Rec Sports Highlight

Throughout the year, Texas A&M Aquatics hosts a multiplicity of swim meets for high schools, colleges, and universities across the country. Our state-of-the-art facilities and exemplary customer service make the Rec a lucrative host for these programs, but what is unknown to most patrons is the sheer volume of work that occurs in preparation for events like these.

In just the last few months, Aquatics has hosted the SEC Swimming & Diving Championships, Speedo Sectionals, Team Texas All-Star Dive Challenge, and a Women’s Water Polo Club tournament. Without the vision, dedication, and leadership of student and full-time staff alike, these events could not be brought to fruition at the Rec.

“It starts with the meet director,” said Michael Phillips, event lead for Rec Sports Aquatics. “He sends us a file for what he wants – the requirements for the meet, how many swimmers there are going to be, how many bleachers he wants for the swimmers, how many fans to expect in the audience, the requirements for the pool measurements – things like that.”

He continued by giving the SEC Swimming & Diving Championships as an example. “[Staff] were talking about that for a year before so we’d know February was SECs, and in the months leading up to it, we started talking about it more; Carlos [Garcia] and CJ [Stancheski] gave us a rundown of what was going to happen so we’d be prepared for it.”

Even with months of preparations made and contingencies established, Phillips’ experience has been one also characterized by problem-solving and quick thinking to ensure everything runs smoothly during aquatics events.

“When we have swim meets, I’m in charge of leading the operations…if something breaks, I’m the first one [staff] go to troubleshoot.”

On one occasion, a swimmer with a hearing impairment reported a need for accommodation to compete in a swim meet. Despite the short notice, Phillips quickly developed a solution in using a strobe light to signal to the swimmer when their event was to begin. As a result, the swimmer was able to compete effectively for their school without impediments.

Phillips has worked with Aquatics as an event lead since last fall, and what keeps him going is the knowledge that his work and the work of his peers provide a supportive atmosphere and platform for aspiring athletes to dream of what they could achieve, especially younger swimmers competing at the high school level.

Phillips said, “I played baseball growing up, but I would’ve loved to play in Blue Bell or something like that. Just knowing that you’re swimming where collegiate people are – these are Olympians in a lot of cases – I feel like that’s kinda cool.”

In preparation and management for events like the SECs or Speedo Sectionals, Phillips commended his fellow Aggies that work alongside him. In addition, he recognized the importance of capable leadership at all levels of Rec Sports Aquatics.

“I’m grateful that we have such good leaders to manage us…they’re very poised.” Phillips said. “Everything starts at the top from management; people in my position learn from Carlos and CJ, and everybody under us is learning from us, so it definitely bleeds through.”

More particularly, Phillips gave kudos to the lifeguarding staff, who routinely have to divide their attention to manage multiple priorities. 

“At the same time of events, we also have Rec Swim going on. That would normally be in the lap pool or outdoor pool while the 50m and the dive well are for the event itself. That goes on to our head guards,” he continued. “The way they are able to maintain safety for Rec Swim as well as for the event [is great] – just lifeguarding staff as a whole.”

Phillips applauded the work Aquatics does to host tournaments and other aquatic events regularly, and he expressed gratitude in being part of a team that helped him develop his skills in leadership and personal responsibility.

If you have ever been interested in working as an aquatic worker or lifeguard, now is the time to apply for a role with Rec Sports Aquatics! Summer is the season for pool days and swim meets, so if you would like more information on available positions with Rec Sports Aquatics, contact CJ Stancheski, cstancheski@rec.tamu.edu!