News & Info
*** Medal Meet Qualifying Times are located under the Schedule tab. Once there, scroll toward the bottom of the page and click the link.
April 25, 2022
We've moved! Please visit wh.swimtopia.com.
June 23, 2021
WHITEHURST!!!!!!! WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Incredible job at the meet last night. Our swimmers were fierce and amazing. The team spirit and hard work from everyone involved was inspiring. What a great night. Huge thank you to those that worked the meet and especially those that stayed to help break down the meet set up! It took less than 10 minutes and in the blink of an eye you all put our pool back to normal. Thank you so much.
And...for the first time in a very long time....we won! Kids worked so hard and we are all so proud. The final score is below and results were emailed out. Please note that we are working on ribbons so they will not be ready for practice this morning.
Also...ummmm...apologies for the duckies. Holy moly...what a squeaky night! (On a serious note, if you didn't notice last night...kids were taking a plug or squeaker thing out of their ducks and putting them in their mouths...so...tiny little choking hazards. May be worth collecting and trashing those parts. Again, apologies for that fun treat.)
Thanks again to everyone and way to go Whitehurst Waves!
Final Score
WH=386
FO=350
Upcoming events and reminders:
Friday June 25: Swim team pictures. All swimmers (regardless of age) arrive by 9 am. There is no practice. Jen Kraus will start with individual photos. Team photo will occur at 9:30. Do NOT be late...we want all swimmers involved! Individual (and sibling) photos will continue after the team photo. We are usually done with the whole thing by 10 am. Kids should wear their team suit or shirt (or both).
Saturday June 26: last home meet! We swim against Fairwood. Swimmer should arrive by 7:45 am. As a reminder, there is a volunteer meeting during warmups, so volunteers should also arrive in time for that. We warm up at 8 am and the meet starts at 9 am.
July 5th: No practice!
July 6th: Practice in the morning as normal. Away swim meet vs. NCA in the evening. Arrive by 4:45 pm. We warm up at 5:00 pm. Volunteer/officials meeting occurs during our warm ups, so parents and kids should arrive at the same time (4:45 pm). Meet starts at 5:30 pm.
July 10th: last swim meets! The meet is away at Chesterfield. Arrive by 8:15 am. Parking is challenging.
July 10th: Swim A Thon!!!!! We host our annual fundraiser Swim A Thon from 8 pm until midnight this night. Super fun! More to come very soon. Check out the info on our website about it for your planning purposes. You will be collecting pledges, so the form is on the website if you want to get started early. (https://whitehurstswimteam.weebly.com/events.html)
- No meet the weekend of July 17.
- Yes, there are practices the last two weeks, despite there being no medal meets. Great exercise, keep them learning, and maybe do some informal racing.
Go Whitehurst Waves!!!
June 16, 2021
Great job at the first meet! It was incredible to see our team back up and running and with so many new swimmers too!
As Coach Ashley indicated in her earlier email, our next meet is this Saturday at Oakleigh Forest. All swimmers AND volunteers must arrive by 8:15 am. Our warm ups start at 8:30 and there will be an officials/volunteer meeting during our warm up time and prior to the start of the meet. (Consider arriving by 8 if you are concerned about parking or seating.)
Oakleigh Forest's clerk of course will be in their parking lot. They ask that there are only TWO spectators per child on the pool deck.
Please note that the next two meets (June 22/Tuesday evening and June 26/Saturday morning) are HOME meets. As a reminder, we don't include the meet clean up/break down job on our jobs list, because many families have always just stayed and helped...and it takes less than 10 minutes when a lot of people help). If this unofficial tradition doesn't continue, we will have to add meet clean up to our job sign up list. We're hoping folks will be willing to stick around for a rapid breakdown of the meet set up. Thanks so much!
Please warn your swimmers that the league is VERY short on ribbons (not sure there's even enough for this coming meet) due to COVID related supply and delivery issues. Ribbons will happen, but they may be late. Some pools will give out candy instead of heat winner ribbons during this time as well. Prep your kids for this ribbon shortage and delay please.
And...the Pep Rally has been rescheduled! Our Pep Rally will occur on Monday June 21st from 6-8 pm. See Jen Kraus or Stephanie Hunter for more info.
Amazing progress in just a few weeks by our swimmers. Please continue to remind and enforce the expectation that kids should not be hanging around the edge of the pool or by the steps as they are finished with or waiting for their practice session.
We move to morning practices on Monday the 21st. The practice schedule is below:
Morning practices start on Monday, June 21st
8:15-9:00 -- 9-10 year olds
9:00-9:30 -- 7-8 year olds
9:30-10:00 -- 6 and under
10:00-10:45 -- 11 and over
*No practice on Monday, July 5th.*
Next two noteworthy dates to remember:
June 25: Team Pictures 9-10 am (team photo at 9 am SHARP, individual photos after the team photo) (no practice) (wear a team suit or shirt if you have one)
July 10: Swim-a-Thon 8pm-midnight (more information soon)
Last item...please consider agreeing to learn the ropes of Concessions Manager from Kati Elliot. We won't have her much longer and we NEED someone to learn how she does it, consider modifying to make it their own if needed, and keep it going. If we don't get a willing replacement for Kati, we risk not having concessions, which would be awful for swim meets and swim team finances. Thanks for considering it!
May 24, 2021
Attention Swim Team Families,
Swim practice starts right after Memorial Day! So excited to be starting up again after a long hiatus!
A few safety reminders, particularly for our youngest team members: Parents, please remind your kids that they must listen to coaches at all times. When they are not actively swimming, they MUST have one hand on the wall, and their head above water, so they may hear instructions and safety is maintained. Parents, please also refrain from interacting with your kids during practice, unless of course, there’s a safety issue.
We are still awaiting some protocols regarding COVID mitigation strategies at meets. For practices, please be mindful of your spacing if you are spectating. Anyone who uses the bathroom should put on a mask when going inside due to the confined space.
Schedule
Afternoon practices will be June 1-June 18. Morning practices will be June 18-July 23.
Starts Tuesday, June 1 - June 18th
3:45-4:30 — Middle and High Schoolers
4:30-5:15 — 9-11 year olds
5:15-5:45 — 7-8 year olds
5:45-6:15 — 6 and unders
* No practice on Friday, June 11th...Pep Rally instead!*
Morning practices start on June 21st
8:15-9:00 -- 9-10 year olds
9:00-9:30 -- 7-8 year olds
9:30-10:00 -- 6 and under
10:00-10:45 -- 11 and over
*No practice on July 5th*
Volunteering/Jobs
We are aware that folks who signed up later were not able to sign up for all of their jobs because they were full. What a great problem for us to have! We are waiting for some clarification from the league regarding expectations for running a meet before we decide how we are going to better distribute the jobs. Stay tuned.
ESPL (our league) provides volunteer training. This is a good idea for anyone taking on a job that is more technical in nature and they've never done it before or need a refresher (example: Stroke and Turn, Referee, Starter). The date for this training is TENTATIVELY the first or second week of June (the league is looking at June 2 or 9)...stay tuned. You can also email Ali ([email protected]) for explanation of your meet job if needed.
Important Dates
- Pep Rally at the pool June 11 from 6-8 pm.
- Team Pictures are at the pool June 25 at 9:00 am.
- Swim a Thon will be July 10 from 8pm until 12 am.
- Swim team banquet will be July 25 from 7-9 pm.
See you at the pool soon!
April 27, 2021
Please join us to register your swimmer(s) this Sunday May 2 at the clubhouse from 5-6 pm. Swim suit try-ons will also be ongoing. You will have the opportunity to meet our coaches and ask any questions you may have.
We welcome our new Head Coach, Ashley Wolff, and our new Assistant Coach, Alex Kuriawa!
Come to the May 2 registration/suit try on prepared: fill out the registration documents ahead of time and bring your checkbook/money. You can find the registration forms/requirements under the Registration tab of the website and attached to this email. Registration is only complete when you’ve signed up for your volunteer jobs (a sign up genius link can be found on the website and is included in this email) and completed the 3 registration forms. (See below for more registration details.)
Is my child ready for swim team? Typically, the easiest answer is that if they can swim the length of the pool unassisted, then they are ready. If your swimmer is comfortable putting their face in the water and willing to swim unassisted, then they should certainly come give it a try. It’s not an issue if they have to pause 1-2 times on the lane rope on their way down the pool, as they first start. Still unsure? See Ali Mikeska and the coaches at the parent meeting on May 2 to discuss your individual child.
How much “volunteering” is required? Unfortunately, we must all pitch in, a lot. In recent summers, the requirement per family was that you must sign up for 5 jobs (4 meets and an event, or 5 meets). The only way to decrease that requirement is if more Whitehurst families register for swim team! So, encourage your neighbor! The more the merrier. And, despite the volunteer requirement, we have a lot of fun working these meets so that our kids can have the best possible experience. So…thanks so much in advance!
This website will be updated throughout the next several weeks/months, so check back frequently. We will communicate primarily via email and this website. Thank you. http://whitehurstswimteam.weebly.com/
For your planning purposes, below are some key dates for swim team this year:
Afternoon practices will be June 1-June 18 (or whatever the last day of school ends up being). Morning practices will be June 21-July 23.
PM Practices: June 1-June 18 AM Practices: June 18-July 23
3:45-4:30 Middle & High Schoolers 8:15-9:00 9-10 year olds
4:30-5:15 9-11 year olds 9:00-9:30 7-8 year olds
5:15-5:45 7-8 year olds 9:30-10:00 6 & Unders
5:45-6:15 6 & Unders 10:00-10:45 11 & Overs
- Parent meeting and suit sale is at clubhouse on May 2 from 5-6 pm.
- Pep Rally at the pool June 11 from 6-8 pm (pending COVID restrictions/guidelines).
- Team Pictures are at the pool June 25 at 9 am (details to follow).
- Meets will occur on June 12, June 19, June 22, June 26, July 6, and July 10. Silver is July 22, Bronze is July 24, Gold is July 25 (medal meets are tentative as of this email). The specific meet schedule is available on the website.
- Swim a Thon will be July 10 from 8pm until 12 am (pending COVID restrictions/guidelines).
- Swim team banquet/ice cream social will be July 25 from 7-9 pm.
