Good evening Sharks!

First meet down, 5 more to go. Final score is Southdown: 366 Old Mill: 96. Thank you to all our volunteers at today’s swim meet. Let’s keep the momentum going all season long. We had some wonderful swims today and now we know what areas we need to improve on. I loved seeing our team spirit and our hard work these last 2 weeks is already showing! Swimmers will be able to pick up their ribbons from the ribbon box during practice on Monday. Each family has a folder in the ribbon box where you can find the ribbons and DQ slips from each meet. If you have questions about DQ reasoning, feel free to ask myself, another coach, or Tess (who is an official).

I also want to emphasize the value of personal improvements over placement. For many of our swimmers, especially those just starting out, they may find themselves in earlier heats, swimming alongside others at a similar level. They may not "win" their heat or place in the overall event, but that does not mean they aren't succeeding. Every time a swimmer improves their own time, even by a fraction of a second, that is a win worth celebrating. We emphasize personal bests because they’re the clearest sign of progress. A swimmer who drops time, no matter their heat or place, is showing discipline, hard work, and improvement, and that’s what truly matters. These values are what help build confidence, perseverance, and a love for the sport.

I have attached the results, team scores, and Medal Meet qualifying times. Below is important information about our championship Medal Meets so please take the time to read thoroughly. Medal Meets qualifying times have not changed since last season. The championship season in GASL offers 3 meets of differing levels to allow all swimmers a chance to compete within their speed and skill level. Each swimmer may only attend one medal meet. It is recommended to attend the highest level championship that your swimmer qualifies for. In the event that a child qualifies for multiple meets, it is going to be up to the swimmer, parents, and coaches which meet they will attend. Swimmers can only swim events that fall within the time standards of the meet. For example, if they qualify for Silver in 50 breast, they cannot swim 50 breast at the Bronze meet.

Bronze - There are no qualifying times. Only available to swimmers 14 & under. Each swimmer under the age of 14 automatically qualifies for Bronze if there are no silver or gold times achieved. Takes place on Wednesday afternoon/ evening of July 15th.

Silver - Available to all ages 18 & under. Swimmers ages 15-18 will automatically qualify for Silver if there are no gold times achieved. Takes place on Saturday morning July 18th.

Gold - Available to all ages. Takes place on Sunday morning July 19th.

If you have any questions or concerns then do not hesitate to reach out! One last week of evening practice. Have a great weekend!

--Coach Nastya