Gator Week:

The time has come.  Time to lift the shroud of mystery that surrounds what has infamously become known as "Gator Week".  

Undoubtedly you have by now come to know the phrase "Gator Week"; either from your fellow swimmers or even directly from one of the coaches.  And I'm also sure by now that you have gathered, to a small degree, what this week will entail.  The coaches have been dropping hints and writing menacing messages on the white board at practice for a couple of weeks. Perhaps by now, you may even be slightly afraid.  You may be thinking to yourself, "Maybe this will be the week I take an unexpected vacation".  But you shouldn't....and you won't. The magnitude of "Gator Week" is truly incomprehensible to all of you....At least it was, until now.

"Gator Week" is coming and it's time you got the 411 on what it is, when it is, and how to prepare - so here it is.

"Gator Week" begins next Monday and will persist through the whole week of practice.  You may feel nervous about it, and that's exactly how us coaches want you to feel.  But the reasons why we want you to feel this way are different than what you may expect.  "Gator Week" (I'm considering getting the phrase trade-marked) is more than just a week of hard practice.  It is more than the coaches laying down the hammer for seemingly no reason at all.  "Gator Week" is an obstacle or better yet, a challenge.  One which we hope all of you strive to conquer.  Practices during this week are going to be exceedingly difficult, but not a single one of them will be impossible.  

"Gator Week" isn't simply a week of physical punishment.  It's more importantly about a mind-set.  Our hope for you as coaches is that you will come to practice during "Gator Week" and approach each day with the confidence that you can accomplish something great by just putting your mind to it.  This is the week where that voice in your head that whispers "I can't do it" is put to rest.  We challenge every single one of you to make every practice possible during this week and approach each one of them with the attitude that you are unbeatable.  More importantly,we would like to see all of you walk away from this week with a new sense of confidence that every goal you set is achievable - if you decide to work at it.

The coaches are getting creative with the workouts and each day will have a particular "flavor" to it.  Not every day is going to consist of a soul-crushing amount of yards or an over-abundance of sprint, but every day will be a challenge that we want to see you overcome.

A couple quick notes:

• Asthma - Swimmers with asthma; please be sure to bring your inhalers this week!  There will be some days that may trigger an asthma attack due to the nature of the practice.  While our goal is not to give anybody an asthma attack we would like you to be prepared.
• Breakfast - If you wish to get the most out of these practices it would be wise to eat a light breakfast beforehand. Banana's, granola, yogurt,and whole-grain cereals are good options.
• Hydration - Try to bring a water bottle or better yet a bottle of Gatorade to every practice.

More tips will follow in the days to come.

Sincerely,

Josh, Jaimie, Porter.  

Weekly Update

Hi Gators! I sent in Ken Caryl entries this morning, and will have them at practice tomorrow. A couple of you who do not have individual qualifying times may be on relays, so make sure to check with me!

Swim clinics this week will be breaststroke on Tuesday, June 17, and starts and turns on Thursday, June 19. The link to sign up is below. Please remember there is a limit of 8 swimmers per clinic, and each swimmer gets 2 clinics for the summer. Clinics are held from 9:45am-10:30am. I think they have really been helping so far!

See you all at the pool :)

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1BuI4OFLiCIu458r3JTNG5T159jGox4TEo6e8GGD20bE/edit?usp=sharing

Ken Caryl Invite

Great job this morning Gators! 

Next weekend we will be swimming at Ken Caryl Ranch for the Ken Caryl Invite. I am doing the entries tonight for those who have qualified (there will be NO ONLINE entries for this meet). Please TEXT me at (612) 810-7879 by 8am Sunday morning (tomorrow) if you have qualified but DO NOT plan to attend.

On Friday June 20th, the 13-18 400 frees start at 1pm. All other events for upper division start at 4pm on Friday.

On Saturday June 21st, the 9-10 boys and 11-12 boys and girls start at 7am. 

Also on Saturday June 21st, 9-10 girls and all 8&unders start at noon.

I will let everyone know at practice what time warm ups will be.

This is a big meet where lots of League or State cuts can be made, so please try your best to come and swim fast! Last year we won the Team Spirit award at this meet, and I would love to win it again! Come ready to cheer :)

Email me or text me with any questions!

Stop by to see me...

I have been doing the computer work for the Gators for many years. I don't even know how many! My swimmer is getting older and it is time to start training someone to take over.

Stop by the computer table on Saturday during the meet if you are interested in learning about this job. If you like data and running pretty decent software + doing some work on The Swamp (blog web site) this is fun. At meets you get to see who wins (officially) first! It is easy to watch your child swim because you are right there, and can hop up to watch any race. You get to be in the shade and everyone thinks you are important!

See me to learn more. If you aren't at the meet Saturday, feel free to contact me another time.
Carol

Night Practice Canceled

Happy Thursday gators! Awesome job at the meet last night. I was impressed with how well you all swam even with the cold weather.

Night practice tonight is canceled--Porter and Ethan are out of town, Josh is working tonight, and I'm not feeling well. I'm really sorry, and I hope you enjoy the rest!

Have a Hamburger!

During the intrasquad meet on Wednesday evening enjoy a hamburger or hot dog (and all the other goodies they sell) from the Snack Shack at the pool. The grill will be up and running so you won't have to go hungry.

