About JST
The Jasper Swim Team(JST) was formed in 1955 as a member of the Alabama Recreation & Parks Association(ARPA). Under Head Coach, Buddy Thorne and Assistant Coach, Terrel Guthrie, the first team consisted only of young girls. The girls were not able to compete until 1956 because of the lack of competition. In 2002, the city's old outdoor pool was demolished and replaced with a indoor modern pool(natatorium). This enabled JST to begin swimming year round. In 2003 JST affiliated with the local swimming committee(LSC) of USA Swimming, Southeastern Swimming. In JST's first year of competition the team had approx 15 swimmers who competed at USA Swimming sanctioned meets. In 2004 that headcount climbed to 27 and currently there is over 34 kids competing year round. The Sharks excel because of the enthusiasm and dedication of its talented members and supportive parents. Most student members of the team are honor students and the discipline that they learn through swimming leads to accomplishments in other endeavors as well. If you love to swim, desire great physical condition, like making new friends, and travel, come swim with the Jasper Swim Team under its Summer ARPA program, the Year-Round USA program or both. Swimmers ages four and up are eligible for participation in JST's programs.