Special to the News-Register In 2000, the only team to perform the lift pictured at top was the Pirouettes of Texas. Veteran member Amber Davis is inverted at centerr. The team is ranked among the top 20 in the nation.

THIS EDITION Volume 21, No. 4 May 01, 2003

Front Page

North Lake Aquatics Center invites all to take the plunge

Most people are not even aware there is an aquatic facility on campus, much less that it is free for all students and staff. And yet, right by the lake, under the big white bubble, lies a five-star facility.

The Aquatics Center stays busy with various programs and events and is staffed with some of North Lake’s finest students. The popular “Learn to Swim” classes for adults are held at the pool. Other scheduled activities include water aerobics, high school swim teams, public swimming and scuba diving.

One of the most interesting programs at the aquatic facility is the synchronized swimming team, known as the Pirouettes of Texas. Synchronized swimming is a very unique and entertaining sport to watch. The team practices 10 to 20 hours per week, competing both locally and nationally. The Pirouettes, currently 16th in the nation, are three-time champions of the South Zone.

Other on-going activities include the Irving Sharks Swim Team, coached by 1996 Olympian gold medalist, Brad Bridgewater.

Two classes offered by North Lake are stroke improvement and scuba diving, both available through continuing education.

For more information on programs, scheduling or upcoming events, just ask any of the pool employees. If you have not already checked out the pool, drop by and take a look. They’ll be waiting for you.

(Editor’s note: Amber Davis is a North Lake student majoring in Journalism and has been a member of the Pirouettes of Texas for eleven years.)