Weekly Update

AWESOME JOB THIS WEEKEND GATORS!! We had some unbelievable time drops, and we won our second meet!

This Wednesday we will have our second Intrasquad meet. Warm up will start at 5pm, and the meet will start at 5:30. Please sign up online by Tuesday at 5pm so we can start getting everything together. If you do not get signed up on time, please show up to Green Mountain around 4:45 on Wednesday to deck enter by the heating shed.

Swim clinics this week will be backstroke on Tuesday, and another starts and turns clinic on Thursday. The clinics will run from 9:45-10:30am and there is an 8 swimmer limit in each clinic. Please remember each swimmer is only allowed 2 clinics so that everyone has a chance to come to one. There is a link to sign up for this week below.

Let's have another great week Gators!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1V-MnKSNwEL7jIYutxg-UiN2g1PZTz2piMvMBzy4NZvA/edit?usp=sharing

Water World Tickets

Tickets now available. See the "Important Information" section on the right for complete information.

Heat Shed Training Friday Morning

Volunteer where the action is!

We are in need of heating shed volunteers. We are going to hold an informal training session led by experienced parents this Friday (June 6th) at 9:00 am at the pool.

We would like to shoot for having 10 parents there. We encourage all families to be involved and we can't run meets without these important people.

What happens in the heating shed? (No, it's not a place to get warm when it's a cold morning!)
Volunteers sort entry cards and help swimmers get to their correct lanes. The little kids especially need help, particularly on the 8 & under relays.
Hope to see you there!

Weekly Update

Great job at the meet Gators!! We had some great swims, and all that hard work helped us win our first dual meet. We're off to a great start!

This week, we will start swim clinics for 12 and under swimmers. Tuesday's swim clinic will focus on freestyle, and Thursday's swim clinic will focus on starts and turns. There is a limit of 8 swimmers per clinic, and it will be first come, first served. The sign up is available through this link. If you sign up and realize you cannot make it, please remove your name so someone else can have a chance. 

See you tomorrow!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/169uxAJn4b4WhHQKvg6i1xdPpvPFumI1dugKiUXSUjjE/edit?usp=sharing

Have you ever wondered how you can volunteer your time with your child's swim team? Let me tell you a few ways…..

It is very important that we have parent volunteers to help our swim meets and swim team functions run smoothly.  Below you will find a brief list of possible volunteering opportunities and a description of what what is involved.

Timing:  (Home meets, Away meets, Intrasquad and Special meets)

Green Mountain Swim Team is responsible for providing volunteers to time swimmers at home meets, away meets, intrasquad meets and special meets.  You would sign up for a 2 hour shift and will be assigned a lane to record during this time.  As a timer you will be required to start the stopwatch when the buzzer/horn sounds and stop this when the swimmer reaches the wall.  Then these times will be recorded.

Head Timer:  responsible for making sure all timing slots are filled

Timer:  volunteers for 2 hour shift

Back-up timer: will be used at home meets to provide back-up if someones stopwatch didn’t work correctly

Card Runner:  (Home meets)

This person is responsible for collecting the swimmers cards from the timers after each event is swam and deliver these to the entry recorder.  

Concessions:  (Home meets)

We are looking for people that would work the concession area for a period of time during the home meet until the swim meet is over.  These people would be required to collect money and hand out food as purchased.

Hospitality:  (Home meets)

These people would be in charge of periodically delivering refreshments  to the volunteers that are working the meet.  

Set-up/Clean up: (Home meets, Away meets, Intrasquad and Special meets)

These people would show up early and/or stay after the meet to see that we are ready for the event and/or cleaned up. Team tent transport to & from meets with set-up and take-down is also required.

Heating Shed:  (Home meets and Intrasquad meets)

These people will be responsible for sorting entry cards into heats and then distributing the entry cards to the swimmers prior to them going to their lane.  These people will also assist in getting the 8 and Under relays to their appropriate lane.  

Entries/Ribbons: (Home meets)

These people would assist in sorting the cards as they are turned in after the event has occurred.  These people would also assist in adhering the label to the swimmer ribbons.  Looking for detail oriented people :)

Officials: (Home meets, Away meets, Intrasquad and Special meets)

These people have to be trained.  There needs to be head official, starter,starts/finished and stokes/turns.  Again these people have to have participated in the required training.

Please help our team and the kids swimming by volunteering.  We can’t put on these meets without all of your help.  If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.

Thanks,

Jennifer Friedrichs

First Intrasquad - Wednesday May 28th

Volunteers and swimmers, it is time to return to the SWAMP!

4:30-5:00 Pool set-up
4:45-5:00 Deck entries, fill out cards for your 2 events and take them to the heating shed.
Only for swimmers who haven't told Jaimie what they want to swim.
5:00-5:15 Lower Division Warm Up
5:15-5:30 Upper Division Warm Up
5:15-5:30 Timers meeting and instruction
5:30-5:45 Parent meeting
5:45 Meet Begins
8:45 Meet Ends, Pool clean-up

The snack shack will be serving hot dogs, burgers etc. during the meet.

Go Gators!

