Sunrise Sharks History

The swim team began in 1970 as the Citrus Heights Recreation and Park District "Charpy's". During this time the team competed in the Sacramento County Swimming League. Against some local park districts and cabana clubs.

Following 1971, the team joined the Valley Foothill Competitive Aquatic League. The league was comprised of other recreation and park agencies that had similar philosophies regarding competition, sportsmanship and athletics. In 1972, the Citrus Heights District became the Sunrise Recreation and Park District. At this time, the swim team changed its name to the Sunrise "Sharks" and adopted the team colors of blue and gold.

In the early years of competition, the Sunrise Sharks did not have winning seasons. The new team had to grow and develop in ability and depth. Due to efforts of the coaches, swimmers and parents, the team improved significantly each year. The Sharks had their first winning season in 1975. In 1976, 1977 and 1978, the Sharks won both the Dual Meet Championship and the League Championship meets. In the 1980's, the Sunrise Sharks continued to grow in numbers and strength, consistently being ranked in the top three of seven teams in the League.

Due to the dwindling size of the Valley Foothill Competitive Aquatic League, in 1995 the Sunrise Sharks Swim Team chose to join the Northern California Swim League. NORCAL continues to be a growing league that enables our swimmers to swim in more events and more meets.

Team Philosophy and Goals

The goal of the Sunrise Recreation and Park District Recreational Swim Team is the development of lifelong positive attitudes and good sportsmanship through the sport of competitive swimming. This program stresses individual skill technique, goal setting, achievement, fun, fitness, friendships and competition with a recreational setting.