AST is an age group, competitive swimming program that serves the Amarillo community and is a member of USA Swimming, the national governing body of competitive swimming. Since its creation in 1969, AST has maintained an outstanding reputation serving swimmers in Amarillo. This reputation is well-deserved as swimmers have achieved success at some of the highest levels of competition. The team consistently has swimmers who compete at West Texas Champs, TAGS, Sectionals, and Zones. Many swimmers go to college with swimming scholarships. Others have gone on to swim in high school and compete successfully at State and Regional Championships. Striving to benefit every swimmer where they are is a primary goal of AST. All individuals are important assets to the team. Ages 8 – 18 years are accepted after a tryout meeting with a coach. During the tryout, the potential swimmer must be able to at least swim the length of the pool one time swimming freestyle, and one time swimming backstroke, without stopping. We would be honored to have your swimmer tryout for the Amarillo Swim Team.
Amarillo Swim Team
About the Program
Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the team compete?
We will primarily attend competitions in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. State-level competitions are usually held in Dallas, Houston, and Austin.
Is a membership to the Town Club required for participation?
Yes, a membership is required for the Club. It ensures the people using the club’s facilities are covered by the liability insurance for the Club. This is a non-negotiable requirement.
What is the overall cost?
Team, parents should anticipate the following costs –
- Membership at the Town Club
- Swim Meet entry fees (each meet is different, and that information is in the meet info packet that is posted online)
- Equipment Cost
- Hotel rooms for multiple-day meets
- Fuel for travel to out-of-town meets
- USA Swimming Membership
Swimmers will need a practice swimsuit and goggles for practice. You will have to order all equipment as the local places in town do not carry items that work very well. Swimmers will be required to purchase a Team Suit before participating in any competition.
One time yearly: USA Registration Dues $80.00 per swimmer (required to be eligible to practice or compete in swimming meets, be covered by the team liability insurance, and continuing membership on AST) There is a registration process for new swimmers as they register for AST, and for current members between September 1st, and December 15th each year.
What equipment is required for my swimmer?
The equipment requirements are as follows for all teams:
- Goggles
- Swimsuit
- Swim Cap (optional for short hair)
- Kickboard
- Fins
- Hand Paddles
- Pull Buoy
- Snorkel
When will swimmers advance to the next team?
Swimmers can advance to the next team when their coach, in consultation with the other coaches, believes that it is necessary for their further development as a quality swimmer. Please note – every swimmer is unique. Swimmers will advance at different paces.
What about other sports?
Research shows that swimming is the best overall exercise for any age group. This non-impact sport builds overall strength and endurance, which aids the child in other sports. AST coaches encourage members to continue swimming during soccer, football, basketball, baseball, and volleyball seasons. Another great thing about swimming is there are no bench warmers! Everybody has a place on the team.
What about fun?
Yes, there is work involved, but there is also a lot of fun. You make new friends and share many new experiences with them. We participate as a team in extra activities outside of swimming