This Week

Happy Memorial Day! I hope you all are enjoying your day off of school. Just a reminder, there is NO practice today, and tomorrow there is ONLY practice for upper division from 6:30-8pm. There will be no practice for the lower division tomorrow. 

Sign-ups for Saturday's meet will be up soon; make sure to sign up by Thursday at 5pm at the latest. Also, if you haven't signed up for a buddy yet and want one, make sure to sign up so I can let everyone know who their buddies are on Wednesday! See you all for our first intrasquad meet!

New officials training

The Gators could use another official.
Training is on Thursday May 29th at Applewood Knolls – dry lecture 6pm, in water demonstrations around 7pm.

Practice Cancelled

Hi Gators! The weather is looking pretty bad right now, and there is some lightning. It's looking like it might be like this for the rest of the afternoon, so we will not be swimming today. I will see everyone tomorrow for more stroke work! If you did not sign up for the intrasquad meet with me yesterday, think about what you want to swim and I will bring the sign ups again tomorrow. I'm sorry for the late notice! I was hoping the weather would clear up by now. See you tomorrow!

Volunteer sign-up for the First Intrasquad Swim Meet

Gator Nation,

We can't run a meet with out your help!

If you haven't volunteered before, the First Intrasquad is a great place to start.

Click on the URL to sign-up for specific roles at the meet.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054CABA822A75-intrasquad

Buddies

I have also gotten a lot of feedback from the swimmers that having Big/Little Buddies this summer would be fun. Buddies could cheer each other on at meets, leave good luck notes in each others' folders at the pool, and maybe leave some treats or small prizes in each others' folders before meets. This is a great way for our Upper Division swimmers to get to know our younger swimmers and to show our team spirit at meets! In my experience, swimmers have really enjoyed it.

If you are interested in having a Big or Little Buddy this season, please sign up on the attached google doc and I will let you know who your buddy is once I have enough names. You can also email me with any questions at jaimiestevens27@gmail.com.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hQXZCPkwL9FzNrIyDRtggLL3U-1tzMbjLohZ0pMAtKs/edit?usp=sharing

First Intrasquad Meet!

Hi Gators! Our first intrasquad meet is coming up next Wednesday, May 28th at Green Mountain! Swimmers will be able to register for their events with the coaches at practice this week, so please make sure to come see us! Each swimmer is allowed 2 events. Warm-up will start at 5:00pm, and the meet will start at 5:30pm. If you are unable to make it to practice this week, please show up at the meet on Wednesday by 4:45pm to deck enter. It's going to be a lot of fun, so please try to come!

Practice Is Still On!

Hi everyone! Welcome back! Yesterday we had a great first day, and I was hoping we'd have the nice weather all week. It was looking a little stormy earlier this afternoon, but it's looking good now so we will still have practice. If we have more stormy weather later this week, make sure you check the blog before coming in case we have to cancel due to lightning. I'll see you all there!

Monday after school practice is a go!

The water is warm and the weather looks promising, so it's time for all Gators to return to the SWAMP.

Need a Green Mtn. Gators swim suit?

Call or e-mail Christine at Colorado Swim Shop to place an order.
303-545-2090
christine@coloradoswimshop.com
http://www.coloradoswimshop.com

After school practice begins Monday May 19th

The pool was filled today!
Once the boilers kick in, we should have warm water by Monday.
Jaimie, Porter, Ethan, and Josh are ready to rock!
Are you?

9 & unders   4:30-5:30pm
10-12           5:30-6:30pm
13-18           6:30-8:00pm

This schedule will hold until Tuesday May 27th when the 12 & under swimmers have a day off due to a party at the pool. On that day only the 13-18 will practice at their normal time.

Remember, the first Intrasquad is May 28th and the first dual meet is May 31st.

Go Gators!

2014 Coaching Staff

The Green Mountain Swim Team is pleased to announce that we have a new head coach, Jaimie Stevens.  Jaimie is a former summer club and year round swimmer (mainly fly and sprint free) that began coaching in 2011 for the Foothills swim team. She did a great job with our 8 & under Gators last year and looks forward to working with all age groups this summer. We also have 2 new assistant coaches. Porter Bennett swims year round for the Jeffco Hurricanes and at Lakewood HS (breast, IM, distance free) where he is team captain and has been a GM lifeguard the past 2 summers. Ethan Schick is a long time Gator and summer club state record holder (100 Fly) who swims for Green Mountain HS. Ethan did such a great job with the hatchlings this winter that we asked him to coach the 8 & unders this summer. Last, but not least, we are glad to have Josh Peterson back on an intermittent schedule to help out as needed. So come on out and join the Gators for summer time fun and conditioning!

Register for Swim Team 2014

See forms and information on the right. Deadline to register is June 5. See you soon!

Returning Officials

The refresher course will be held at 4:30pm on April 27th and May 18th at the Green Mtn. Rec. Center.

Swim Suit Fitting Scheduled for May 4 during Clinics

If your swimmer needs a new suit for the 2014 season there will be an opportunity to try on suits and place an order on May 4 during the swim clinics from 4:45 until 6:20 pm. It's best if you come early and have your child try on a suit before getting wet.

Session II of Swim Clinics begins Sunday, February 23

See the information on the right about the winter swim clinic and to register. Complete the registration online and then bring a check to the first clinic. Summer is almost here! (I wish...)

