Material Type

Mixed Media

Date Range

[between 1950 and 1981]

Physical Description

1 manuscript;1 scrapbook

Physical Condition

Excellent

History Biographical

Competitive swimming in Lethbridge was started in the late 1930’s when the Penguins (girls) and Tarpons (boys) swim clubs were organized by Pearl and Ev Borgal. Club competitions were held in Raymond and Waterton due to the lack of regulation facilities in Lethbridge. In 1939 the teams were unified to become the Tarquins and the team hosted competitions at the newly constructed "swimming pool" in Henderson Lake.

By 1950 it was clear to Stan Siwik, a former Olympic swimmer with Poland, that competitive swimming in Lethbridge needed to be formally organized and the Lethbridge Amateur Swim Club came into being. Under Mr. Siwik’s formidable guidance, the Club grew both in size and reputation. Mr. Siwik’s archives show that by 1954 Club members held more than 100 provincial and 16 Canadian records. Over the succeeding years Siwik worked tirelessly to implement program instruction and to improve swimming facilities for Lethbridge swimmers. His contribution to swimming in Lethbridge was recognized in the naming of the Stan Siwik pool in 1975.

Succeeding Siwik in the pool were many dedicated and talented coaches: Dr. Bob Kastings, Father R.T. Chauvin, Keith Ferguson, Dan Gyulai (‘81-’83), Bob Schrag (‘84-’87), Uriy Toudjarov (‘87-’92), Bill Barton (‘92-’95), Ken Fitzpatrick (‘95-’00), and Andrew Moss (2000- ).

Swimmers of the L A Swim Club ranged over the years from beginners to world class swimmers. In 1993 L A Swim Club member Dean Kondziolka recorded the 3rd fastest 50 M (SC) time in the world-22.64. In 1996 and 2000 the Club secured the Swim Alberta small team titles attesting to the overall excellence of Club swimmers. The Club has for many years provided excellent competition opportunities for Alberta and Canadian swimmers. In addition to hosting yearly invitational meets, the Club has hosted Senior Provincials, Canadian Youth and Junior Nationals, and Canada West University Championship.

The L A Swim Club is proud of this rich history of swimming excellence. With the support of the Lethbridge community, volunteers, dedicated coaches, parents and most importantly, swimmers, the Club continues to build on this success and carry on the tradition of representing Lethbridge on the podiums of all swimming circuits. [Sources: LA Swim Club website, http://www.lethbridgeswimming.com/lasc.htm]

Language

English

Acquisition Source

Thibert Carol 6 Simon Fraser Boulevard West Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 4L4

Custodial History

The items were created by an unknown member or supporter of the Lethbridge Amateur Swimming Club. They came to the donor through her involvement with the club.

Scope and Content

Manuscript and scrapbook containing information about the Lethbridge Amateur Swimming Club.

Access Restrictions

Public Access

Accession No.

20001065000

Collection

Archive

Less detail