In The Swim Of Things In Federal Way -- Local Team - And Center - Gain National Attention

FEDERAL WAY - Every afternoon of the year, youths slither through the cool water like tadpoles at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center, working out, practicing their strokes and, perhaps, dreaming of a national championship.

They are all part of a local swim club, King Aquatics, which in three years has gone from a start-up team - a meshing of the Kent Dolphins and the Highline Swim Club - of about 100 swimmers to a team of 425 swimmers and 16 paid coaches from throughout South King County.

And there's a waiting list for the team, which also practices at community and school swimming pools.

King Aquatics is only one of 20 different recreational clubs - including swimming, diving, water polo and synchronized swimming - that use the aquatic center on a regular basis, said Mike Dunwiddie, pool manager.

The pool, built in 1990 for the Goodwill Games, has become the focal point for a burgeoning interest in water sports in Federal Way.

Last year, the pool broke a record for visitors, as 500,000 passed through its doors for a range of activities - from taking swim lessons to watching some of the top athletes in the country compete in events such as the U.S. Swimming Nationals or national synchronized-swimming competitions.

The pool's reputation continues to grow. It's considered a "fast" pool whose design elements such as a 10-foot depth and efficient gutters minimize wave action.

Pool managers have clinched the Olympic trials for synchronized swimming in 1999 and are awaiting word on whether the trials for swimming will also be held there.

And if Seattle should win its bid for the Olympics in 2012, the pool is likely to host at least some of the aquatic events.

With thousands of swimmers, their families and spectators traveling here for weekend visits, Dunwiddie estimates that a four-day event brings $500,000 into the local economy in the way of hotel rooms, restaurants and shopping.

Tom Judy, manager of the Federal Way Executel, estimates that as much as 15 percent of the hotel's business is directly related to the aquatic center, and it has increased each year.

But access to a top-notch pool is only one of the reasons King Aquatics has thrived, according to coaches and parents.

A group of parents, led by Dave Silver, decided to recruit head coach Jerry Olszewski to develop a program with a national reputation. The club went from having no national qualifiers its first year to sending 15 swimmers to the Junior National meet this year. The team has produced 19-year-old Chris Thompson of Federal Way, the 1996 national champion in the 1,500-meter swim.

Girls on the team recently won first place at the Western Division Junior National meet, with 18-year-old Julie Massey of Des Moines taking first place in the 200-meter breast stroke and 400-meter individual medley, and 17-year-old Katie Ryan of Federal Way winning first in the 100-meter freestyle. The overall team placed second at that meet.

Recently, the team's age-14-and-under swimmers won first place at the Northwest regional meet, held at the aquatic center.

The team's success has had a snowball effect, with more families wanting to get their children involved, Olszewski said. Monthly dues range from $35 to $85.

Swimmers and parents say the coaches balance an emphasis on competition and discipline with a sense of fun.

"It's a really good environment," said 14-year-old Elisa James, who travels from the Tacoma area to swim with the team.

Parent Robin Hesla said she appreciates the values of discipline, goal setting and respect that the coaches teach, and her children, Jason and Lindsey, like the team's camaraderie.

"Swimming seems to create great kids," added Terry Friedhoff, mother of swimmers Pete, Caitlin and Amy.

Christy True's phone message number is (253) 946-3981.

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The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center is at 650 S.W. Campus Drive and is open from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Call 253-927-5173 for a schedule. Daily swim fees are $2.25 for adults and $1.40 for children and seniors. For information on King Aquatics, call 253-941-4348.