Help out the GMSC

Gator Nation,

The Green Mountain Swim Club is trying to convince the county to waive property tax for the pool (~$11,000/year), so we can better maintain and update the facility. Short letters from swim team parents or Gators that point out the importance of the pool to their family and the community as a whole would help our case. The Club's representative in this matter, Drew McCabe at zephyrinvestments@yahoo.com needs our letters by Sept 11.
Many thanks,
The swim team board

Hi Gators! I just posted a link to register for fall and winter swim clinics. This is different! It is an online registration form. Just fill it out and bring your payment when you come. (Note that this form will work for one or both sessions. You can register now for Session I and later for Session II using the same form. Or, go ahead and register for both if you like.)

Post State

Sorry this took so long Gators, I have been in San Diego this past week for a work conference I and couldn't post using my phone.

I would like to congratulate all state participants, the Gators did very well taking 5th place in Division I. A special congratulations to Ethan, he set a new state record for 15-16 boys 100 Fly. You can pick up ribbons from state at the pool in the guard office. Stay tuned for more info on winter clinics starting this fall.

Rich

State Info

Happy state weekend Gators,

Here is a link to the state meet website, you might want to check it out before you get here. Also here are a few important reminders for the weekend. Parking is limited, and cars will be ticketed and/or towed if parked in the wrong spots. Also be aware of restricted areas for tents and chairs. No personal tents or chairs are allowed inside the fenced pool area. We only have two timing shifts, both on Sunday.

Coach Rich

State Meet Web Site

For you meet junkies out there, go to www.statemeet.com to see lots of information about the meet this weekend. Directions and maps, psych sheet, etc. Check it out!

State Info and More

Warm-up times are now posted. We have decided to warm-up at Green Mountain Swim Club at 7:30 am and head to Anderson at 8:00 am both Saturday and Sunday in order to avoid a 6:00 am warm-up with a three hour break before the meet starts. 400 swimmers will warm-up tomorrow at 1:30 at Anderson. 400 swimmers do not have practice tomorrow they do have an optional wake-up swim at 9:00 am at Green Mountain.

In other news, Al, Carol, and Beth are pleased to announce that Jennifer and Craig Friedrichs and Adelaide and Ryan Murphy have stepped up to join the swim team board.

Thanks

Change to State Entries

Please re-check your entries if you are a 15-18 Boy, we added two B relays.

Looking Forward

Great job Gators! No practice Monday, rest up and get ready for state. Practice schedule will change this week: Upper Division 7:30- 8:30 am; All Lower Division 8:30-9:30 am.

Remember all gators the Banquet is this Wednesday July 24 at 5:30. No need to RSVP. Pizza and beverages will be provided. A-L bring desserts and, M-Z side dishes for at least six people.

Important Info

Gators, 

As we gear up for the end of the season there are a few important details that everyone needs to know.

First, we will no longer have night practice.

Second, tomorrow's tie-dye party will start at 5:30 and continue until 7:30. Please bring something to tie-dye, Gator shirts will be available for purchase if you would like to tie-dye one of them. Ice cream will be provided. Please be sure to supervise any gator that is too young to be left at the pool by themselves. 

Third, make sure you know when you are swimming at league. Note that Friday is at the Stingray's pool and Saturday/Sunday is at the Splash. Please be sure to get there early, you will not be able to park in the Splash parking lot, you will have to park up the hill and walk down. 

Lastly, warming-up in three lanes with 70 swimmers would be a little too crowded, so upper division will be warming up at GMSC at 6:15 am both Saturday and Sunday. We will then try and get to the splash for starts by 7:30. Upper division try and  find a ride form GMSC to the Splash. If you have multiple swimmers feel free to take them all to the Splash for the 6:50 am warm-up or talk to me, we might be able to have a few little ones with upper division.

Thanks

Rich 

League Update

Hi Gators,

There were a few changes to entries. Please check your entries to see if you had any changes to your events.

Thanks
Rich

League Week

Nice job swimming this weekend, we had a few extra swimmers make league toady. Entries are now posted, please look them over and let me know if you have any questions or concerns as soon as possible.

Thanks

Last Dual Meet

Tomorrow is the last dual meet of the summer, so we need all of the gators that are close to league times to swim extra fast tomorrow. You can check what you are swimming under important links. Warm-up will start at 6:30am and it will be cool up there early so bring extra clothes.

Sunday is the Last Chance meet. In order to swim in the meet you must have a B time or a League time. You can now sign-up for Last Chance. We will be doing entries right after the meet tomorrow so be sure to sign-up as soon as possible.

We will be doing league entries Sunday after the Last Chance meet. If you made League but will be out of town please fill in the July vacation Google Doc under the League tab before Sunday, so that we do not enter you in the meet. Practice next week will be for league swimmers only.

If you have any questions please let me know,
Rich

Top Times, League and State Qualifiers Corrected

For those of you who noticed, we had some problems with the top times and qualifications because of an error with results from the Pentathlon meet. We got a new results file from AAC and now these results are correct and working. Sorry for the inconvenience! Please let me know whenever you have a question about times or standards. You know your times better than I do!
Carol Wilsey

SNACK SHACK OPEN During Intrasquad!