Registration:
On the website, under the Registration tab, you will find the 3 required registration forms. (They are also attached to this email!) Please fill these out and bring them on May 2nd!. (1. Registration form, 2. ESPL Parents Pledge of Conduct, 3. ESPL Release Form)
In order to officially complete the registration process, you must sign up for your swim meet jobs on the Sign Up Genius link below. You must sign up for 4 meets and 1 event, or 5 meets. Feel free to reach out if you are unsure of what a particular job entails. More information can be found on the team website on the volunteering tab. The link is also on the registration form. Job signs ups are first come, first served. Once you've signed up, list your jobs on your registration form to turn in.
(Apologies for the short notice on completing the Sign Up Genius volunteer form. This must be completed and listed on your registration form, but we did not get the final meet plan until now, hence the quick turn around time for your volunteer sign up and registration!)
Sign Up Genius Link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DABA72DA02-swim1
(Summary: First sign up for jobs on the Sign Up Genius Link (do this between now and Sunday May 2). Then, record those jobs on the swim team registration form. Print and sign 3 documents (linked above or found on the Registration tab). Bring check or cash! Bring all 3 forms completed, and your check/money to the May 2nd meeting!)
Important Links/Info:
Welcome to 2021 Swim Team
Whitehurst Swim Team 2021 Calendar & Info
Thanks so much!
March 29, 2021
Hello Whitehurst Swim Team families,
The 2021 season is just around the corner. Please join us to register your swimmer(s) on Sunday May 2 at the clubhouse from 5-6 pm. COVID protocols such as masks and social distancing will be required (more details to come). You'll have the opportunity to meet our coaches and order swim suits from Metro Swim Shop.
Come prepared: fill out the registration documents ahead of time and bring your checkbook/money. To register, you will complete three documents (all found on our swim team website on the Registration tab): 1. Registration form, 2. ESPL Parents Pledge of Conduct, 3. ESPL Release Form. Registration is only complete when you’ve signed up for your volunteer jobs (a sign up genius link to be available later), completed the 3 registration forms, and submitted payment.
***The website is partially updated. You can view the registration form and the calendar and various dates/schedules now for your planning purposes. However, much of this is subject to change, pending the early April league meeting. Additionally, the volunteer Sign Up Genius link has not yet been updated. All of this will be updated on the website in the coming weeks. Check back mid April for those updates! So again, you can peruse the website and the various documents attached for your planning purposes, however you won't be able to complete the registration forms until mid April due to the need to await further updates.
Is my child ready for swim team? Typically, the easiest answer is that if they can swim the length of the pool unassisted, then they are ready. If your swimmer is comfortable putting their face in the water and willing to swim unassisted, then they should certainly come give it a try. It’s not an issue if they have to pause 1-2 times on the lane rope on their way down the pool, as they first start. It should be noted that swim team is not the same as swim lessons though, and swimmers do need to be able to swim unassisted, so that coaches are able to spread their attention to multiple swimmers without posing a safety risk. Still unsure? See Ali Mikeska and the coaches at the parent meeting on May 2 to discuss your individual child.
How much “volunteering” is required? The reality is, we must all pitch in, a lot. In previous summers, the requirement per family was that you must sign up for 4 meet jobs and 1 event (or 5 meets). The only way to decrease that requirement is if more Whitehurst families register for swim team! So, encourage your neighbor! The more the merrier. And, despite the volunteer requirement, we have a lot of fun working these meets so that our kids can have the best possible experience. So…thanks so much in advance!
Here’s some key dates and info for your planning purposes:
Afternoon practices will be June 1-June 18 (or whatever the last day of school ends up being). Morning practices will be June 21-July 23 (dates subject to change based on AACPS calendar).
Afternoon Practices:
3:45-4:30 — Middle and High Schoolers
4:30-5:15 — 9-11 year olds
5:15-5:45 — 7-8 year olds
5:45-6:15 — 6 and unders
* No practice on Friday, June 11th...Pep Rally instead!* (pending COVID related guidelines/restrictions)
Morning Practices:
8:15-9:00 -- 9-10 year olds
9:00-9:30 -- 7-8 year olds
9:30-10:00 -- 6 and under
10:00-10:45 -- 11 and over
*No practice on Monday July 5th*
Registration and suit sale is at clubhouse on May 2 from 5-6 pm.
Pep Rally at the pool June 11 from 6-8 pm. (pending COVID related guidelines/restrictions)
Team Pictures are at the pool June 25 at 9:00 am.
Swim-a-Thon is at the pool July 10 from 8pm-midnight. (pending COVID related guidelines/restrictions)
Banquet/Ice Cream Social is July 25 from 7-9 pm at the pool
Dual Meet and Medal Meet Schedule is TENTATIVE/NOT FINAL!!!
Meet Schedule (Tentative)
June 12- home vs Berrywood
June 19- away at Oakleigh Forest
June 22- home vs Fair Oaks (Tues evening)
June 26- home vs Fairwood
July 6-away at NCA (Tues evening)
July 10- away at Chesterfield
July 17- BYE week
Saturday morning meets start at 9 am (home team warms up at 8, away team at 8:30)
Tuesday evening meets start at 5:30 pm (home team warms up at 4:30, away team at 4:00)
Medal Meets (Tentative)
July 22- Silver Meet at Berrywood (Thursday evening meet)
July 24- Bronze meet at Chesterfield
July 25-Gold meet at Whitehurst
In late April, you can expect an update from me with the updated website and 2021 documents and registration materials.
Thanks so much! This website will be updated throughout the next several weeks/months, so check back frequently. We will communicate primarily via email and the website. Thank you. http://whitehurstswimteam.weebly.com/
***No longer on swim team or interested in receiving these emails? Let Erica Mules know, at [email protected]. Thanks!
--Ali Mikeska
March 22, 2021
Greetings Whitehurst Swim Team,
I know everyone is anxious to hear about swim team this summer. Me too! We are planning on it happening and the league is still ironing out the details of what that may look like this year. So, I do not have anything official yet, but am moving forward with planning.
The team website is not currently up to date, but will be in the next few weeks, so check back there for your own planning purposes.
Our coaches from last year (Haley and Anna) will not be returning this summer. We are sad to see them go, but are excited for them as they embark on their next adventures. Stay tuned very soon for announcements introducing this summer's coaching staff!
We are looking for a few key volunteers for the coming summer:
1. We need two people to take on the role of running the Pep Rally. The Pep Rally is the Friday before the first swim meet (so it will likely be June 11th). Due to COVID, we will not likely make it the "party" it usually is and will have to implement more strict guidelines. Much of this will depend on the rules of the pool as well. So, while we aren't actually 100% sure if we will even have a traditional pep rally, I'd like to get two people on board to head it up, in case we do have something. Please email Ali Mikeska if you're willing: [email protected].
2. We need someone to learn the ropes of the concession stand/train with Kati Elliot. It's a big job, but super important. We'd like someone to work closely with Kati to learn how she's been doing it all these years! Email Ali Mikeska if you're interested and we'll get you hooked up with Kati.
3. We need someone to coordinate the ordering of T-shirts for all swimmers. The shirt size info is usually gathered on registration paperwork. We will get you connected to Jen Kraus, who has previously done it, for "learning" purposes. Email Ali if you're willing! [email protected]
Registration information for swim team, as well as swim suit try-on/meet the coaches date (likely early May), will come out soon!
Stay tuned!
September 15, 2020
Please see the linked slide show to recognize graduated Whitehurst swim team senior Mackenzie Burfoot! Good luck, Mackenzie, on your journey to Liberty University and thank you for your contributions to Whitehurst swimming!
May 22, 2020
Email to swim team members from May 22, 2020:
It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you all that our league has made the unavoidable decision to cancel the 2020 swim season. Due to the current restrictions, and the uncertain future, it is not feasible to run the league this summer. They held out as long as possible and were actually the last local league to make the decision.
Should anything change with restrictions, we will certainly let you know.
One or two of you recently reached out to ask if we would be able to conduct "unofficial" clinics or practices if the pool opens. At this stage, it is too soon to say. Without knowing the status of pools, restrictions, health, etc...we cannot currently plan for such a thing. It is definitely something the swim team committee has and will discuss again with each other and in conjunction with the community board when and if the time is appropriate.
We very much want to bring joy to our kids this summer and we are saddened that this tradition is temporarily taken away. We will just have to make sure that 2021 is better than ever.
For those of you with swimmers that are high school seniors...please email me at [email protected] with a little bio about their swimming experience, fun memories with WH, a few photos if you'd like, and plans for next year. We still intend to honor and acknowledge our Seniors. Please email me by July 1st.
I'll be in touch again in the coming weeks...just because it wouldn't be a summer without you all getting hundreds of emails from me.
All the best, stay healthy...and GO WHITEHURST!
April 27, 2020
At this time, due to the uncertainty of the pool and swim league, we will be postponing swim team registration. Also, due to current regulations, we are also cancelling the May 3rd swim suit ordering and registration session.
The swim team website is updated with current information regarding calendar, coaches, registration etc. However, registration and other calendar info is all subject to change based on COVID related decisions. Please stay tuned for further updates.
In summary, 2020 swim team registration is postponed for now.
In the event we get to have a full or even partial season, please explore the tabs of our website for registration info and other key details. Additionally, you'll need to sign up for your parent volunteer requirement via the sign up genius. All of this can be found at the various website tabs. Some of the key info is linked below here as well.
Key info for the season:
1. 2020 Info and Calendar Document
2. Welcome to the 2020 Season Document
Sign Up Genius for Parent Jobs:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DABA72DA02-swim1
Registration Info:
1. ESPL Parents Pledge of Conduct
2. ESPL Release Form
3. WST Registration Form 2020
March 7, 2020
Hello Whitehurst Swim Team families,
The 2020 season is just around the corner. Please join us to register your swimmer(s) on Sunday May 3 at the clubhouse from 4-5 pm. (It’s only ONE hour this year…and no meeting…just swim suit ordering and drop off registration forms!) You'll have the opportunity to chat with our coaches and to ask any questions about the season.
Come to the meeting prepared: fill out the registration documents ahead of time and bring your checkbook/money. Once updated (later this month) you can find the registration forms/requirements under the Registration tab of the website. Registration is only complete when you’ve signed up for your volunteer jobs (a sign up genius link to be available later) and completed the 3 registration forms.
***The registration forms, team website, and Sign Up Genius volunteer link are NOT updated yet. They will be updated in the coming weeks. Check back at the end of March or early April for those updates!
