Gator Updates for Week of July 2nd

Practice: normal practice times Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri.  NO PRACTICE ON WEDNESDAY JULY 4TH.

Next Swim Meet: Saturday, July 7th @ Applewood Knolls. Sign up sheets will be available until Friday 7/6 at practice.

Swimmer of the Week (June 18th)

Male Swimmer of the Week: Dominic Anderson
Dominic gives it his all in every event he does, something the coaches really admire. In practice he is never afraid to move to a faster lane or lead his peers through the set. This paid off at the Ken Caryl meet where he raced hard, did well in his events, and held an important position in the relays. Way to go Dominic!

Female Swimmer of the Week: Megan Cooper
Megan really showed up at the meets this weekend! Despite swimming only the 400 at Ken Caryl, she stayed for the entire upper division session to cheer on her teammates and filled a relay spot when  another swimmer was missing. Then on Sunday Megan branched out from distance free and competed in the Pentathlon and was a trooper through the very difficult event. Nice job Megan!

Waterworld- Meet Up Location

For those that are going to Waterworld, I have uploaded a map with the general area that Gator families meet up, drop their bags, return for lunch, etc.  We usually meet at the picnic tables/pavilion area that is above the big wave pool.  I have tried to circle it on the map, but it doesn't show it very well. It will be more clear when you get to the park and are in the general area.
Click here for map

Ticket Information is on the right side of the blog, along with the site password to get the team discount.

REMINDER: NO PRACTICE MONDAY/WEDNESDAY THIS WEEK

Practice is cancelled Monday due to the amount of swim meets this weekend. The coaches have earned a break after attending four meets Friday-Sunday!  -- Wednesday is picture and pancake day, so you will be in your team suit for the picture, but won't need to get in the water. 

Practice Tomorrow (June 22)

Just a reminder; no official upper division practice tomorrow morning due to the Ken Caryl meet. There is an optional practice at 8am and night practice tonight if people are looking for an extra workout/technique session.

Need Parent Volunteers FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY!

Hi Parents,
Please sign up to volunteer at the Ken Caryl Meet, the Pentathlon and/or the C/D Meet. We are required to have timers at all meets and 1 Official (at the C/D Meet). All links are active on the right side of the blog for each event and are waiting for your name to be entered.  THANK YOU :)

GMSC is Hiring Lifeguards

GMSC is looking to hire a few more guards. Specifically guards that can work through the end of the season, Labor Day.  If you are interested please contact Shannon Baker (303.903.7041)
staffing.gmsc@gmail.com

Pictures, Pancakes & WaterWorld

I wanted to give all the swimmer families (new and old) an idea of what our Pictures, Pancakes
and Water World day will look like.  These fun activities are scheduled for Wednesday, June 29th.
Please note there is no regular morning swim practice on this day.

Starting at 7:30am we will begin taking individual/buddy swimmer pictures.  
There will be an order form in each swimmer folder next week and I will also post a link to this
form on the blog.  Please have this form completed when you arrive.
At 8:00am we will begin our BIG team picture. If you aren't getting individual pictures taken we ask you arrive no later than 8:00am so
you can be included in the team picture.  Please make sure you wear your team swimming suit.

While the pictures are being taken we will have people preparing Gatorcakes (green pancakes).  
There will be a parent sign-up for parents to help cook and also bring some food.
Watch on the blog for this sign-up coming soon!

After the pictures have been taken and Gatorcakes have been eaten it is off to WaterWorld.  
Please know this is not a required event. Also know that there is no adult supervision so you
will need to plan accordingly.  Below is a link and instructions on how to purchase discounted
WaterWorld tickets. Our team receives discounted tickets which can be purchased and printed online.

To purchase WaterWorld tickets please visit:
https://calypsoclub.waterworldcolorado.com/affiliate.asp?ID=50F8949F-61B1-4EE7-8F31-52797430F005  Once on this page you will be prompted for a Password.  

The password to purchase tickets is GMGators.

You can purchase tickets for your family and friends to go on this day or any day in the 2018 season.

This link will also allow you to purchase discounted for Adventure Golf and Raceway, in case you
need something to do during the summer.

Swim Buddies! (Finally)

Hello Gators! I am finally getting around to posting the swim buddies so here they are.

