The philosophy of Wildcat Aquatics is to furnish
young athletes with a chance to excel as an individual, while at
the same time providing the opportunity to be a contributing member
of a successful swimming team. For the individual, swimming teaches
self-reliance, discipline, and dedication. Being a part of a team
offers the chance to form friendships with teammates, and work with
them in pursuit of a common goal. Practicing and competing as a
Wildcat swimmer teaches lessons that last a lifetime and are
transposed into daily living.
Team
Goals
To be good ambassadors for Wildcat
Aquatics, Lexington and USA Swimming. We are recognized as a team
with class, as well as speed. Each team member must understand the
importance of displaying a positive image. This positive attitude
will be visible through our thoughts, words and actions, in and out
of the pool.
To compete as a unified and spirited
team. Each team member will
cooperate and contribute to the team effort. Positive support
during meets, practice and social functions creates an atmosphere
that inspires success, achievement and fun.
To swim tough by facing obstacles
with courage and determination. When faced with a challenge
or obstacle we will rise to the occasion. It will be a team
trademark to respond to the challenge of a close race under any
circumstance.
To enjoy the athletic
experience. We have fun being athletes!
We love being a part of this team. We set goals! We achieve those
goals and we encouraging our teammates to do the
same!
Team History &
Tradition
Wildcat Aquatics is the oldest and most prestigious
swim team in Central Kentucky. Its roots date back to 1961, as the
Greater Lexington Swim Association (GLSA) under the guidance of
Wynn Paul, who in 1964 became the UK Swimming Coach. In 1979 the
team merged with Lexington Swim Team (LST) and assumed the name
Lexington Thoroughbred Swim Team (LTST) under the direction of head
coaches Phil Wilder and Dave Redmond. With the completion of the
Lancaster Aquatic Center on the University of Kentucky
campusin 1989, LTST moved
its headquarters to Memorial Coliseum and additional swim time
became available at the new facility. A dedicated group of swim
team parents provided the leadership under the team’s new
name, Wildcat Aquatics.
Wildcat Aquatics is currently under the supervision of University
of Kentucky Head Swim Coach Gary Conelly. Coach Conelly continues
the tradition of exceptional leadership. By making the
University of Kentucky facilities available to our athletes and by
hiring a full time staff of dedicated coaches, Wildcat Aquatics has
established itself as a top notch program.
In just the last ten years, WA has produced well over 100 Kentucky
Swimming Champions, nationally ranked age group swimmers, numerous
Junior National and National qualifiers, one National and three
Junior National Champions and one Olympic Gold Medalist. In
addition, WA has helped develop many collegiate scholarship student
athletes.