Is my child ready for swim team? Typically, the easiest answer is that if they can swim the length of the pool unassisted, then they are ready. If your swimmer is comfortable putting their face in the water and willing to swim unassisted, then they should certainly come give it a try. It’s not an issue if they have to pause 1-2 times on the lane rope on their way down the pool, as they first start. It should be noted that swim team is not the same as swim lessons though, and swimmers do need to be able to swim unassisted, so that coaches are able to spread their attention to multiple swimmers without posing a safety risk. Still unsure? See Ali Mikeska and the coaches at the parent meeting on May 3 to discuss your individual child.
How much “volunteering” is required? The reality is, we must all pitch in, a lot. Last summer, the requirement per family was that you must sign up for 4 jobs. The only way to decrease that requirement is if more Whitehurst families register for swim team! So, encourage your neighbor! The more the merrier. And, despite the volunteer requirement, we have a lot of fun working these meets so that our kids can have the best possible experience. So…thanks so much in advance!
Here’s some key dates and info for your planning purposes:
Afternoon practices will be May 26-June 16 (or whatever the last day of school ends up being). Morning practices will be June 17-July 26 (dates subject to change based on AACPS calendar).
Afternoon Practices:
3:45-4:30 — Middle and High Schoolers
4:30-5:15 — 9-11 year olds
5:15-5:45 — 7-8 year olds
5:45-6:15 — 6 and unders
* No practice on Friday, June 12th...Pep Rally instead!*
Morning Practices:
8:15-9:00 -- 9-10 year olds
9:00-9:30 -- 7-8 year olds
9:30-10:00 -- 6 and under
10:00-10:45 -- 11 and over
*No practice on Friday, July 3rd*
Registration and suit sale is at clubhouse on May 3 from 4-5 pm.
Pep Rally at the pool June 12 from 6-8 pm.
Team Pictures are at the pool June 19 at 9:00 am.
Swim-a-Thon is at the pool July 11 from 8pm-midnight.
Meet Schedule
Saturday June 13 home vs. Berrywood
Saturday June 20 away @ Oakleigh Forrest
Tuesday June 23 home vs. Fair Oaks
Saturday June 27 home vs Fairwood
Tuesday July 7 away @ North Cape Arthur
Saturday July 11 away @ Chesterfield
Saturday July 18 Bye
Saturday morning meets start at 9 am (home team warms up at 8, away team at 8:30)
Tuesday evening meets start at 5:30 pm (home team warms up at 4:30, away team at 4:00)
Medal Meets
Silver is July 23 @ Berrywood, Bronze is July 25@ Chesterfield, Gold is July 26 @ Whitehurst!
Swim team awards and ice cream party will be July 26 from 7-9 pm.
In late March/early April, you can expect an update from me with the updated website and 2020 documents and registration materials.
Thanks so much! This website will be updated throughout the next several weeks/months, so check back frequently. We will communicate primarily via email and the website. Thank you. http://whitehurstswimteam.weebly.com/
July 8, 2019
Good afternoon Whitehurst swimmers and families,
Below are some important items regarding swim team. I know it’s a lot…but it’s all important regarding pretty much the rest of the season. Please read thoroughly.
1. Our last home meet is July 13. Please have swimmers arrive by 7:45. The meet starts promptly at 9:00. There will be a meeting for timers, recorders, clerk of course, and meet officials at approximately 8:30 am.
2. Swim-a-thon is Saturday night, July 13th from 8 pm until midnight. This is our MAJOR fundraiser and is a ton of fun for the kids! There will be snacks, drinks, and music.
We are asking that your swimmers collect pledges as per the Pledge Sheet (sent out last week and also found on the website). The pledges can be on a "per length" basis or as a flat fee. Pledge sheets are due to Sara Zelechoski by July 22nd.
For all participants, there is a minimum donation of $20.00.
All swimmers can use devices, such as fins, kickboards, etc.
The pool will be closed to anyone not participating. Siblings and other family members watching, but not swimming laps, may NOT enter the pool.
Please stay tuned for a separate email later in the week with directions that will indicate how laps will be counted this year (slight changes from last year).
Thanks so much for your support, and please reach out to Jen Peacock ([email protected]) or Sara Zelechoski ([email protected]) if you have any questions about the Swim-a-Thon.
3. Our next away meet (and last dual meet of the season) is at Fair Oaks Tuesday July 16th. Please arrive by 4:45 pm for our 5:00 pm warm ups.
5. Medal Meets: Erica Mules sent out a report yesterday that listed your kids’ times and indicated which meets they’ve qualified for based on those times. A swimmer must have swum in 3 meets in order to be allowed to swim in any medal meet. In order to determine which medal meet your child swims in, it is determined by their qualifying times. A swimmer must swim a qualifying time twice in the same event, or once in two different events in order to swim in that meet. If you are unsure which meet your child currently qualifies for, please see Coach Haley for clarification. If your child will NOT be at their medal meet, please tell Coach Haley ASAP. The turn around time to submit the line up is fast, and we will use this information for volunteer roles.
Medal meets will require parent volunteers, separate from the current sign up genius. Please plan to work in some way at the meet that your child is going to. Traditionally, these jobs are assigned to the families of the swimmers in each meet. This is typically something like timer, recorder, or clerk of course. Stay tuned for now. Erica Mules will make assignments and send another email out when we know what the host team needs us to provide.
6. Swim team banquet is July 28th. We will start with an ice cream social and then the coaches will give out awards to recognize our swimmers. At the end of the awards, there will be a slide show of images from the season. To contribute pictures to the slide show, please email your images to Kathryn Robinette at: [email protected] or text her at 443-800-1412.
Thanks again for all you do to make this team function! I know the kids appreciate it and enjoy their experience...and your efforts are appreciated so much!
Thanks,
Ali
July 1, 2019
Below are some important items regarding swim team. Please read thoroughly.
Home meet against NCA is this Sunday, July 7th. Please have swimmers arrive by 7:45 am so that we can have our kids start warm-ups right away. Officials and timers/recorders should be prepared to participate in the pre-meet meeting at 8:30 am.
Swim-a-thon is coming! It is Saturday night, July 13th from 8 pm until midnight. (There is also a home swim meet that morning!) The swim-a-thon is our MAJOR fundraiser and is a ton of fun for the kids! There will be snacks, drinks, and music.
We are asking that your swimmers collect pledges as per the attached Pledge Sheet. The pledges can be on a "per length" basis or as a flat fee. It is explained on the form attached. Pledge sheets are due to Sara Zelechoski by July 22nd.
New this year: There is a minimum donation of $20.00 for swimmers of ALL ages.
All swimmers can use devices, such as fins, kickboards, etc. to help swim as much as they’d like. Swimmers of ALL ages may swim from 8 pm until midnight.
Any community member is allowed to collect pledges and swim for the team, or to help count laps that night. Same rules apply to non-swim team members. (See the Sign Up Genius for under the Volunteering tab at http://whitehurstswimteam. weebly.com/ to sign up to count laps...and feel free to share the link with non swim team families in Whitehurst!)
The pool will be closed to anyone not participating. Siblings and other family members watching, but not swimming laps, may NOT enter the pool.
Think of this as our own little Whitehurst Waves Pool Party. The kids will all have a great time.
Thanks so much for your support, and please reach out to Jen Peacock ([email protected]) or Sara Zelechoski ([email protected]) if you have any questions about the Swim-a-Thon.
Throughout the swim meet season, swimmers' have the opportunity to qualify for one of three "medal meets". These are our end of season championship meets. Swimmers will qualify based on their times, for either Bronze, Silver, or Gold. In order to qualify for the Silver or Gold meet, a swimmer must swim a qualifying time in 2 events, or twice in one event. They have all of the regular dual meets to do this. The qualifying times will be posted on the front page of our swim team website if you are interested in seeing them. See Coach Haley with any questions.
Sunday, May 19, 2019
Attention Swim Team Families,
Swim practice starts right after Memorial Day! We have officials and volunteer training coming up on June 6th as well. We also have a few jobs left unfilled at this time. Please see the detailed email below with further information. Looking forward to another great season!
Please note that due to the timing of her college courses, Coach Haley will be unable to attend the first few practices. Coach Anna will be running practices during the first week, with the assistance of MacKenzie Burfoot during this time. Haley and Anna have met and planned out practices and expectations and Anna is well prepared to start our season off.
A few safety reminders, particularly for our youngest team members: Parents, please remind your kids that they must listen to coaches at all times. When they are not actively swimming, they MUST have one hand on the wall, and their head above water, so they may hear instructions and safety is maintained. Parents, please also refrain from interacting with your kids during practice, unless of course, there’s a safety issue.
Schedule
Swim practice starts soon! Please refer to the schedule below.
Afternoon practices will be May 28-June 14. Morning practices will be June 17-July 26.
Starts Tuesday, May 28th - Friday, June 14th
3:45-4:30 — Middle and High Schoolers
4:30-5:15 — 9-11 year olds
5:15-5:45 — 7-8 year olds
5:45-6:15 — 6 and unders
* No practice on Friday, June 14th...Pep Rally instead!*
Morning practices start on Monday, June 17th
8:15-9:00 -- 9-10 year olds
9:00-9:30 -- 7-8 year olds
9:30-10:00 -- 6 and under
10:00-10:45 -- 11 and over
*No practice on Thursday, July 4th, and Friday, July 5th*
Volunteering/Jobs
If you haven’t already signed up for your FIVE jobs (4 meets and 1 event), please do so. It’s looking like we are short a few jobs, so if you just love helping out, feel free to take as many as you’d like! Thank you so much for all of the work you do and a special thanks to those who’ve already taken more than their fair share!
Jobs Still Not Filled (it’s looking pretty good so thanks so much!!!)
July 7: Clerk of Course (1) (talk to Erica or Doug Mules for details on this job…it involves helping to line kids up on benches before they swim)
July 13: Timer (1)
The meet jobs above take priority, but we also need:
July 13 Swim-a-Thon: lap counters…it’s a fun night
Important Dates
- Officials and Volunteer Training at Oakleigh Forrest on June 6th at 6pm. This is important for new volunteers, and key roles such as starter, referee, and stroke and turn judge.
- Pep Rally at the pool June 14 from 6-8 pm.
- Team Pictures are at the pool June 21 at 9:00 am.
