History of the Stingrays

Del Prado Stingrays Eleven Time Tri-Valley Swim League Champions '87, '88, '90, '91, '97, '99, '00, '02, '03, '09, '25

The Del Prado Swim Team was formed in 1980. It was started so that the Del Prado Cabana Club could offer a low key, recreational, competitive swim program for the Cabana Club members. The Club found that the Swim Team attracted new members, improved pool safety, and provided a source for future Club lifeguards and instructors.

When the League was formed in 1980 there were 8 teams. They included Del Prado, PAC, Highland Oaks, Briarhill, Pleasanton Meadows, San Ramon, Amador Valley Tennis Club and Dublin. San Ramon and Amador Valley Tennis soon dropped. Club Sport was added in 1985 and then split into two clubs, Pleasanton (CSP) and San Ramon (CSSR). CSSR dropped out in 1998 and Ruby Hill was added giving us the current group of clubs.

The Swim Team was organized and managed in 1980 by the Team's first Coordinator, Joanne Wright. Joanne was also the Pool Manager, Swim Team Coach and taught Swim School. Many of our kids learned to swim the "Wright Way". In 1990 the Team (and Club) had grown to a point where one person could not handle all of the responsibilities associated with the Pool and the Team. The running of the Team was handed off to Curt Gordon and  parents who coordinated everything from Insurance, Contracts and Finance to Registration and Snack Bar . A Coach was hired (Gina (Hayak) Juarez) to work exclusively with the team. Gina hired one assistant and then two. Curt and Gina (they had a pact) served for 10 years and retired in 2000. Since then the Club has benefitted from a number of excellent coordinators!

Del Prado has won the League Championship 10 times, the most by any team in the League. The Stingrays have also come in second or third in Champs numerous times. With our history of success it is no surprise that Del Prado holds many League records. The Team has grown to well over 100 swimmers aged 4 1/2 to 18.  Remarkably almost all of our swimmers find a way to make every important meet. The number of swimmers who make Championships each year is probably the number one reason for our success.

Del Prado continues to run the fastest, most efficient meets in the League. Our swimmers (and parents) are usually home relaxing long before many of the other teams finish with their meets. Del Prado accomplishes this with help from the most dedicated, supportive parents in the League. Without the enormous amount of help that we receive, none of our accomplishments would be possible.

The Team created a sense of pride for the neighborhood as most members live within walking distance of the pool. The Team also provided an additional source of income for the Club. (We don't spend all of your dues on the Team!) The Swim Team continues to help with Club clean-up, painting and other chores. Swim Team members have even provided help with electrical upgrades, building of the shed and installation of the new roof. Additionally the Swim Team has donated needed equipment to the Club such as pool covers, BBQ's, umbrellas, shelving, and tools. During these years the group introduced computers, starting blocks, electronic starting system, new lane lines, night lighting, parties and morning practices. We even started printing information and having meetings so that all could be informed as to what is going on!

Each year there are a new crop of families adding to the legacy of the Team. Former members, many of whom go on to swim at the college level, will often return to see the place where they spent so many summers and made so many lasting friendships. Regardless of when we were members or how many ribbons we won, we are all tied together by the common bond of the Team and all it represents.

GO STINGRAYS!