Tecumseh Community Pool ‘must continue to thrive’ for kids, families

To the Editor,

I was in high school when the pool opened. It was a very exciting time for our little community and the young people who lived here. We had the YMCA and the old outdoor pool before that, so swimming was prevalent but this was new. This gave a competitive outlet to some kids that couldn’t dribble a ball, but had a mean backstroke or the kids that swam circles around their friends but couldn’t hit a ball to save their lives. Kids that you never knew were athletes were coming out of the woodwork. We had students earning varsity letters and becoming state champions. We were now known for other things than our track and basketball teams. It was exciting.

Fast forward a few years and I am a mother and a teacher at the middle school. Both of my children learned to swim from the dedicated high school athletes who gave up mornings of their summers to teach the youth of our community. Both of my children would not jump off of a diving board or put their heads underwater. They achieved milestones here from the fabulous young adults in our little town.

I have seen students in my classes share exciting stories of weekend swim meets. Records breaking like glass and personal bests being shattered left and right. The excitement in their eyes and camaraderie with their teammates that only come from competitive sports. We are a community of swimmers. This pool does so much for our community and the people who live here. It must continue to thrive and fulfill that need for our kids and families.

Ginnie Echter

Tecumseh