- Meets will occur on June 15, June 22, June 29, July 7, July 13, and July 16. Silver is July 25, Bronze is July 27, Gold is July 28. Saturday/Sunday meets are in the mornings. The July 16th one will be in the evening. The specific meet schedule is available on the Calendar and Schedule tabs.
- Swim a Thon will be July 13 from 8pm until 12 am.
- Swim team banquet will be July 28 from 7-9 pm.
Monday, April 8, 2019
Hello Whitehurst Swim Team families,
The 2019 season is upon us. Please remember to join us to register your swimmer(s) on Saturday May 5th at the clubhouse from 4-6 pm. Swim suit try-ons will also be ongoing. An informal parent meeting will begin at 4:30 and you'll have the opportunity to meet our coaches and to receive a great deal of information about the season.
Please also visit our website: http://whitehurstswimteam.weeb ly.com/
It is updated now and will be updated regularly, so check back frequently. We will communicate primarily via email and this website. Thank you.
Registration:
On the website, under the Registration tab, you will find the 3 required registration forms. (They are also attached to an email!) Please fill these out and bring them on May 5th!.
In order to officially complete the registration process, you must sign up for your swim meet jobs on the Sign Up Genius link below. You must sign up for 4 meets and 1 event, or 5 meets. Feel free to reach out if you are unsure of what a particular job entails. More information can be found on the team website on the volunteering tab. The link is also on the registration form. Job signs ups are first come, first served. Once you've signed up, list your jobs on your registration form to turn in.
Sign Up Genius Link:
(Summary: First sign up for jobs on the Sign Up Genius Link. Then, record those jobs on the swim team registration form. Print and sign 3 documents (attached to this email). Bring check! Bring all 3 forms completed, and your check/money to the May 5th meeting!)
Check out the links below for team info and a calendar:
2019 Welcome and Info
2019 Calendar and Info
Thanks and see you all soon!
Ali
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Hello Whitehurst Swim Team families,
The 2019 season is just around the corner. Please join us to register your swimmer(s) on Sunday May 5 at the clubhouse from 4-6 pm. Swim suit try-ons will also be ongoing. A parent meeting will begin at 4:30 and you'll have the opportunity to meet our coaches and to receive a great deal of information about the season.
We welcome back Head Coach Haley and we welcome our new Assistant Coach, Anna Roros!
Come to the meeting prepared: fill out the registration documents ahead of time and bring your checkbook/money. Once updated (later this month) you can find the registration forms/requirements under the Registration tab of the website. Registration is only complete when you’ve signed up for your volunteer jobs (a sign up genius link to be available later) and completed the 3 registration forms.
Is my child ready for swim team? Typically, the easiest answer is that if they can swim the length of the pool unassisted, then they are ready. If your swimmer is comfortable putting their face in the water and willing to swim unassisted, then they should certainly come give it a try. It’s not an issue if they have to pause 1-2 times on the lane rope on their way down the pool, as they first start. Still unsure? See Ali Mikeska and the coaches at the parent meeting on May 5 to discuss your individual child.
How much “volunteering” is required? Unfortunately, we must all pitch in, a lot. Last summer, the requirement per family was that you must sign up for 4 jobs. The only way to decrease that requirement is if more Whitehurst families register for swim team! So, encourage your neighbor! The more the merrier. And, despite the volunteer requirement, we have a lot of fun working these meets so that our kids can have the best possible experience. So…thanks so much in advance!
This website will be updated throughout the next several weeks/months, so check back frequently. We will communicate primarily via email and this website. Thank you. http://whitehurstswimteam.weebly.com/
For your planning purposes, below are some key dates for swim team this year:
Afternoon practices will be May 28-June 14 (or whatever the last day of school ends up being). Morning practices will be June 17-July 26.
PM Practices: May 28-June 14 AM Practices: June 17-July 26
3:45-4:30 Middle & High Schoolers 8:15-9:00 9-10 year olds
4:30-5:15 9-11 year olds 9:00-9:30 7-8 year olds
5:15-5:45 7-8 year olds 9:30-10:00 6 & Unders
5:45-6:15 6 & Unders 10:00-10:45 11 & Overs
Parent meeting and suit sale is at clubhouse on May 5 from 4-6 pm.
Pep Rally at the pool June 14 from 6-8 pm.
Meets will occur on June 15, June 22, June 29, July 7 (this is a Sunday!!!), July 13, and July 16. Silver is July 25, Bronze is July 27, Gold is July 28. Saturday meets are in the mornings. The July 7th is a Sunday morning and July 16th one is in the evening. The specific meet schedule will be available on the website in the coming weeks.
Team Photos will be June 21 at 9:00 am.
Swim a Thon will be July 13 from 8pm until 12 am.
Swim team banquet will be July 28 from 7-9 pm.
In late March/early April, you can expect an update from me with more specific dates and the updated 2019 documents and registration materials.
Thanks so much!
Ali Mikeska
Monday, July 9, 2018
Good afternoon Whitehurst swimmers and families,
Below are some important items regarding swim team. Please read thoroughly.
1. Our last home meet is tomorrow, July 10. Please have swimmers arrive by 4:15 for the 4:30 warm ups. Parents who will be working the meet must arrive NO LATER than 5:15. The meet starts promptly at 5:30 pm. At this time, all jobs are filled! Thank you all so much.
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2. Swim-a-thon is Saturday night, July 14th from 8 pm until midnight. This is our MAJOR fundraiser and is a ton of fun for the kids! There will be snacks, drinks, and music.
We are asking that your swimmers collect pledges as per the attached Pledge Sheet. The pledges can be on a "per length" basis or as a flat fee. It is explained on the form attached. Pledge sheets are due to Sara Zelechoski by July 21st.
· For those of you with little tiny swimmers...Don't be afraid! This will introduce them to the fun events of swim team.
· For 6 and unders, there is no donation limit. We want to include them so they can have fun.
· For all others, there is a minimum donation of $20.00.
· All swimmers can use devices, such as fins, kickboards, etc. to help swim a lap or three hundred!
· Any community member is allowed to collect pledges and swim for the team, or to help count laps that night. Same rules apply to non-swim team members. (See the Sign Up Genius for under the Volunteering tab at http://whitehurstswimteam.weebly.com/ to sign up to count laps...and feel free to share the link with non swim team families in Whitehurst!)
· The pool will be closed to anyone not participating. Siblings and other family members watching, but not swimming laps, may NOT enter the pool.
Think of this as our own little Whitehurst Waves Pool Party. The kids will all have a great time.
Thanks so much for your support, and please reach out to Jen Peacock ([email protected]) or Sara Zelechoski ([email protected]) if you have any questions about the Swim-a-Thon.
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3. Our next away meet is at Oakleigh Forrest this coming Saturday, July 14th. Please arrive by 8:15 am for our 8:30 am warm ups. At this time, all meet jobs are filled...thank you! If your child will not be swimming in the July 14th meet, please let Coach Haley know by tomorrow at the latest!
4. Our LAST regular season dual meet is Saturday, July 21 at Chase Creek. Based on the job sign ups, it appears that MANY swimmers will not be at the meet. If your swimmer will not be at the Chase Creek meet, please email Coach Haley by Friday of this week. On a related note, if you WILL be at the Chase Creek meet, please go on our Sign Up Genius page and sign up for a job. Unfortunately, we were not able to fill all the required jobs this season operating on our 4 job expectation, due to the size of our team. We need more people in order to run this last meet. Thank you so much.
5. Please refer to my email last week regarding medal meets. Please also know that each team is required to supply 1-3 volunteers for various jobs at the medal meets. When we are told which jobs, and how many, Erica Mules will make assignments based on which swimmers are swimming in each of the given meets. That will go out when we get closer.
6. Swim team banquet is July 29th. More to come on that later!
Thanks again for all you do to make this team function! I know the kids appreciate it and enjoy their experience...and your efforts are appreciated so much!
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Below are some important items regarding swim team. Please read thoroughly.
1. Home meet against NCA is this Saturday, June 30. Please have swimmers arrive by 7:45 am so that we can have our kids start warm-ups right away. Officials and timers should be prepared to participate in the pre-meet meeting at 8:45 am.
We are STILL in need of a head timer and clerk of course for this Saturday! If you are willing and able to do this, please sign up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094daba72da02-swim.
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2. Swim-a-thon is coming! It is Saturday night, July 14th from 8 pm until midnight. This is our MAJOR fundraiser and is a ton of fun for the kids! There will be snacks, drinks, and music.
We are asking that your swimmers collect pledges as per the attached Pledge Sheet. The pledges can be on a "per length" basis or as a flat fee. It is explained on the form attached. Pledge sheets are due to Sara Zelechoski by July 21st.
- For those of you with little tiny swimmers...Don't be afraid! This will introduce them to the fun events of swim team.
- For 6 and unders, there is no donation limit. We want to include them so they can have fun.
- For all others, there is a minimum donation of $20.00.
- All swimmers can use devices, such as fins, kickboards, etc. to help swim a lap or three hundred!
- Any community member is allowed to collect pledges and swim for the team, or to help count laps that night. Same rules apply to non-swim team members. (See the Sign Up Genius for under the Volunteering tab at http://whitehurstswimteam.weebly.com/ to sign up to count laps...and feel free to share the link with non swim team families in Whitehurst!)
- The pool will be closed to anyone not participating. Siblings and other family members watching, but not swimming laps, may NOT enter the pool.
Thanks so much for your support, and please reach out to Jen Peacock ([email protected]) or Sara Zelechoski ([email protected]) if you have any questions about the Swim-a-Thon.
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3. Throughout the swim meet season, swimmers' have the opportunity to qualify for one of three "medal meets". These are our end of season championship meets. Swimmers will qualify based on their times, for either Bronze, Silver, or Gold. In order to qualify for the Silver or Gold meet, a swimmer must swim a qualifying time in 2 events, or twice in one event. They have all of the regular dual meets to do this. The qualifying times will be posted on the front page of our swim team website if you are interested in seeing them. See Coach Haley with any questions.
Monday, June 25, 2018
Good morning Whitehurst Swim Families!
A huge thank you to all those who worked the meet this past weekend. We had folks stepping in where there was need, and as always, tons of people just simply willing to help at any point. Thank you so much. From set up to clean up and everything in between...you all made it possible. And...thank you to our coaches, who work diligently on technique with our kids, taking notes during the meets, and addressing areas of focus throughout the week!