We are told that the Snack Shack will be open for your dining pleasure tomorrow night during the Intrasquad Meet! There will be hot dogs and hamburgers along with the regular Snack Shack food.

Back At It

It was good to see all of you today in the water. Those of you that swam today got the chance to relive the good old days of the Swamp. Tuesday and Thursday stroke clinic sign-up is now open, Tuesday we will work on open turns and Thursday will be a flip turn day. These clinics run from 9:45-10:30 in the diving well.

Also, please remember to sign-up ASAP for the intrasquad. Please sign-up by Tuesday afternoon.

See you tomorrow,
Coach Rich

Gator Update

Hope everyone is rested and ready for the last portion of the season. Tomorrow we will return to normal practice schedule. Wednesday we have our last intrasquad of the season, you know what that means......coaches relay! You can now sign-up for that meet, please limit yourself to two individual entries. Note, there are no relays at the intrasquad meet.

See you tomorrow,
Coach Rich

Week of the 4th

Hi Gators,

This week there are a lot of adjustments due to the 4th and pictures/Water World.
Monday and Tuesday: are normal practices times including night practice on Tuesday. This weeks Tuesday clinic will be backstroke 9:45-10:30. Please sign-up now.
Wednesday: No Practice. Pictures will start at 7:30 followed by Gator Pancake Breakfast and a day of Water World.
Thursday: No Practice have a great 4th.
Friday: No Practice, enjoy your 4th July weekend

What a Weekend

This week won't be as busy as last week, but we will see if we can make it close.

We will again have stroke clinics Tuesday and Thursday from 9:45-10:30am. Please sign-up under important links. Tuesday, will be a Butterfly clinic and Thursday will be a start clinic.

Night practice will be held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00-9:00pm. All upper-division and Gator parents are welcome to participate.

The meet against AAC is Saturday, this is a big meet for our team. I think it will be a very close meet so we will need all of the gators to swim, and swim fast. Please sign up for three individual events by Wednesday night.

Also, there is a sign-up for the Pentathlon meet Sunday. In order to swim in the meet you have to have B times or better in Three of the Five events at the meet. (Fly, Back, Breast, Free and IM) At this meet each swimmers swims all five events then the times are added up and whoever has the fastest time wins. All I need for you to sign-up is name and age. Please keep in mind this is a long day and a lot of swimmers so only swimmers who want to swim in all five events should sign-up.

Swimming Weekend

I hope everyone is getting ready for the first big swim weekend of the season. Due to the Ken Caryl meet tomorrow and Saturday there will be not upper division practice tomorrow (Friday) June 21st. All other practices will be at their regular scheduled time.

If you would like to swim in the C/D meet Sunday please sign-up today, I have to have entries in today. If you do not sign up before they are taken down you will have to deck enter at the meet on Sunday. Our official warm-up time has not yet been posted, but plan on 6:00am or check the blog before the meet.

See you tomorrow.
Coach Rich

Night Practice

Gators,

Tonight is the first night practice from 8-9:00 pm for all swimmers that swim in the upper division practice. Any parents that would like to take a few laps are always welcome to come to night practice as well.

The finalized Ken Caryl entries are up including relays, so be sure to check them out.

Also swimmers interested in swimming Sunday at the C/D meet the sign-up is now available. Please remember you can only swim in events that you have a C, D or No Time in. Please check the best times before you sign-up to make sure you are eligible to swim in those events.

Coach Rich

Ken Caryl

Nice job yesterday, I know it was a long meet but I was happy to see so many swimmers swim best times. A special congratulations to Ethan and Ryan who both broke team records in the 200 IM and 100 free respectively.

The entries for Ken Caryl invite are posted under important links. (Note: relays have not been made yet but they will be posted as soon as the coaches get them done) Please check what day and time your age group will be swimming. Upper division swims on Friday afternoon/night, all 11-12s and 9-10 boys swim Saturday morning, and 9-10 girls and all 8 and unders swim Saturday afternoon.

We will start Night Practice for upper division this week Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8-9pm.

We will also be starting stroke clinics this week on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:45-10:30am. I will be posting a sign-up for these under important links. They will be limited to the first 10 swimmers to sign-up in addition to a few swimmers chosen by the coaches that need work on a particular skill. Tuesday's clinic will focus on turns and Thursday's focus will be breast stroke.

I'm Back

Time for my first meet of the summer. Now that I feel the new coaches have been appropriately broken in, I will actually be attending the meet tomorrow. That means time for the new cheer so keep practicing. You can look at the entries posted under important links. You will notice that some of the events are different then the ones you might have signed-up for (not everyone can swim the 50 free and Back).

Next week is the Ken Caryl Invite. We will be doing entries Saturday after the meet. If you have a time that qualifies, you WILL be entered in the meet unless you go to the blog under June vacation form and and put that you won't be able to swim. Remember upper-division swims on Friday afternoon/night and all lower-division will be on Saturday.

If you do not have a qual time to swim at Ken Caryl, you can swim in the C/D meet Sunday. Sign up will be posted soon.

See you bright and early
Coach Rich

What's Next

The Intrasquad and Golden meet sign-ups are now up. Please sign up for the Intrasquad by Tuesday and the Golden meet by Wednesday.

Good luck tomorrow
Coach Rich

Welcome Home!

