The Gaston Gators Masters Swim Team is a group of like-minded individuals with a passion for swimming, health and well-being. We are an official US Masters Club that is a part of the larger Gaston Gators program. We have members who range from ex-collegiate swimmers to absolute beginners and everything in between. We meet six mornings a week at Gardner Acres Swim Club, and there are usually two or more skill level groups swimming simultaneously during each practice.
We celebrated our one year anniversary this past December, so we have been going strong for 16 months now. We have been recognized by NC Masters and US Masters as one of the fastest growing clubs in the nation. We started with four members in December of 2012 and we now have 39 participating members and 18 competitive members. While I believe that competition is healthy and rewarding for anyone that chooses to do so, it is not a requirement for becoming a part of our program. However, after spending some time in the program, many of our members have surprised themselves with what they are capable of accomplishing. For those interested, we offer many practice options in order to fit as many schedules as possible. Practice changes slightly from Memorial Day to Labor Day due to the Gardner Acres operating schedule.
- Mon: 5:30-6:30am and Noon-1pm
- Tues: 8-9am
- Wed: 5:30-6:30am
- Thurs: 8-9am
- Fri: 5:30-6:30am and 8-9am
- Sat: 6:30-7:30am
Our fees are $30 a month or $5 a practice. If you come more than 6 times in a month, then you’ll automatically be upgraded and will not have to pay any additional costs. In addition to the Gators fees, there is a yearly fee to join US Masters. This fee is around $40, and it insures a swimmer’s time in the water while there is a certified coach present.
The long-term goal of the Gaston Gators program is to continue to grow and serve our community. In order to do so, our facilities are going to have to grow with us. We have been blessed to work alongside Gardner Acres for the past year and a half, and that has helped us grow tremendously. This Masters program would not be possible without it. However, to continue our growth, we eventually need to construct our own facility, and we could use all the corporate and private help possible. A pool in this county capable of hosting large-scale meets – both for Masters and especially for Age Group Swimmers – would be a great benefit to this community. Meets bring people from out of town and provide business for local hotels, restaurants and stores. We will need the support of the Gaston business community to make this dream a reality. For more information regarding membership, please contact Coach Trey Taylor at [email protected].
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