|
|
Our Mission Statement
|
|
Bluewater Barracudas Swim Team is
dedicated to developing individual self-discipline and motivation
through the sport of competitive swimming. Swimmers of all ages and
abilities are encouraged to rise to their highest possible
competition and fitness level, while developing an appreciation for
this life-long activity.
|
Team History
Bluewater Bay Swim Team began as a summer
AAU team in 1986. Coach Betty Ballasch began with the team in 1990
when it was still a summer team. In 1992, she took this successful
summer team and started the year-round USA Swim team that we
have today (25 team members that first winter). Coach Tom Ballasch
started that summer and continued until 2004 when he retired from
coaching.
With 13 years as Head Coach, Betty Ballasch
established the Bluewater Barracudas, the most dynamic and
consistent team on the Emerald Coast. Most of the area’s
successful swimmers had their roots and success because of Coach
Betty’s program.
Team swimmers competing at Southeasterns
for Bluewater over the years have included Matt and Tim Kramer,
Emily and Rachael Voigt, Shandin Eels, Philip and Jason Semasko,
Travis Green, Parker Destin, Kyle Suddarth, Elvira Chiccarelli,
Todd and Ross Spock, Jenny Turner, Frankie Mohlyski, Taylor and
Austin Skelley, Ali Munz, Austin and Amy Gray, Megan and Andy
Brake, Andy Dilbert and Baily Jolley.
Top 5 status has been achieved by former
and current Barracudas: Emily Voigt; Elvira Chiccarelli; Ali Munz;
Austin Skelley; Andy Brake; Austin and Amy Gray; Ross and Todd
Spock; Matt Kramer; Andrew Smith; Eric Wilson; Gannon Woods; Linsi
Ver Steeg; Ciro Sauaia; Kellen Broaderick: Tatum Hackler; Cody
McWilliams; Caitlin Myers;
Over the
years, several members of Bluewater have participated in AAU Junior
Olympics. The team had strong finals showings.
In the
fall of 2003, Pam Braseth joined as the assistant coach. When Betty
moved to England with her husband, Pam took over the coordination
of the team. In 2004 the team consolidated its name to BLUEWATER
BARRACUDAS SWIM TEAM. We now have practice sites at Eglin AFB,
Bluewater Bay, and Hurlburt Field.
The high
standards now include event wins at Southeasterns, competition at
Age Group and Senior Sectionals, and Junior National level
swimmers. In 2004 and 2008 the Barracuda
Swimmers competeing in the Florida High School State Meet, won the
200 Free Relay. In both seasons, these relays led their high school
team to a 3rd place finish. AAU Junior Olympics are now capped with
Top 5 Team finishes in the last 3 years.
Swimmers
of all ages and abilities are welcome as a part of this team rich
in tradition and success!
|
