University Recreation Center
Address
TCU Student Recreation Center
3005 Stadium Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76109
Olympians, national champions and All-Americans have all trained in the waters of TCU under previous head coach Richard Sybesma. In over three decades, as the leader of the TCU swimming and diving program, Sybesma saw the facilities grow alongside the program. The original home of the swimming and diving program was the Cyrus K. and Ann C. Rickel Building, which featured a 25-yard pool, a separate 22-foot diving well, and eight-foot-wide lanes.
The facility had long-served the Frogs' swimming and diving program well, but in January 2003, a complete remodel of the facility came to light. As part of the University Recreation Center complex, the swimming and diving facility received a major renovation. Improvements to the aquatic facility included new locker rooms, swimmer's lounge area, underwater windows for stroke analysis in addition to new offices, which overlook the pool for the TCU coaching staff.
The 25-yard pool was also equipped with an advanced Daktronics Electronic timing system and scoreboard along with an new sound system. In addition, the 22-foot diving well is located next to the pool and features one- and three-meter springboards, a five-meter platform, an outdoor dry board and a trampoline. The diving platforms have recently been resurfaced and the diving program added a Sideline Scout, hot tub and stall bars.
Here are several activities and amenities included:
• Power Towers - increases speed and power
• Starting Blocks - provides extra space to work uninterrupted on starts and relay exchanges
• Stretch Cords - simulates race pace and provides resistance training
• Vertical Kicking - helps build leg strength
• Breath Control Kicking - simulates a spring race
• Underwater Work - uses cameras to develop better underwater techniques
• Dry Land Center - including a dry board on cement stands with a spotting rig and belts as well as a trampoline.
The facility features an elevated viewing area that can easily seat over 1,000 fans and competitors. With the crowd, remodeled facilities and upgraded video board and sound system, it's no wonder why the TCU men's and women's swimming and diving programs remains a competitive program in the Big 12 Conference.
While the University Recreation Center is considered home, the Frogs also have the luxury of having a 2,800-square-foot outdoor pool, the Forest Park Pool, one mile from the TCU campus. The eight-lane, 50-meter pool offers the Frogs a chance to train outside and takes advantage of the Texas heat in the fall and spring.