And of course...way to go to our swimmers!
Eyes forward now....our next meet is HOME again, this Saturday, June 30th against North Cape Arthur. We still need two jobs filled! We need a clerk of course (helps put kids on the benches to line up for events) and a head timer (stands and starts extra watches for all events to give to timers if theirs doesn't work). We need to get these jobs filled. If you are able to do so, please access the link below and sign up. If we don't get it filled now, we will have to recruit someone at the meet, and we'd really like to avoid that.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094daba72da02-swim1
Related to volunteering...please remember that the meet starts at 9 am, but all volunteers should be there no later than 8:45, as there are meetings and organizing that take place prior to the start. (Swimmers have to be at the pool at 7:45 for home meets anyway.)
If your child is unable to swim in the June 30th meet, please email Coach Haley by tomorrow. Thanks!
Last bit for now....apologies for the delay in getting results from this past meet out. We had printer issues that have since been resolved. Additionally, some of you may have notices some discrepancies in results and medal meet qualifying times, as related to our first meet against Fair Oaks. There were some technical issues in the conversion of times, so that is being resolved as we speak. For now, please disregard ribbon stickers or other indications that list what medal meet your child may have qualified for. As soon as the error is corrected, we will share updated results, as well as indicate which medal meets your child has qualified for, via email. So, stay tuned.
Thanks everyone!
Monday, June 18, 2018
Great first meet! It was really exciting to see so many new swimmers trying their first go at this sport. Thank you to our coaches and all of our amazing parents for the work you did.
A few details and reminders for this week:
Practices have moved to mornings. The baby pool is NOT open. The deck is only open for swim team. Additionally, please remind anyone who provides child care, or any adult that is with your child, that they should avoid communicating with the kids while they are in the water under the supervision of the coaches (unless there's an emergency obviously) in order to avoid distractions.
Reminder: Team photos are this Friday, June 22 at 9:00 am.
Swimmers should wear their team suits.
All swimmers, regardless of age or normal practice time, should arrive by 9:00.
The team photo will occur promptly at 9:10 am.
Individual and sibling photos will take place after the team photo.
All swim team members are eligible to have their photos taken and will receive prints at the banquet, as part of the dues paid.
The coaches will run an optional clinic style practice after photos for anyone who would like to stay. Otherwise, there is no practice this Friday.
Saturday, June 23 is our next meet. It is HOME vs. Berrywood. Please arrive by 7:45 am. Warm ups begin promptly at 8 am. Please double check the Sign Up Genius for meet jobs to make sure you know what your role this weekend is. Please reply to Coach Haley's email if your child will not be swimming in this coming home meet on June 23rd.
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Correction to previous emails: Tonight's officials' clinic is at Oakleigh Forest at 7:00 pm. This training is intented for starters, referees, stroke and turn judges, and anyone new to timing.
Monday, June 11, 2018
A few reminders and updates for the coming week:
1. Pep rally is 6-8 pm Friday June 15 at the pool. There's pizza and fun, and swimmers have their names announced as they are jumping into the pool to swim. It's a cute and exciting party.
2. Our first meet is Saturday June 16th at Fair Oaks. Please arrive at their pool by 8:15 at the latest. Warm ups are at 8:30 and the meet starts at 9:00 am. See the ESPL website (a link is on our website) for an address for the pool.
If your child is not swimming in the meet, and you haven't already told Coach Haley in writing, please do so right away. She is responsible for creating an accurate line up and turning it in early. Thank you!
3. Volunteer training is on June 12th at 7 pm. It has been moved to Oakleigh Forest(no longer our pool). Folks doing jobs for the first time, or specific roles such as table, starter, referee, and stroke and turn should definitely try to be there.
Thank you to all of our wonderful parents for filling all of the volunteer spots for this first meet. Your efforts and time are valued and appreciated!
Monday, May 21, 2018
Schedule
Swim practice starts next week! Please refer to the schedule below.
Afternoon practices will be May 29-June 15 (or whatever the last day of school ends up being). Morning practices will be June 18-July 27.
PM Practices: May 29-June 15
3:45-4:30 Middle & High Schoolers
4:30-5:15 9-11 year olds
5:15-5:45 7-8 year olds
5:45-6:15 6 & Unders
AM Practices: June 18-July 27
8:15-9:00 9-10 year olds
9:00-9:30 7-8 year olds
9:30-10:00 6 & Unders
10:00-10:45 11 & Overs
Volunteering/Jobs
If you haven’t already signed up for your FOUR jobs, please access the link below to do so. It’s looking like we are short a few jobs, so if you just love helping out, feel free to take as many as you’d like! Thank you so much for all of the work you do and will do and a special thanks to those who’ve already taken more than their fair share!
Sign Up Genius Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094daba72da02-swim1
Jobs Still Not Filled (it’s a lot!!!)
June 23 (first home meet!): Concessions (2), Recorder (1)
June 30: Clerk of Course (1), Table (2), Starter (1), Head Timer (1), Concessions (1), Recorder (1)
July 10: Clerk of Course (1), Table (1), Head Timer (1), Ribbons (1), Concessions (2)
July 14: Stroke and Turn (1), Table (1)
July 14 Swim-a-Thon: We need counters!
July 21: Table (2), Recorder (2), Timer (6-7)
Important Dates
- Officials and Volunteer Training at WH on June 12th at 6pm.This is important for new volunteers, and key role such as starter, referee, and stroke and turn judge.
- Pep Rally at the pool June 15 from 6-8 pm.
- Team Pictures are at the pool June 22 at 9:00 am.
- Meets will occur on June 16, June 23, June 30, July 10, July 14, and July 21. Silver is July 26, Bronze is July 28, Gold is July 29. Saturday meets are in the mornings. The July 10th and 26th ones will be in the evening. The specific meet schedule is available on the Calendar and Schedule tabs.
- Swim a Thon will be July 14 from 8pm until 12 am.
- Swim team banquet will be July 29 from 7-9 pm.
Friday, April 27, 2018
Hello Whitehurst Swim Team families,
The 2018 season is upon us. Please remember to join us to register your swimmer(s) on Saturday May 12th at the clubhouse from 4-6 pm. Swim suit try-ons will also be ongoing. A parent meeting will begin at 4:30 and you'll have the opportunity to meet our coaches and to receive a great deal of information about the season.
Please also visit our website: http://whitehurstswimteam.weebly.com/
It is updated now and will be updated regularly, so check back frequently. We will communicate primarily via email and this website. Thank you.
Registration:
On this website, under the Registration tab, you will find the 3 required registration forms. Please fill these out and bring them on May 12th!.
In order to officially complete the registration process, you must sign up for your swim meet jobs on the Sign Up Genius link below. You must sign up for 3 meets and 1 event, or 4 meets. Feel free to reach out if you are unsure of what a particular job entails. More information can be found on the team website on the volunteering tab. The link is also on the registration form. Job signs ups are first come, first served. Once you've signed up, list your jobs on your registration form to turn in.
Sign Up Genius Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094daba72da02-swim1
(Summary: First sign up for jobs on the Sign Up Genius Link. Then, record those jobs on the swim team registration form. Print and sign 3 documents (attached to this email). Bring check! Bring all 3 forms completed, and your check/money to the May 12th meeting!)
Also on the Registration tab is a welcome and overview of how swim team works in general. You will also find a calendar with the season laid out for you. This is subject to change, and the calendar tab on the website will be the most up to date.
Thanks and see you all soon!
***If you did not receive this information via email today, please email Erica Mules ([email protected]) to be added to her distribution list.
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
The 2018 season is just around the corner. Please join us to register your swimmer(s) on Saturday May 12 at the clubhouse from 4-6 pm. Swim suit try-ons will also be ongoing. A parent meeting will begin at 4:30 and you'll have the opportunity to meet our coaches and to receive a great deal of information about the season.
Come to the meeting prepared: fill out the registration documents ahead of time and bring your checkbook/money. Once updated (later this spring) you can find the registration forms/requirements under the Registration tab of the website. Registration is only complete when you’ve signed up for your volunteer jobs (a sign up genius link to be available later) and completed the 3 registration forms.
Is my child ready for swim team? Typically, the easiest answer is that if they can swim the length of the pool unassisted, then they are ready. If your swimmer is comfortable putting their face in the water and willing to swim unassisted, then they should certainly come give it a try. It’s not an issue if they have to pause 1-2 times on the lane rope on their way down the pool, as they first start. Still unsure? See Ali Mikeska and the coaches at the parent meeting on May 12 to discuss your individual child.
How much “volunteering” is required? Unfortunately, we must all pitch in, a lot. Last summer, the requirement per family was that you must sign up for 4 jobs (3 meets and 1 event, or 4 meets). The only way to decrease that requirement is if more Whitehurst families register for swim team! So, encourage your neighbor! The more the merrier. And, despite the volunteer requirement, we have a lot of fun working these meets so that our kids can have the best possible experience. So…thanks so much in advance!
This website will be updated throughout the spring months, so check back frequently. We will communicate primarily via email and this website. Thank you. http://whitehurstswimteam.weebly.com/
The Whitehurst Swim Team Committee this summer will consist of the following volunteers:
Ali Mikeska- President
Erica Mules- Secretary
Diane Wisbeck-Treasurer
Jen Peacock- Member-at-Large, computer/registrar back up
Stephanie Wilmer- computer/registrar
Joyce Smithey- ESPSL rep
Vacancy- ESPSL rep back up
For your planning purposes, below are some key dates for swim team this year:
Afternoon practices will be May 29-June 15 (or whatever the last day of school ends up being). Morning practices will be June 18-July 27.
PM Practices: May 29-June 15 AM Practices: June 18-July 27
3:45-4:30 Middle & High Schoolers 8:15-9:00 9-10 year olds
4:30-5:15 9-11 year olds 9:00-9:30 7-8 year olds
5:15-5:45 7-8 year olds 9:30-10:00 6 & Unders
5:45-6:15 6 & Unders 10:00-10:45 11 & Overs
Parent meeting and suit sale is at clubhouse on May 12 from 4-6 pm.
Pep Rally at the pool June 15 from 6-8 pm.
Team Pictures are at the pool June 22 at 9:00 am.