Anastasia - Scarlett
Kati - Maddie
Taryn - Leah F
Kayla - Whitney
Emma N - Taetum
Marie - Lexi B
Lea G - Charlize
Emma B - Izzy
Megan - Teagan
Olivia - Mia, Lucy V
Lexi M - Kamiree
Anna - Jessa
Alia - Lily B
Lucille - Jensen
Maddy M - Lily S
Lexi L - Neva
Camille - Anisa
Brooke - Beth
Sammy - Taylor
Kimya - Addy

Will L - Everett, Ben S
Nathan - Nick
John - Dominic
Keagan - Kai
Brett - Charles
Harry - David, Jake S
Jack - Jakey
Kaden - Owen
Willam K - Eli
Riley - Noah

Reminders Week of 6/18

- Our 2nd Intrasquad is on Wednesday night. All swimmers have until the end of practice on Wednesday to sign up.  -- PIZZA!!! We will be selling pizza and soda at the intrasqaud meet. YUM!
- The Ken Caryl Invitational is on Friday/Saturday. Please check the blog later in the week for individual time entries and parent volunteer needs. We are still waiting to hear from the Meet organizers for final details.
- The C/D Meet is on Sunday: Swimmers have until Thursday at end of practice to sign up for this meet. It is an online sign up (right side of blog). We will need 4 timers and 1 official for this meet. Please sign up to help if you are attending.
- The Pentathlon is also on Sunday: Swimmers have until Thursday at end of practice to sign up for this meet. It is an online sign up (right side of blog). Please check back for parent volunteer needs. We are still waiting to hear from the Meet organizers for final details.
- Next week on Wednesday, June 27th:  Pictures, Pancakes and WaterWorld Day! More info to come soon, but please know that in lieu of practice we will have team and individual pictures, along with a pancake breakfast for all swimmers. For those who want to join us, we will then head up to WaterWorld for a day of fun. We will have a discount link posted soon for tickets, along with meet up details.

Swimmers of the Week (week of 6/11/18)

Female Swimmer of the Week: Camille Anderson
Camille was a champion of lane four this week, keeping on track with the intervals and completing the sets with her best effort. She consistently practices excellent technique and is a great example for her teammates. She crushed it at the meet, posting great times in the relays and her individuals and always followed any advice we gave her. Nice job Camille!

Male Swimmer of the Week: Everett Tompkins
Everett has been an excellent role model in the smaller 9-10 practice. He keeps up with the intervals and doesn't mess around when he is supposed to be swimming, giving it his all in every set. This showed in the meet when he dropped lots of time in his 50 back and 100 free. Also, everyone should be like Everett and come ask for advice before and after their races! Way to go Everett!

GMSC Parking Lot Closed Monday 6/18

The City of Lakewood is finishing up a paving job on Union. The parking lots will be closed on Monday 6/18. Please use the upper grass lot for swim practice. Thanks!

Gator Updates: Week of June 11 & June 18

We have a TON going on the next two weeks. Please read through and start planning. Many of these events require action on your part to sign up.

Saturday, June 16th:  GMST v. Gennesse @ GMSC  -- this is our last home meet for about a month. Genesse is small team, so the meet should end earlier than our previous meets. Your child has until the end of practice on Friday to sign up. Also, Gennese has requested a fun parent/coach relay in the middle of the meet. We are in need of 1 or 2 parents to step up and help us with this! Please email Danielle if interested.

Wednesday, June 20th:  Instrasquad #2 @ GMSC  -- sign up sheets will be put up for this event on Monday 6/18 and will be taken down Wednesday 6/20 after practice.

Friday/Saturday, June 22/23:  Ken Caryl Invitational Meet -- your child must qualify for this meet by getting Qualifying Times up to and during the Saturday meet against Gennesse.  Click on Qualifying Athletes to see list of who has qualified thus far.  If your child is able to swim, Ethan must know by the end of the meet against Gennesse. We will submit all names at the end of Saturday. There will be no changes to add/scratch after this. No exceptions. -- Details for event will be on right side of blog.

Sunday, June 24th:  C/D Meet  -- all swimmers with C, D or "no time" in an event may attend this event and swim. All entries must be submitted by Thursday 6/21 at 7am. You can sign up here or on the right side of the blog.

Sunday, June 24th:  Pentathalon @ AAC  -- This meet is for swimmers who have a B or better qualifying time in 3 of the following 5 events:  freestyle, back stroke, breast stroke, butterfly and/or IM.  If your swimmer wants to participate they will swim all 5 events (freestyle, back stroke, breast stroke, butterfly and IM) at this meet. All entries must be submitted by Thursday 6/21 at 7am. You may sign up for this meet here or on the right side of the blog.

