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WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — The Wichita Falls Elite Swim Team is working to rebuild its membership after losing its longtime practice facility earlier this year.
For 26 years, the competitive swim program, known as W.E.S.T., practiced at the Boys and Girls Club pool in Wichita Falls. However, the facility closed in February due to ongoing financial and maintenance challenges, forcing the team to relocate and adjust its operations.
Team Administrator Meredith Utley said the closure created significant challenges for the program, which has since relied on smaller practice facilities through a partnership with the YMCA.
“At the beginning of the year, when finances were like that for the Boys and Girls Club, it just was not feasible for them to continue putting money into the pool,” Utley said.
She said the move to smaller pools has contributed to a decline in participation.
“We’ve seen a decrease in swimmers due to the size, accommodation and being able to swim in a 20-yard pool versus a 25-yard pool,” Utley said.
The team is currently holding summer practices at the Iowa Park pool while awaiting completion of the new YMCA natatorium, which is expected to open at the end of August and serve as the team’s permanent home.
To attract new athletes, W.E.S.T. is offering camp-style practices throughout the summer, allowing children to experience competitive swimming before committing to the program.
Coach Conner Higginbotham said one of the team’s greatest strengths is the sense of community it provides.
“There’s a lot of community in it,” Higginbotham said. “You never feel left out. You always feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself.”
The team also serves as an important training outlet for swimmers whose schools do not offer competitive swim programs.
One of those athletes is Sailor Utley, a City View High School student who has made multiple appearances at the state swimming championships. She said W.E.S.T. has been critical to her development as an athlete.
“West is my main practice and really my true team,” Utley said.
Program leaders hope the opening of the YMCA natatorium will provide stability and help grow participation in the years ahead.
Information about joining the team is available through the W.E.S.T. Facebook page and at WESTSWIM.org.
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