Meets will occur on June 16, June 23, June 30, July 10, July 14, and July 21. Silver is July 26, Bronze is July 28, Gold is July 29. Saturday meets are in the mornings. The July 10th and 26th ones will be in the evening. The specific meet schedule is not yet available.
Swim a Thon will be July 14 from 8pm until 12 am.
Swim team banquet will be July 29 from 7-9 pm.
In late February or early March, you can expect an update from me with more specific dates and the updated 2018 documents and registration materials.
Thanks so much!
Ali Mikeska
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Unfortunately, due to weather, we must reschedule the Bronze meet. It will NOT occur today. Instead, it will occur tomorrow (Sunday July 30). Warm ups will be at noon and are optional. The meet will start at 1 pm.
Please check your volunteer assignments and make note of this change. Contact Ali if need be at [email protected].
This is obviously not ideal, and will make for a really long Sunday (Gold meet at Chase Creek, Bronze meet at WH, banquet at WH at 7 pm...). But, it's the best decision made with the information we have at this time regarding weather. Thanks so much for your flexibility.
Gold Meet: Refer to your email for detailed parking information. Warm ups are in lanes 3 and 4 at 7:45 am tomorrow at Chase Creek. I recommend getting there no later than 7:15 for the sake of parking and seating.
Again, stay tuned for an email with Gold meet details and Bronze meet updates later today.
Saturday, July 15, 2017
Greetings everyone!
Great job today to our swimmers, coaches, and parents. Huge thank you to all those who helped!
Read on for lots of important info...
SWIM-A-THON MONEY IS DUE TODAY AT THE PEACOCK HOUSE!
1. Our last home meet is this coming Saturday, July 22. If your child will not be there, please tell coach Katie by Tuesday.
2. See your email for an updated list of swimmers' times. It indicates which medal meet your child currently qualifies for. (In order to swim in the Silver or Gold meet, a swimmer must have 2 qualifying times. That can be in 2 different strokes, or twice in the same stroke.) If your child will NOT be at their medal meet, please tell both Coach Katie by the end of this week. The turn around time to submit the line up is fast, and we will use this information for volunteer roles.
3. Medal meets will require parent volunteers, separate from the current sign up genius. Please plan to work in some way at the meet that your child is going to. Traditionally, these jobs are assigned to the families of the swimmers in each meet. For the Silver and Gold meet, this is typically something like timer, recorder, or clerk of course. Stay tuned for now. Another email will go out when we know what the host team needs us to provide. As for the Bronze meet, we host it this year, so it will be all hands on deck. If your child is swimming in the Bronze meet, again, please plan on working. We will also recruit team parents and community members to help run this meet too. Again, stay tuned in the coming days for more information regarding what jobs there will be.
4. The swim team end of season banquet is Sunday July 30. It will be 7-9 pm. We will start with an ice cream social and then the coaches will give out awards to recognize our swimmers. At the end of the awards, their will be a slide show of images from the season. Stay tuned for more information in the coming week or so.
Again, thank you all very much and see you at the pool!
Sunday, July 9, 2017
1. Great job at the Swim-a-Thon and thank you to all the participants and volunteers! Pledge sheets and money is due to Jen Peacock at her home on Arundel Beach Road by Saturday, July 15th! There is a minimum of $20 donation for all participants over 6 years of age.
2. Refer to your email in the next day or so if your child is participating in the SPY County meet this week. Coach Katie will provide you more information via email.
3. Our next swim meet is Saturday, July 15 at home. If your child will not be there, please tell Coach Katie by Tuesday of this week. When swimmers do not show up without notice, it impacts the line up, and can cause relays to be impacted. Please keep this in mind and thanks for your consideration. Arrive by 7:45 am on Saturday for warm ups.
4. Stay tuned to your email soon for information about the medal meets and volunteering needs, as well as information about the team Banquet. The season is moving fast!
Friday, June 23, 2017
1. Team photos have been rescheduled for Monday, June 26th. Please arrive by 9 am; the team photo will occur first, followed by individual shots. See your email for further details.
2. See Coach Katie regarding the optional county meet hosted by SPY Swimming. Entries are done by YOU telling Coach Katie that your child wants to swim. You pick the events and you pay the entry fee. See Coach Katie for further details.
3. Our first home meet is tomorrow, Saturday, June 24th. Please arrive by 7:45 am, ready to swim! Bring an umbrella just in case (especially timers and recorders)!
4. Tuesday, June 27th is our next away meet, in the evening. Arrive at the Berrywood pool by 4:45 pm.
5. Don't forget to get pledges for the Swim-a-thon!!!
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Don't forget: Team photos are this Friday, June 23rd. Please refer to the team email for full details. ALL swimmers should arrive at the pool, in their team suit, by 9:00 am. The team photo will occur PROMPTLY at 9:10 am. Individual or sibling photos will occur after that. There is NO regular practice that day. An optional clinic for specific technique work is available after pictures. See Coach Katie for details.
Monday, June 19, 2017
Swim-a-thon is coming! It is Saturday night, July 8th from 8 pm until midnight. This is our MAJOR fundraiser and is a ton of fun for the kids! There will be snacks, drinks, and music.
We are asking that your swimmers collect pledges as per the Pledge Sheet. Click on the Events tab and scroll down for more information and the link to the Pledge Sheet. The pledges can be on a "per length" basis or as a flat fee. It is explained on the form attached. Pledge sheets are due to Sara Zelechoski by July 16th.
- For those of you with little tiny swimmers ..... Don't be afraid! This will introduce them to the fun events of swim team.
- For 6 and unders, there is no donation limit. We want to include them so they can have fun.
- For all others, there is a minimum donation of $20.00.
- All swimmers can use devices, such as fins, kickboards, etc. to help swim a lap or three hundred!
- Any community member is allowed to collect pledges and swim for the team, or to help count laps that night. Same rules apply to non-swim team members. (See the Sign Up Genius under the Volunteering tab at http://whitehurstswimteam.weebly.com/ to sign up to count laps...and feel free to share the link with non swim team families in Whitehurst!)
- The pool will be closed to anyone not participating. Siblings and other family members watching, but not swimming laps, may NOT enter the pool.
Thanks so much for your support, and please reach out to Jen Peacock ([email protected]) or Sara Zelechoski ([email protected]) if you have any questions about the Swim-a-Thon.
Monday, June 5, 2017
On June 8th...the last day of school...go to Chick-fil-A for any (or ALL) of your meals and say you're with Whitehurst! A portion of funds will go to support the Whitehurst Swim Team! Spread the word to all of our neighbors!
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Just a reminder that swim team pracitce starts today!
See the schedule below. As with all practices, should weather force a cancellation, you will be informed with as much notice as possible, via email, Facebook, and/or website.
Starts Tuesday, May 30th - Thursday, June 8th
3:30-4:15 — Middle and High Schoolers
4:15-5:00 — 9-11 year olds...
5:00-5:30 — 7-8 year olds
5:30-6:00 — 6 and unders
* No practice on Friday, June 9th*
Morning practices start on Monday, June 12th
8:15-9:00 -- 9-10 year olds
9:00-9:30 -- 7-8 year olds
9:30-10:00 -- 6 and under
10:00-10:45 -- 11 and over
*No practice on Friday, June 9th, Monday, July 3rd, and Tuesday, July 4th*
Monday, May 15, 2017
Swim Team Registration is due TODAY! Tee shirt orders go in TONIGHT! Your child will not get a tee shirt if they are not registered TODAY! Please drop off at Erica Mules' house, 482 White Cedar Lane. THANK YOU!
The following meet jobs are still open. If you have not signed up for your meets yet, please do so ASAP. If enrollment is lower than anticipated this year, we may need more help to get these jobs filled. A few families have already taken on more than the required job assignment number, so we thank you very much!
June 17: clerk of course, 2 table workers
June 24: starter and head timer
July 22: starter
Thanks again. I know it's a lot to ask and your time is valuable. We just can't make it work without the help and time from our wonderful and dedicated families. Thank you all!
Monday, May 8, 2017
An update to the calendar provided via email: The training for officials and volunteer jobs (stroke and turn, starter, referee, etc) will occur on June 13 at North Cape Arthur 7-8:30 pm.
Reminder to access the Sign Up Genius to select your jobs for the summer! Be sure to submit it and then go back in and look to ensure your name is there. Registration is not complete until the registration form has the 4 jobs you've signed up for listed on the sheet. Erica Mules will be overseeing the sign up process. She will fill in openings with people who have not signed up at the end of the registration timeline. Please be sure to have your completed registration documents turned in by May 15. Thank you so much! The link is below:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094daba72da02-swim
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Hello Whitehurst Swim Team families,
The 2017 season is upon us. Please remember to join us to register your swimmer(s) this Sunday May 7 at the clubhouse from 4-6 pm. Swim suit try-ons will also be ongoing. A parent meeting will begin at 4:30 and you'll have the opportunity to meet our coaches and to receive a great deal of information about the season.
This website is updated now and will be updated regularly, so check back frequently. We will communicate primarily via email and this website. Thank you. http://whitehurstswimteam.weebly.com/
Under the Registration tab, you will find the 3 required registration forms. Please feel free to fill these out and bring them on Sunday. Copies will also be provided on Sunday and are attached to this email.
New this summer...in order to officially complete the registration process, you must sign up for your swim meet jobs on the Sign Up Genius link below. You must sign up for 3 meets and 1 event, or 4 meets. Feel free to reach out if you are unsure of what a particular job entails. More information can be found on the team website on the Volunteering tab. The link is also on the registration form. Job signs ups are first come, first served. Once you've signed up, list your jobs on your registration form to turn in.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094daba72da02-swim
Below are links to forms sent in a swim team email. One is a welcome and overview of how swim team works in general. The second document is a calendar with the season laid out for you. This is subject to change, and the Calendar tab of this website will be the most up to date. You will also be able to take a hard copy of the calendar at the parent meeting on Sunday. (In the swim team email, you will also find the 3 registration forms attached, which again, can be found on this site under the Registration tab.)
Welcome to the 2017 Season
2017 Calendar and Info
Thank you; we look forward to seeing you soon!
Ali Mikeska
***If you did not receive this information via email today, please email Erica Mules ([email protected]) to be added to her distribution list.