Monday, June 25th:  Practice is cancelled. The coaches have earned a day off and your swimmers have earned an "active recovery day".  Let them sleep in and run free :)

Night Practice Change

Due to an event at the pool on Thursday, night practice will be switched to tonight for those interested.

Need 1-2 Parent Swimmers on Saturday!

Hello Parents. We will be having a coach/parent relay during the meet against Gennesse. It’s super fun and will take place right before the Freestyle relays start. It will also be a chance to cool off during a very hot day! Please contact Danielle if you are interested.

Swimmers of the Week (June 4 - 10)

Hello Gators it is time to announce our first swimmers of the week!! (Swimmers are chosen for the week previous to the post).

Female Swimmer of the Week: Taryn McGraw

Taryn was a dream to have at practice and meets as she was consistent in doing what was expected of her and even more. She was always on time for warm-ups and gave it her all in the sets, even the many hard ones. In meets and practice, she often asks for tips on how to improve her technique and then practices improving regularly. She brings her best attitude to all events and even makes the coach's job easier by volunteering to pull lane ropes. Great work Taryn!

Male Swimmer of the Week: Devon Garls

Devon is new to the Gators this year and we are so glad to have him! Without question he took the role of leading the fastest lane in his practice and continues to keep them on pace and working hard. He is quite the powerhouse in races as well. He brings his all to individuals and relays and blows people out of the water, especially in the butterfly, all with a very modest and composed attitude (Look for him at our next meets and you'll see what we mean). Keep it up Devon!

Last Opportunity for Official's Training on Tuesday

If you want to be an official this year, Tuesday is your last chance to receive the training. The clinic will be held at the Stingrays pool (6th Ave West Pool - 400 Holman Way) in Golden with the lecture starting at 5pm and the in-water demo starting at 6:15pm. Returning officials only need to attend the lecture once a year. All new officials need to attend both the lecture and in-water demo. If you have any questions, please contact Dave.

GMSC Offering Swim Assistant Classes for Ages 10+

Green Mountain Swim Club is now offering a water safety class! If you would like to work as a swim assistant, you must be 10 years old and take this class.

The first class is scheduled and will be held on the following days/times:
June 11-14th from 10-10:40am
June 15th 10-11:15am (test day)

Cost of the class is $40 for all GMSC members and Swim Team members ($45 cost for all other participants)
Payment is due at the first class

Sign up today by emailing staffing.gmsc@gmail.com
Limit 6 kids for this class

Reminder for Freestyle Frenzy

You have until 2pm on Saturday to sign up for the Freestyle Frenzy. Please use the "swimmer sign up" link on the right side of the blog. 

Freestyle Frenzy: We have a meet on Sunday that is a fundraiser for our swim team (all times are official and do count towards league and state). Your child must have a "B" time or better in one of the freestyle disciplines (400 free, 200 free, 100 free, 50 free or 25 free) to qualify.  Please check your results times from the Instrasquad and the 5Parks meet against the FSA Qual Times sheet.  Your child can also qualify during the AAC meet on Saturday. If your child does not have a B time, then it is at the discretion of the coahes if they think they are close enough in time to do it. Questions can be directed to the coaches.

Upper Division Night Practice - Cancelled for Tonight

The Swim Club is having movie night tonight, so we won't be able to have night practice. Enjoy your night off :)

Update of Practice Times (Again!)

Hi Parents. We are needing to shift practice times again. The coaches are working hard to manage our swimmers and make sure that they all have enough space to swim hard and be safe.  We will start on Monday, June 11th with the new practice times. If you want to start today... go for it! If you have any questions, please see Coach Ethan.

6:30 am - 8:00 am: age 13 and older  - same
8:00 am - 9:00 am: age 11-12 - change
9:00 am - 9:50 am: age 10 and under - change

Swimmer of the Week--starting next week

The Gator coaches and board members are excited to implement a new award for swimmer of the week.  This swimmer recognition will begin next week.

During the summer swim season the coaches will be recognizing one female and one male swimmer each week.  Swimmers can be chosen from any age group. Upon being chosen for the swimmer of the week the swimmer will be recognized on the blog and on the bulletin board at the swimming pool as well as receiving a Dairy Queen gift card.