Time for the first home meet of the year. If you are like me you know what that means....Breakfast Burritos!

You can now view the entries for tomorrow's meet under important links. If you click on entries by name you will have the events you are swimming including relays. I would recommend writing down the event numbers you will be swimming tomorrow (parents if you could help the little ones do this it will help the meet run smoothly). Also, below the link for entries you will find a link for relays, that will allow you to find who will be swimming on your relay with you. If you did not sign up on time and are turning in pink or blue cards you will not be on these lists and will have to remember your own events.

Parents don't forget to sign-up on the blog for a volunteer shift.

Thanks
Go Gators!

Saturday's Meet

Parents,

There is a volunteer sign up posted on the blog for Saturday's meet. Please pick up a sift or two.

6/5/2013

Due to cold temperatures there will not be 9 and under practice from 9-10:00. If the middle practice swimmers think they will be warm enough and would like to come by they are welcome to give it a try.

The Gators Need More Officials!

If you are interested in being a swim meet official for the Green Mountain Gators there is training available on Sunday June 9th @ 3 PM at the Green Mountain Recreation Center. This is a fun volunteer job that is so important at our meets. If you have questions about what this entails, please talk to one of the coaches or someone on the Swim Team Board.

Saturday’s Meet Sign-Up

The spread sheet for this upcoming Saturday’s meet is now available. Please try and sign up by Wednesday in order to give us plenty of time to complete entries. If you have any quests please let a coach know.
Thanks
Coach Rich

Brr it’s cold in here there must be some Gators at Wheat Ridge

Great job today at morning practice, the entries for tomorrow have been sent to Wheat Ridge. They will be posted on the blog later this evening (sorry I forgot the file and can’t post them from work). Please be sure to check that you are entered tonight before you go to bed if you want to swim tomorrow. If you did not sign up and still want to swim just show up at Wheat Ridge and the coaches can deck enter you into events.




The weather report is calling for supper cold temperatures tomorrow, I would recommend skipping warm-up (I can’t believe I just said that) unless you think you will hurt yourself. Bring as many warm clothes as you can. Parents remember gators are cold blooded and will need lots of hot chocolate to stay warm.



Good luck

Coach Rich

Last After School Practice

Nice job last night. I know it was a little chilly but the coaches were excited to see many of you pick up right where you left off last season and were excited to watch new team members compete in their first race. However, there is no time to rest our next meet is Saturday at Wheat Ridge. You can sign up by clicking on the Wheat Ridge meet link under Important Links. Please do so ASAP, we have to get the entries to Wheat Ridge soon. You will notice the sign up for Saturday’s meet is a little different, we have listed all of the events for each age group you can simply put an X in the events you want to swim or you could put an estimated time if you remember it from last year. Please note you are only allowed to sign up for three individual events. Also for the relays, I know that some of you will have to come late or leave early, if that is the case please put a NO in the relay that you will not be available for. Likewise, please put a YES if you will be available for both relays.

Coach Rich

Hello Gators,

I hope you are all enjoying you long weekend. I am happy to announce that tomorrow we will be back at GMSC for practice. Our first meet is an intrasquad on Wednesday. Under important links I have posted a meet sign-up for the intrasquad. To sign-up click on the link, when the page opens find the age group tab on the bottom of the page that applies to you, enter your name, gender, and your top two event choices. We will be doing entries Tuesday after practice so be sure to choose your events before then. Note, you have to be registered to swim in the meet.

Parents we need emergency contact info for each swimmer. Under important links you will find an emergency contact form please print it out and return it to a board member or coach Rich.


See you at the Swamp
Coach Rich

Gators,

The season is officially under way. Yesterday afternoon we had a great first practice however, I noticed we were missing quite a few little gators. Lucky for you there is another opportunity today. The Sun is shining and the water is warm.

See you at practice
Coach Rich

Here We Go

So the pool is a little chilly (78 degrees) but we are going to give it a try. If you have little ones that don't like the cold please use you own judgment but, we hope to see you at Morse Park.

Coach Rich

Monday Practice

Sorry guys due to water temp practice is canceled. Please check back tomorrow.

Coach Rich

G-A-T-O-R-S   G-A-T-O-R-S
The king of the swamp is the Gators
The Gators are the king of the swamp
With just one bite the others run in fright
Cause the Gators win the fight

Many swimmers----ONE HEART
Many swimmers----ONE HEART

Hurray for the Green Mountain Gators
They're the best in the pool
With Just one bite the others run in fright
Cause the Gators always rule

GOOOOOO GATORS
GOOOOOO GATORS

GO, SWIM, WIN

Welcome to the 2013 GMST season. I hope you like the new fight song, I will make sure to teach it to all of you on Monday.

Please see the message below from the board
Coach Rich

Gator Nation,
The snow is gone and the summer swim season is fast approaching!

CoachesWe are happy to announce that our terrific Head Coach Rich Leeds is back for another season. We want to thank our alumni swimmers and coaches, Josh Petersen and Shelby Denney, for their many years of dedicated service to the team and wish them well as they move on with their lives and careers in health and education. We have been fortunate to hire Taylor Bleidt and Jaime Stevens who are very accomplished swimmers and coaches from great programs to carry our team forward (their bio’s will be posted in the SWAMP). In addition, we have two upper division swimmers, Brian Long and Ethan Schick, that will help them with the lower division practices. So, we will have four coaches working the 10-12 and 9 & under practices. We also plan to offer stroke clinics this year (more on that in a future update).