Thursday, April 27, 2017
The 2017 season is upon us. Please remember to join us to register your swimmer(s) Sunday May 7 at the clubhouse from 4-6 pm. Swim suit try-ons will also be ongoing. A parent meeting will begin at 4:30 and you'll have the opportunity to meet our coaches and to receive a great deal of information about the season. Important changes to volunteer assignments will also be announced at this meeting, so please be sure to join us. This summer we are excited to welcome back Head Coach Katie Harmon and welcome aboard new Assistant Coach (and Whitehurst swimmer!) James Muessig!
Monday, February 27, 2017
For those that didn't see my earlier email...SPCC has withdrawn their request to join our league. The ESPL has approved the 2017 summer meet schedule. It can be found on their website: http://esplswimming.org/index.html.
Whitehurst Meet Schedule 2017:
June 17- Away at Chase Creek
June 24- Home vs. Chesterfield
June 27- Away at Berrywood (Tuesday evening meet)
July 8- Away at Oakleigh Forest
July 15- Home vs. Fair Oaks
July 22- Home vs. Fairwood
End of Season Medal meets (qualifying times apply):
July 27- Silver Meet at Fair Oaks (Thursday evening meet)
July 29- Bronze meet at Whitehurst
July 30-Gold meet at Chase Creek
Swim practice times and other swim team events will be published when available. Check back on this website for routine updates.
We will have a Parent Meeting and Swim Suit fitting on May 7th from 4-6 pm at the clubhouse. More details soon!
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Whitehurst Swim Team Parents,
It is that time! ESPSL (East Severna Park Swim League...our league) is in the planning stages for the coming swim season. Whitehurst, too, is getting geared up to make for another great season.
The Whitehurst Swim Team Committee this summer will consist of the following volunteers:
Ali Mikeska- President
Erica Mules- Secretary
Diane Wisbeck-Treasurer
Jen Peacock- computer/registrar back up
Stephanie Wilmer- computer/registrar
Scott Muessig- ESPSL rep
Laura Chester- ESPSL rep back up
League News:
In the last month or so, ESPSL has met and worked on finalizing various plans for the coming season. This year, the SP Community Center (SPCC) has requested to start a team and join our league. After much discussion, a vote among the team reps for ESPSL was taken. It was a tie vote (Whitehurst voted NO for a variety of reasons: the neighborhood tradition, scheduling concerns, ESPSL bylaws, etc.) and the league President, with the tie breaking vote, voted yes. So, as it stands now, our league will now include SPCC as its 9th team. Several teams are concerned about this because it is not in keeping with the league’s bylaws; some have expressed a desire to leave the league over this.
The details regarding how this will work are a bit fuzzy. At one point there was discussion of lengthening the season, the addition of more evening meets and a possible 4th of July weekend meet. As you can imagine, all of that was met with great opposition. At this time, it appears that we will keep our 6 meet regular season (3 home, 3 away...and THEN the medal meets) and that the start and end dates of the meet season will be comparable to last year. That said, it will likely mean that a tri-meet may have to be worked into the schedule due to the uneven number of teams. My understanding is that it would only be for one of our meets, which minimizes the change. IF there is no major adjustment to the summer meet schedule, then we should not expect this to have a drastic impact on us, other than the one tri-meet. IF there is however, a drastic change to summer meet schedule, it will be a much bigger issue.
I do not know what this will mean for future summers. At this time, ESPSL is working on drafting the summer schedule and I hope to know more in the next month. Scott Muessig has done an excellent job in representing our team and our community at these meetings.
While I was, and still am, opposed to the addition of SPCC for several reasons, it was voted in.
Whitehurst Preparations:
We are meeting as a committee in early March to outline budget, coaching, fund raising, and the various details of the swim season. I will update the team/neighborhood sometime toward the end of March. Even though the changes brought forth by our league create a lot of unknowns, I believe that we will do what we always do…instill a love of swimming, improve skills, and have fun.
If you will not have a swimmer on the team this year, please email me directly (do not reply all) as soon as possible, so that I may take you off of the distribution list.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me directly.
Thank you,
Ali
Monday, August 8, 2016
Congratulations Whitehurst Swim Team Seniors!
These three boys have given their all to Whitehurst swimming; they have shown tremendous dedication and spirit! We hope the younger swimmers will see what a great experience it was for them and will strive to stick with swimming "for the long haul"! What our younger swimmers should take special note of is that our Seniors’ most fond memories are of the lasting friendships, fun, and spirit of swimming. So, thank you and good luck to Matt Demchuk, Brendan Jones, and Jack McKeehan! Whitehurst is proud of you and grateful for your devotion. Each Senior was given a small gift to show our appreciation and help them prepare for their next steps.
Read below to learn more about our Seniors and what’s next for them!
Matthew Demchuk
Matthew joined the team at the age of 5; the next year his buddies Jack, Brendan and Kyle joined. He did not know how to swim but he learned quickly with Coach Lauren’s assistance and the rewards of candy for completing a lap. He was once recognized as the “bottom scraper” for his practice of swimming a few strokes then swimming to the bottom to touch the pool then back up to do a few more strokes. Needless to say, this type of swimming is fun but it does not lead to placing at the meets. Once he learned to stay near the top of the water he began to earn ribbons and trophies. As he got older it became a little tougher to compete against the year round swimmers but this did not deter his desire to be on the team each year. He signed up willingly to do his part to support the team and hang out with friends. Matthew will be attending Anne Arundel Community College in the fall majoring in Computer Science with plans to eventually graduate from the University of Maryland.
Brendan Jones
Brendan Jones started on the Whitehurst Waves 12 years ago at the age of 7 with his friends Matt, Jack and Kyle. His first coach, Lauren Buckingham gave him the "Mr. Competitive" award his first year on the team! His second year, Coach Mike taught him butterfly and convinced him that swimming was something he could be very good at. This led to 11 years swimming for SPY. There are summer memories; his first Gold meet at Fairwood at 8 yrs. old, Lenny Burton promising him the first burger off the grill (at times he ate 5 burgers at a meet), the year when he was 15 that the Waves never lost a boys relay, to his last race which was appropriately 50 yard butterfly. Brendan is headed off to Washington College in the fall to study Political Science and joining their currently undefeated Shore Men swim team.
Jack McKeehan
Jack started on the Whitehurst Waves as a six-year old, having just barely learned to swim (but Matthew, Brendan and Kyle had joined the team, so he was not going to be left behind!) From his first trophy in backstroke at the Bronze Meet that year, to many more years of swimming, including ten years on SPY and four years swimming for the High School team, to "graduating" from the Waves twelve years later, what he treasures the most are the friendships and being part of such a wonderful community (oh, and the early morning candy and burgers on meet Saturdays didn't hurt!). Jack will be heading to Clemson University in a few weeks to study Engineering, and we wish him all the best.
Great Job to ALL of our Whitehurst swimmers this summer! It was a great season and we look forward to another great one next year!
Monday, July 25, 2016
Medal Meet Info:
Warm up times/details , and volunteer information will be emailed as they become available.
July 28 - Silver Meet at Fair Oaks - 5:30 PM start
July 30 - Bronze Meet at Chesterfield - 8:30 AM start
July 31 - Gold Meet at Fairwood - 8:30 AM start
Friday, July 29th Swim Team Concession Night:
This coming Friday night, July 29th, the swim team plans to host a Concessions Night at the pool. The idea is that we sell what food we have left and the community benefits from a night of food on the deck. It's a great last minute fundraiser for the swim team and fun for the community.
We need a few volunteers to make it happen. It can be swimmers that help or parents. Any swimmer that helps will get a free taco in a bag!
We will sell food from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
Kati Elliot has graciously agreed to put this together. She is looking for volunteers to help sell the food.
We need two volunteers for the grills from 5:30 – 6 pm.
Three people on set up from 5:30 – 6 pm.
3 people to sell from 6 – 7 pm
4 people on clean up from 7 – 8 pm.
Please email Kati Elliot if you or your swimmer would be willing to volunteer! [email protected]
Sunday, July 31st Swim Team Banquet:
Join us for the end-of-season swim team banquet/party this Sunday night. The banquet will begin at 7pm and conclude at 9pm. It will include an ice cream social for swimmers and families, the presentation of awards, and will finish off with a slide show presentation of the season. For those not new to swim team, we will NOT be serving dinner this year; it will just be the ice cream party! More information and details will come out in an email soon!
Monday July 11, 2016
- Way to go on the swim-a-thon. Parents, please check your email for tally information. Any concerns or noticed errors need to be emailed to Ali Mikeska ([email protected]) by Tuesday, July 12 at 8 pm.
- Curious about qualifying times for the end of season medal meets? Click to access this year's time standards. More information about other qualifying criteria will be sent as we get closer to that time.
- Good luck at the Anne Arundel County meet for those participating!
- Lastly, if your child is not swimming in the next swim meet, Saturday July 16 at Chase Creek, please email Coach Katie by Wednesday morning!
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
A few important updates and reminders:
1. Our make up meet is this Thursday at Berrywood. Please arrive by 4:45 to participate in warm ups. The meet will pick up where it left off.
2. Our second home meet is this Saturday, July 9. Please arrive by 7:45 am; we will have the first warm ups. If you haven't already, please email Coach Katie immediately if you cannot attend this meet.
3. Swim-a-thon....read below for lots of information...
The Swim a thon, our only fundraiser event, is this Saturday, July 9th, 8:00pm - 12:00am.
The kids really enjoy this event and it will raise some well-needed funds for the team. We are asking that your swimmers collect pledges as per the attached pledge sheet. We use the funds for much needed swim team equipment and supplies, and the team has consistently given back to the Whitehurst Club Resident Association, so your funds will be appreciated by all.
We NEED your help to run the swim-a-thon. It's not labor intensive. Below is the Sign Up Genius to sign up and help out. Please sign up by Friday morning.
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B054AABA82CA64-whitehurst1
The pledges can be on a "per length" basis or as a flat fee. PLEDGES DUE JULY 16 TO SARA ZELECHOSKI: 304 WHITE PLAINS COURT. Please leave your form and money in the container on her porch.
Prizes will be given out and there will be snacks and drinks for the participants.
For those of you with little tiny swimmers...Don't be afraid! This will introduce them to the fun events of swim team. THE FIRST HOUR OF THE EVENT IS FOR 8 & UNDERS ONLY...THEY CAN STAY LATER...BUT WILL HAVE THE POOL TO THEMSELVES FOR THE FIRST HOUR.
For 6 and unders, there is no donation minimum. All other swimmers must "raise" $20 in order to participate.