Swimmer of the Week criteria

**Behavior and Attitude:  highest standards for behavior and manners at all swim team functions; positive attitude in regards to all swimming related programs

**Effort:  demonstrate a resilient, consistent, hard-work ethic both in and out of the pool

**Attendance:  attends practice regularly; participates in meets consistently

**Learning:  demonstrates excellent listening skills; responsiveness to instruction; improve skill development

**Organization:  demonstrates independence; self motivator; arrives on time; has all "equipment"

**Performance:  applies skills and techniques acquired/developed during practice in meets; demonstrates proper form; drops time in events

**Team Work:  demonstrates excellent teamwork helping all team mates; cheers for other swimmers during events; participates in buddy program

**Gator Factor:  All the above and a little something extra!!!!!!!!!!!

Parent Volunteers

Attention all parents:

We are trying something new with our parent volunteer sign-ups.  We have posted links on the blog (right hand side) for all meets with parent volunteer opportunities.  Please look at this list and sign-up in advance for meets your swimmer will be attending.  The sooner you sign-up the better chance you will have to do the job you want :)

Thanks in advance for supporting the Gators and trying this new feature.  

Change of Venue for Saturday Meet vs. AAC

Please note the Saturday meet against Applewood Athletic has been moved to our pool.  AAC is still going to "host" the meet which means that they will run the heating shed, computer results table, concessions, etc but will do this from our pool.  We will not need to "staff up" our volunteers like a normal home meet, but we still need a small bit of help like at our away meets. The GMSC Pool Board was kind enough to give us the pool until 11:00 am on Saturday because of our emergency situation of not having somewhere to swim on Saturday. A HUGE thanks!! However, this does mean that we might have to cut relays from the event and/or go down to two events per swimmer. Please have your swimmer sign up as usual for the meet (3 events and relays if they want) and understand that some of this might get cut.  The schedule of events will be set before the meet starts and there will be no deck entries on the day of the meet. Thanks for being so understanding and please say thank you to any pool board member that you might run into!

Big Buddies

We are trying to determine if our tradition of having Big Buddies (upper division) cheer, mentor and encourage Little Buddies (lower divisions) is a possibility this year. The coaches have reached out to your kids to see if they would like to do it. Please let your child know to talk to their coach if they are interested. Thanks.

Upper Division Night Practices

Night practices for upper division only will start this week.
Tuesdays/Thursdays from 8:00pm-9:00pm
Text Ethan if you plan to attend. (720) 335-4894

Updated practice info

As discussed at the parent meeting, here are the updated age groups for practice starting on Monday, 4 June. If you need to practice in another session for any reason, see Ethan for approval. Please adhere to this schedule so that our kids have sufficient lane space.


6:30 am - 8:00 am: age 13 and older
8:00 am - 9:00 am: age 10-12
9:00 am - 9:50 am: age 9 and under

More officials training available!

The league added some additional training on Sunday June 3 at 2:30 pm at GMRC (lecture only) and Tuesday June 12 5:00 pm at Stingrays (both lecture, then water demo at 6:15 pm). If you're interested, please attend one of these sessions. We can always do additional training on deck at a swim meet.

REMINDERS FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 4TH:

Meet Volunteers: Thank you to everyone who volunteered at the meet on Saturday, especially those who double volunteered to fill in the gaps!! As a reminder, every family needs to volunteer/sign up for at least one shift at every meet that you attend. If your kid is there, you need to be helping. We can't do it without you. Seriously, we can't do it without your help.

Saturday Meet vs. AAC:  We will be swimming at the Applewood Athletic pool on Saturday. Apparently they are having some construction done on a new shed that will effect both where we can sit/setup and whether or not they have electricity. We may be going old school with candlelit bathrooms and paper only time keeping.  Results may not be posted on race day, so please be patient. And if they tell you to sit somewhere else, just smile and say OK.

Freestyle Frenzy: We have a meet on Sunday that is a fundraiser for our swim team (all times are official and do count towards league and state). Your child must have a "B" time or better in one of the freestyle disciplines (400 free, 200 free, 100 free, 50 free or 25 free) to qualify.  Please check your results times from the Instrasquad and the 5Parks meet against the FSA Qual Times sheet.  If your child does not have a B time, then it is at the discretion of the coahes if they think they might get a B time at the AAC meet. Questions can be directed to the coaches.

Tie-Dye washing instructions

In case you didn't go home with instructions for your newly tie-dyed item.........

Please wait 24 hours to wash. Leave the item in the bag until you are ready to wash. While the shirt is still tied, it needs to be rinsed under cold running water. When you see very little dye running off the item, start to gradually remove the rubber bands while still rinsing. Get as much dye out as possible this way. Immediately after rinsing wash the item ( by itself ) with cold water and soap in the washing machine. Once this item has been washed and dried you are good to wear.

Wear your Gator gear around the pool!