The Seminole Aquatics swim team was formed by Tony Ackerson in May of 2000, following the completion of the Larry A. Dale Aquatic Center, a $1.2 million Olympic-size pool located on the campus of Seminole High School. Coach Ackerson had served as the Seminole High varsity swimming coach since 1996, and while the team had considerable success during this time (a girl’s 50 free state champion, a boy
’s state runner-up in the 100 back, and three consecutive top-15 state team finishes), the team still lacked the age group feeder program necessary for championship-level competition. The drive to put the pool on campus began in earnest in 1996 when Ackerson and a group of committed swim team parents began meeting to develop a strategy for obtaining a pool. With the key help of City Commissioner Wh**ey Eckstein (who had long argued for a city pool in Sanford), things began falling into place. Along with then-Mayor Larry Dale, Eckstein orchestrated a $500,000 commitment from the Sanford City Commission. The Seminole County Commission matched that total, while the Seminole County School Board donated the land on campus. The state-of-the-art pool was completed in January of 2000, and Ackerson was named Aquatics Director for the City, and the manager of the new facility. Beginning with only two swimmers on the Seminole Aquatics roster in May 2000, the club has grown substantially and has produced countless Junior Olympic and Senior State Championship qualifiers, Junior Olympic Champions, U.S.A. Swimming All-Americans and nationally ranked Top 16 swimmers. The Seminole High School swim team has benefited as well, winning individual and relay state titles and placing as high as third in the state at the 2005 Class 3A State Championships. With growing numbers, a goal-oriented coaching staff, and one of the best swimming facilities in Florida, the future of Seminole Aquatics is a bright one indeed.