Registration
Registration forms can be found in the SWAMP. These can be mailed to the address listed on the form, brought to the final clinic on Sunday, or to the pool once we begin practices. There are 3 forms (registration, release of liability & medical history). Forms and fees must be received by Thursday May 30^th to compete in the first dual meet on June 1^st. Thursday June 6^th is the last day to register and pay for the summer swim season.
Practices
Because our pool is being renovated, the first week of after school practices will be held at the Morse Park pool at 8180 W. 20th Ave. (Green Mtn. Rec. and Carmody were not available). Go north on Kipling, east on 20^th to Carr and you are there. Practice times are as follows: 9 & unders 4:30-5:30 pm, 10-12 year olds 5:30-6:30 pm, and 13-18 year olds 6:30-8:00 pm. Since we have to pay for pool time, we encourage all Gators to attend as many practices as possible. We plan to return to our newly painted pool the following week. Future practice times will be posted in the SWAMP.
Meets
The first Intrasquad meet and parent meeting will be held Wednesday May 29^th. The goal of the intrasquad is to introduce new Gators to racing and to obtain entry times for the first meet on June 1st. The full meet schedule with warmup times will be posted in the SWAMP.

Suits
Suit fittings will take place at the Green Mtn. Rec Center this Sunday, May 19^th, between 4:30 and 7:00 pm. If your swimmer needs to try on a suit, please make sure they are dry! We should have the suits 2 weeks after the order is placed.We look forward to another great summer of conditioning, competition, and fun.
Go Gators!
Green Mountain Swim Team Board
Al Hofstra, Grace Long, Beth Schick, Carol Wilsey

No Swim Clinic Today

Because of the snow, the Green Mountain Recreation Center is closed, so no swim clinic tonight (Feb.24).

Swim Clinic 2/24

Hello Gators,

I hope everyone is doing well! We wanted to let you know that practice tonight is cancelled due to the snow. Maybe we can get a snow day tomorrow too!! Have a good night off!

Coach Shelby

Gators Make a Splash

Gators,

Great job this weekend! The coaches were very proud of all of you that swam this weekend. We believe that you swam fast and represented the team well. I have posted both the team scores and the meet results. I am happy to say that we finished 10th as a team. Which is really good considering there were more than 50 teams at the meet.

You can pick up your state awards (top 12 places) in each event and your team pictures at the pool in the office just as a life guard for help.

Remember to keep swimming this winter so that you will be ready to take down some records next summer.

Coach Rich

Back On

Gators,

We will try to move back to the normal practice times tomorrow. 13 and up 7:00-8:00am and 12 and under 8:00-9:00am. Wake up swims for all 400 swimmers will be at 8:30am.

Also the state psych sheet is posted under the links, be sure to check it out.

Coach Rich

STATE SWIMMERS!!!

Important! Practice is as follows tomorrow July 26th:

Upper division: 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Lower division 9:00-9:45 a.m.

Sorry for the short notice, please continue to check the blog as this schedule may change.  Thank you for your cooperation.  It was so great seeing you all at the banquet, and congratulations to all of our award winners!

Coach Shelby

Hello Gator Families!!

We are looking forward to seeing you all Wednesday night, July 25th, at 5:30PM at the swim club for our Annual/End -of-year Swim Team Banquet. The swim team is providing pizza and bread sticks. Each family is responsible for bringing a dish to share. Depending on the first letter of your last name, you will bring either a side dish, or a dessert - and please bring an appropriate serving utensil, if needed (we do not have any). For the past several years, we have been 'blessed' with rain and/or cool weather. Please prepare accordingly. The banquet can last until about 8:30pm. The coaches love to brag about their swimmers!

Swimmers with the last name beginning with letters A-L, please bring a dessert.
     
Swimmers with the last name beginning with letters M-Z, please bring a salad/side.

Portions should be able to serve at least 10 people.

League Wrap-up

Great Job All League Swimmers!!! It was a long hot weekend and you all swam great. The Coaches are pleased with our 4^th place finish we were well ahead of the 5^th place team. If you are interested you can check out the results under important links. (Team scores are on the very last page of the results.)

State Swimmers please check the state entries under important links if you would like to make any changes I need to know ASAP please call, text or email me.

There will not be practice tomorrow (Monday), enjoy your day off. We will resume practice on Tuesday. Upper division will swim from 7:00-8:00am and all other swimmers (8 and unders-12 year olds) will swim from 8:00-9:00am.

Enjoy the rest

Rich

Close, Close, Close

Gators,

Hope you are all ready to swim fast this weekend because the League Psyche sheet is out and there are a lot of very close swims. Check out the psyche sheet under important links. We will need everyone on their A game this weekend.

Remember tomorrow's ice cream/tie-dye party starts at 6:30pm be sure to bring something to tie-dye we will provide the dye and ice cream. Parents please make sure you come with your swimmers and supervise them.

Attention 400 swimmers you only have two practices left before league, you do not have practice Friday. If you would like to do a wake up swim (highly recommended) Friday please be at the pool at 8:30am. Then after the wake up swim I will take the 400 swimmers out to breakfast.

