PECOS, Texas — The Pecos swimming community lost an important member over the summer. The program came together Tuesday morning to memorialize one of its greats in a unique way.
It all started with a dream for long time Pecos Swim Coach Terri Morse, to preserve the program's legacy.
"We've buried 73 banners. All championship banners went down. We put in numerous, numerous trophies, so it's a pretty heavy box out there," said Jessica Minjarez, varsity Pecos swim coach.
That dream became a reality as a time capsule was filled with history ready to be cemented at the construction site of the new pool. However, there was an important piece of the story missing.
"She wanted to be here when the banners were buried. We just have to believe that she is," said Joan Capshaw, former Pecos swim coach.
Coach Morse suddenly passed away in August.
"Almost here for four decades. Won number championships in her time here. Led a community-wide swim program. Really believed in teaching kids how to swim even out here in Pecos, Texas, where there's not much water, but she knew the value of swimming," said Brent Jaco, Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD superintendent.
Morse touched generations with her passion for the sport and now leaves behind a firm foundation for the future of the program.
"We're just building up. That's our job to do. Build up," Minjarez said. "Starts with this box. The success of this box, we're gonna start our own, right?"
The motto for the new season is now "Morse Code" in honor of the late coach.
"She is a legend. She is somebody that I will strive to as long as I'm here at Pecos High School to fill in her shoes," Minjarez said.
And Coach Morse's influence will continue to impact the program in the new facility.
"This pool is remarkable, and it's going to be one of the best in the state of Texas," Jaco said. "Coach Morse designed it and helped design it with our architect team. It was a lot of bells and whistles that are going to be absolutely remarkable. A beautiful facility."