A Letter To The Largo To Mayor And Board Of Commissioners Coach Tony Perrielo has been coaching Alissa Zetzman since she was 12 years old, Alissa would religiously go to the Southwest Largo Pool to learn and practice the latest diving techniques with her coach. All the hard work is paying off and she has the opportunity of a lifetime, thanks to Tony Perrielo and the Largo Southwest pool. In the past few months, there have been attempts to close the pool, fill it in or make a kiddie pool out of it. I would like to take this opportunity to urge the commission to protect and celebrate this pool. I also want to express my reasoning on why this pool is so important to the community and the nation. Even if a diver or swimmer does not reach the top of their sport athletically, they reach for their very best. They work at being the best and amaze themselves everyday. That is how we will build character in our community. This is how we keep kids out of trouble. This is how other kids are inspired by their teammates and coaches. Tony Perrielo and the other swimming coaches at the pool are not in it for the money. They can hardly pay the fees. They are doing what all of us need to do, showing kids and teens that hard work (mixed with a little fun) can pay off, physically, mentally, and socially. Some things in life are more important than money. This is exactly what the Southwest pool was built for. As far as we the parents, coaches, divers, swimmers and supporters are concerned, a big American flag should be flown on the top of the Southwest Pool Diving Platform Tower, not a kiddie slide. If it is more revenue some are seeking, there are so many innovative ways and strategies to earn that. That fabulous Diving Tower structure itself is in such beautiful condition. There are so very few outdoor Diving Platform Towers built to US Olympic standards in the entire country. I'm sure marketing/advertising agencies would pay to photograph and use it in campaigns. College teams would rent it. More national and international dive and swim meets could be held there. Dinner auctions and community festivals would be great fundraisers. More advertising at Largo area schools through posters and flyers would bring even more kids to benefit. There are many parents and alumni from the pool that will gladly donate their time. Many dedicated people worked very hard years ago, to make this magnificent facility a reality. Largo is unique for having it. That dream will be destroyed, if we do not protect this pool and its present function. Largo and the Nation need this facility just the way it is. I want more Alissa Zetzmans to make their dream come true here. Thank you so much for your time, Shelly Zetzman Auburn Scholarship Awarded To Diver Alissa Zetzman of Largo Southwest Pool We are proud to announce our daughter, Alissa Zetzman, has signed with Auburn University. Alissa's statement is as follows: "I have made my decision to start my collegic diving career and academic studies at Auburn University. Auburn has a great reputation for fine academics. I feel Auburn has everything I am looking for in their diving program. Coach Jeff Shaffer is one of the top coaches in the nation and the Auburn Swim and Dive Team is second to none as far as talent goes. I was also looking for a team where I would play an immediate active role. Auburn is giving me that opportunity. I am eager to start training during the summer session." Alissa has been diving since age 12. She has broken records, was Regional Champion and medaled her senior year at State (diving against divers in full time programs). She received a 12th place finish at the United States AAU National Diving Championships for both 1 meter and 3 meter boards this past year, ranking her 12th amongst 17 years olds in the country. Auburn will utilize Alissa's platform experience at the Southwest Pool. She will be competing both boards along with platform at the NCAA level. Auburn's Coach Shaffer has such an impressive resume, it would take at least 10 pages to list his career history and successes. He is indeed, a historical figure. His work with Coach Ron O'Brien and Greg Louganis has brought an era of excellence to diving never seen before or since. A 2004 U.S Olympic coach himself, he has also been an essential factor in Auburn's 11 consecutive SEC titles. ________________________________________________________________ Ms. Zetzman: Thank you for your comments and thoughts regarding the Southwest Pool. Your e-mail is being forwarded to the Mayor and Commission for their information and consideration during the upcoming budget deliberations. I will also forward to the City Commission your second e-mail regarding your daughter's scholarship award to Auburn. Shirley Frick Mayor/Commission Secretary City of Largo

Return to Home Page

Return to Current Edition

Contact us