Coach Rich

Double Check

Hi Gators,

League entries are posted under "Important Links" and will be at the pool tomorrow. Please check and make sure that everything look right. The coaches spent a lot of time putting swimmers in the events we think the swimmers will do best in so please understand you might not be swimming exactly what you want but it is what is best for the team. If you notice a mistake or need to make a change please let me know ASAP.

The schedule for league has also been posted under "Next Meet" be sure to note that the 400's are on Friday. Saturday the meet starts with the medley relay and goes through Backstroke. Sunday starts with the Free relay and goes through the IM.

Coach Rich

Big Push

Alright Gators,

Tomorrow is our last dual meet of the season, be sure to get rest so you can swim fast. Remember if you do not have a league time your last practice was today.

Good Luck Gators
Coach Rich

Nice Job

Great job tonight gators. We had a lot of great swims and even some state and league qualifying times.

Remember if you have made league but are not going to be able to swim please send me an email letting me know by Sunday. My email is richcleeds@gmail.com

Coach Rich

It's on like Donkey Kong

Alright the Gator the coaches are ready are you? After discussing some relay strategy at the pool today I would say that the coaches are a 2 to 1 favorites to make a clean sweep of both the parent and upper division relays. If you all want to change those odds you better stay till the meet is over and cheer real hard.

Just a reminder warm-up starts at 5:30pm the meet starts at 6:00pm

See you there.
Coach Rich

P.S. Goal time for coaches
Guest Coach Back: :29.0
Coach Rich BR :32.0
Coach Josh Fly: 27.5
Coach Shelby Free. 31:3
"Oh I said it"

Last Chance Warm up

Here is the warm up schedule for Last Chance on Sunday

Warm up times/Lanes

7:00am-7:20
Lane 1: GM
Lane 2: GM
Lane 3: AK
Lane 4: AK
Lane 5: AK

7:20-7:40

Lane 1: Sprint
Lane 2: AAC
Lane 3: AAC
Lane 4: Golden
Lane 5: Golden

7:20-8:00

Lane 1: Sprint
Lane 2: Sprint
Lane 3: Open
Lane 4: Genesee
Lane 5: Genesee

Meet Start 8:00am

P.S. Upper division don't forget to about night practice

Coach Rich

Big Push

Gators,

We made it through the rain today and now we are ready for the week. Again be sure to check back often to stay informed.

Wednesday's intrasquad's warm up will start at 5:30pm the meet will start 6:00pm. Please make sure to sign up by Tuesday at practice. The snack bar at the pool will be serving food at the meet so be sure to come hungry. The following meal deals will be served till supplies last.

1) Hot Dog, bag of chips, and soda/juice for $3.25
2) Hamburger, bag of chips, and soda/juice for $5.00

All proceeds go to the Green Mountain Swim Club general fund

Saturday we will be swimming against Genesee Mountain Thunder in our last dual meet of the season. Please sign up by Wednesday at practice.

Sunday we are hosting the Last Chance meet at GMSC. Last Chance meet is for swimmers with B and League times to try and make League and State times. If you have B or League times and want to swim at the meet please sign up with the coaches at practice by Friday.

I think that is it, if you have any questions please ask one of the coaches.

Coach Rich

Rain Out

Gators due to rain and thunder and the cooler temperatures we are canceling 8- under practice. See you in the morning. Coach Shelby

Time for a little R&R

Hi all,

It was good to see you all again. This weekend we don't have a meet so I hope you all enjoy sleeping in and come back Monday ready to swim fast. We only have two meets left and last chance to get league times so make sure to be at all practices and meets. We started sign up for Wednesdays intrasquad today, if you want to swim please sign up by Tuesday. Monday we will start sign up for the Genesee meet please be sure to sign up for that meet by Wednesday.

Enjoy your rest
Coach Rish

Happy Fourth

Hope everyone has a great 4th. Upperdivision I will see you Thursday at 8pm, I will see the rest of you Friday.

Have fun be safe
Rich

Gator Feast

WOW!!!!

I think I am more impressed than tired, and that is saying a lot. The weekend started out on a great note with the meet against AAC. I am not only proud of all the swimmers who swam great and only lost to AAC by 11 points, but I am also proud to say that once again the Gator parents demonstrated how smooth a big meet can go. I can't believe how fast we were out of there yesterday, a BIG thank you to all who helped.

Next I have to say I have never seen such a great performance at the pentathlon than the one I saw today. I special congratulations to second place over all finishers Kim, Inez, Ethan, and Ianna and to all third place finishers Olivia and Alex, (Note Alex took off 15 seconds in a his 50 Fly (that is not a typo 15 seconds) ). I would also like to congratulate all the other swimmers, there are too many to name who swam great and most of them made top six over all.

This weeks schedule
Monday: Regular Practice (Note even pentathlon swimmers should try and come)
Tuesday: Pictures and Pancakes followed by Water World
Wednesday: No Practice
Thursday: No Morning Practice, there will be night practice from 8-9pm
Friday: Regular practice

Coach Rich

Check out the info about Team Pictures and the Pancake Breakfast Tuesday, July 3 in the Important Info Section on the right.