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Former Coach Reuniting Past Swimmers

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By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: July 19, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY -- In 1983, Linda Cassidy acted as the catalyst to help introduce competitive swimming to Pasco County.

Now, 25 years later and with the sport solidly ingrained and thriving, Coach Linda would like to mark the moment with a reunion of past swimmers.

Cassidy is inviting any and all of her former swimmers from 1983-93 to the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center for another gathering at the pool on Saturday, July 26 from 6-9 p.m.

"I'm trying to reach out somehow for the people I can't get in touch with that are interested in just having an evening at the pools," she said, mentioning that via word of mouth she has heard from roughly 30 individuals.

After 10 years of coaching and anywhere from 60-100 boys and girls participating per season, Cassidy said she is sure there are others in the area to notify.

Retiring from coaching in 1994, the former instructor is now fittingly the city of New Port Richey's aquatics manager and is based at the same site where it all began years ago.

Cassidy relocated from Clearwater and quickly realized New Port Richey - along with the county as a whole - was devoid of competitive swimming opportunities.

"We put an ad in the paper in July ('83) and asked for interest," she said, adding that they found plenty - 108 kids to be exact. "I wanted to give that back to the area as well as have it for my own kids."

From there the Pasco Aquatics Club was created, eventually breaking up into what it is today as individual municipal organizations.

Cassidy played her part in jumpstarting scholastic high school swimming programs as well, petitioning the school board to allow a pilot program at Gulf High in 1984.

"I'm kind of proud of the fact that I got it all started," she said of the accomplishments. "But my goal was to just bring it into the community, which I did.

For those interested in attending next Saturday's reunion, the event is going to be held at the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatics Center located on 6630 Van Buren St. The gathering is free of charge, just bring a dish and a beverage, Cassidy said.

Eric Horchy can be reached at 727-815-1071 or ehorchy@suncoastnews.com.

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