningside Pool in Clearwater, Southwest Pool in Largo and Skyview Pool in Pinellas Park. In all, there are six weeks of lessons.
"We are targeting the lifeguards at the pool who know how to swim, but don't know anything about synchronized swimming," said the program coordinator, Susan Greenfield.
Greenfield, 23, was a member of the WaterWorks team for 13 years and is in her second year as a team coach. She works with Lisa Riddell, the head coach since 1999.
Once they are trained, Greenfield said, "it should be pretty easy for (the lifeguards) to teach it to the youngsters."
Parents must pay $15 to enroll their children, along with a coaching and practice fee that varies from pool to pool.
Mark Amsinger of Safety Harbor believes in synchronized swimming for his two daughters: Crystal, 16, and Jennifer, 18.
"The girls have tried a lot of different things over the years, but they love this the most," said Amsinger, who used to drive his daughters to and from practices.
Tuesday, he was just there to watch the practice.
"We always know where our kids are and know that they don't have time to get in trouble," Amsinger said.
After eight years on the WaterWorks team, Jennifer Amsinger will join a synchronized swimming club at the University of Florida next fall. "They don't offer it as a varsity sport, but I'll continue with it anyway," said Jennifer, who graduates from Palm Harbor University High next week.
"Being on this team has definitely helped me build confidence and self-esteem. And, I've made lots of wonderful friendships," said Jennifer. "In fact, they are my best friends."
The Suncoast WaterWorks synchronized swimming team will present "2001: A Synchro Odyssey" at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Southwest Pool, 13120 Vonn Road, Largo. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for children. There's a $2 discount for advance tickets. Call Robinne Cooke, 669-4115, for more information.
Morningside Pool: 2400 Harn Blvd., Clearwater, 7 to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; pool fee: $10 for city residents; $15 for non-residents. Call 507-4064 for registration
Southwest Pool: 13120 Vonn Road, Largo, sessions from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, pool fee: $16 for Largo residents; $21 for non-residents. Call 518-3126 to sign up.
Skyview Pool: 9040 54th Way, Pinellas Park, 5:30 to 6:15 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; pool fee: $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents. To register, call 541-0777.