All swimmers can use devices, such as fins, kickboards,etc. to help swim a lap or three hundred!
Any community member/ family member is allowed to collect pledges and swim for the team, or to help count laps that night. Please give them my information or let me know who to contact. Same rules apply to non-swim team members.
The pool will be closed to anyone not participating.
Think of this as our own little Whitehurst Waves Pool Party. The kids will all have a great time!
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Team photo reminders: Tomorrow, Friday the 24th, is team photo day. The team photo occurs first, so please arrive on time, no later than 9 am. Individual and sibling photos will occur right after the team shot. Practice will occur with whatever time is left and will be clinic style. That means, any swimmer that wants to stay to work on things like starts, turns, finishes, or some fine tuning is welcome to stay. Practice is optional. Coach Katie will determine what gets worked on and how, depending on the number of swimmers who stay.
Please make sure your swimmers wear their team suit for the picture. Team shirts are optional.
Saturday home meet reminders: Parents, please check the volunteer schedule to ensure we are ready to go this Saturday for our first home meet. Folks with set up duty should arrive at 7 am. All swimmers need to arrive by 7:45 am; warm ups will begin promptly at 8.
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Practice is canceled today due to inclement weather.
Reminder: Tomorrow, Friday the 24th, is picture day.
June 20, 2016
A few scheduling adjustments and info for this week:
- Just a reminder that we have moved to mornings. Coach Katie sent the schedule in an email.
- For this Wednesday, June 22, Mosquito Squad will be spraying in the morning. In order to ensure it's finished before our kids arrive and swim, the 9-10 practice will start 15 minutes late (at 8:30) on Wednesday only. All other practice groups will be at their regular time. Please tell your children to stay out of the grassy areas that day.
- Regarding Saturday's first home swim meet...if your swimmer will not be swimming at the meet...and you haven't already done so, please email Coach Katie by the end of tomorrow (Tuesday). This past meet, there were quite a few last minute changes due to lack of notification...this created a difficult situation that had team wide impact in terms of the line-up. Coach Katie and Coach Megan will analyze other team's results, compare to ours, assess our kids' strokes and readiness, analyze point possibilities, and juggle relay options when they do line ups. It is labor intensive, so your advance notice regarding meet attendance is critical. Remember, even if you've already told someone, it needs to be via email to Coach Katie so that she can ensure an accurate line up. Thank you so much!
- Please be on the look-out for an email from Coach Katie in the next day or so regarding the annual Anne Arundel County swim meet, hosted by SPY swimming. The meet is completely optional, and not part of the league meets and standing. Coach Katie will provide details about the dates, time, events offered, and how to sign up. It is not done like one of our regular dual meets, so please be sure to read carefully when she gets that information out to you. It will be very time sensitive as well.
- Team pictures are this Friday, June 24. Please arrive at 9 am; the team photo will occur promptly at 9:10. Due to time constraints, we will not be able to wait, so please be on time and remind your older swimmers to participate, for the sake of team spirit. We really want all of our team to be represented in the team photo. Individual/sibling photos (optional) will be taken immediately after the team photo. With whatever time is left, Coach Katie will conduct an optional, clinic-like practice for any swimmer who would like to stay. She will determine what to work on and how that gets organized, based on the attendance/participation after pictures. For folks new to this...the team photo is included as part of your dues and Jen Kraus will provide those to families at the end of season banquet.
- A sincere thank you must be given out to Stephanie Wilmer, Katie O’Brien, Betz Wild, and Diane Wisbeck for organizing and running a fantastic pep rally!The kids had a blast and it was a great team event!Thanks for all you did.
June 16, 2016
Happy last day of school! Just a few reminders and some info to kick off the meet season...
1. There is NO PRACTICE tomorrow, Friday, June 17.
2. The PEP RALLY is tomorrow night at 6 pm. Please be sure to RSVP on the evite if you haven't already. There's food, games, and fun! Kids should be ready to cheer with the coaches and get excited! We hope to see you all there!
3. As we move into swim meet season...please remember to NOTIFY COACH KATIE IN WRITING (email) of meets that you will miss by the Tuesday BEFORE the Saturday . She is required to turn in her entries/line up early, and for the sake of the whole team, it important that they are as accurate as possible (barring unexpected circumstances of course). The earlier the notice, the better.
4. Our FIRST SWIM MEET is this Saturday, June 18 at North Cape Arthur. Please arrive no later than 8:15. Warm ups begin promptly at 8:30 and the whole team only has half an hour to warm up. The coaches will determine how that time is used and divided among the age groups. Parents new to swimming...be sure to bring chairs, sunscreen, water, and the regular pool/swimming gear. Caps for kiddos with long hair, goggles, etc. There will be a concession stand, so feel free to bring cash for the standard swim meet food! Also, we understand when you have to leave, especially those with little kids...but if possible, please consider staying until the end of the meet to cheer on the team in the final relays too...it's a lot of fun!
5. TEAM PHOTOS: Team photos will be on Friday June 24. Practice will be a modified version that day. ALL swim team members need to arrive at the pool no later than 9 am. The TEAM photo will be promptly at 9:10 am. After that is successfully taken, all team members may get their individual and/or sibling photos taken. This doesn't usually take that long. When all the photos are over, the coaches will conduct a sort of "clinic" style practice for anyone who wants to stay and work on things like starts, turns, racing finishes, etc. More info on that as we get closer to Friday. Parents of older swimmers, please encourage your kids to make themselves available/participate in the team photo. It's really special to have a photo of the WHOLE team. As part of the dues you've already paid, Jen Kraus, our team photographer, will provide the team and individual photos to swimmers at the end of season banquet. Again, we will send another email reminder about photo day later next week.
June 14, 2016
1. Attention Swim Team families: Our pep rally to kick off the swim season is this Friday, June 17, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
Much thanks to Katie O'Brien, Diane Wisbeck, Betz Wild, and Stephanie Wilmer for planning a great event.
An email was sent out by Erica Mules today with a link to the Evite for the pep rally. Please RSVP right away for the sake of adequate planning and food preparation. See the Evite for more details.
2. Additionally, please check out the calendar page for small updates regarding the dates of the optional AA County Meet, hosted by SPY. Coach Katie will share more information on that soon, so be on the look out...because it will be time-sensitive when she does reach out.
June 5, 2016
The first week of swim team was great! Way to go to all of our swimmers who came out and worked hard! Thank you to our new coaches for getting to know our kids!
Parents:
Please click here for the 2016 Whitehurst Job Assignments. Remember, if you cannot make an assignment, it is your responsibility to find a "swap". Thank you to Ben Reed for putting this together.
April 29, 2016
Welcome to the 2016 summer swim season, Whitehurst swimmers and families!
We're looking forward to a great season. Here's some information to help you through the start of the season.
Your head coach this year is Katie Harmon. Katie just finished her first year at the University of Maryland, where she swam for the club team. She is an experienced competitive swimmer, having previously been a member of the SPY and SPHS swim teams. She’s also served as an assistant swim coach for several summers as well. She brings with her the desire to teach kids, encourage team spirit, and great enthusiasm for the job.
For the first time ever, we have also hired an assistant coach, Megan Dickey. Megan will be a Senior at Broadneck High School next year and is an experienced competitive swimmer for SPY. Megan’s role will be to support Katie in creating a safe and positive learning environment, rich in quality instruction, spirit, enthusiasm, and fun.
Info and Reminders
-Communication will be done primarily via email and website (http://whitehurstswimteam.weebly.com/). Please check both regularly.
-Check the calendar on the website regularly for changes/updates. You will receive a hard copy initially, but all adjustments will be reflected on the website version.
-Swimmers need goggles for practice.
-Caps are recommended for girls (and boys with shaggy or long hair) in practice and meets.
-Please arrive on time (early) for warm-ups at meets. This will allow the coaches to run warm ups and organize the team in an efficient way.
-Parents-Please limit interactions with your swimmers during their practice time, unless there is an emergency or other necessity. It can create distractions and undermine the relationships coaches are trying to establish with the team.
-If you need to speak to a coach, please email them, or wait until after practice. Please also feel free to reach out to a swim team board member at any time.
-If your swimmer will be missing a meet (or part of a meet), please notify the coach via email no later than the Tuesday before that meet.
-If your child wakes up sick the day of a meet or cannot swim for any reason, please send word to a reliable swimmer so that the coach may be notified immediately.
-Please help your swimmer to understand that they may be put in events they don't love occasionally, and that it's part of being on a team and gaining valuable swimming experience and sportsmanship.
Weather and other cancellations:
We will always do our best to make decisions regarding the status of practices in a timely manner. Whenever possible, the website will be updated and an email sent out. It may also help to call the pool. However, it will not always be possible to make a decision with enough time to get the word out before you make the trip to the pool and we appreciate your understanding and patience. Notes will be posted at the entrance to the pool in these instances. Cancellations due to weather or other issues are at the discretion of the head coach and swim team board member.
Swim Meet Jobs: Due to the large amount of jobs required to run a swim meet, all parents/ sponsors will be assigned jobs for the swim meets. East Severna Park League (ESPL) Clinic: Parents assigned to work swim meets can get meet job training (June 14 @ NCA). Each job will be explained and demonstrated, so it is important to attend if you will be performing a new meet job this year. ESP League representatives will be there to answer questions. We are always looking for people to step up and learn new jobs.
Practice Rules: Swimmers must not be in the pool enclosure unless it is their practice time. No one is to be on the beach area during practice times. Siblings of practicing swimmers must be with a parent or responsible sitter. Keep in mind the coach is the lifeguard at swim practice – please do not endanger the children by speaking or discussing concerns with the coach at practice time. Also, if the coach is out of the pool enclosure, no one may be inside the enclosure (dryland practice, for example).
Children 9 years and under must be accompanied and closely supervised by an adult, or responsible babysitter 13 years or older, at all times inside the perimeter fence during scheduled operating hours. Therefore, kids that are under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian while at the pool - so parents must attend practice for kids that are on the swim team, ages 4 - 9.
Kids who misbehave at practice will be asked to leave and parents will be notified that their child cannot return to practice unless accompanied by the parent.
Pep Rallies: On Friday June 17th, before the first meet, there will be a pep rally from 6:00 – 8:00 PM for swimmers and parents. There will be fun games and dinner will be provided for the swimmers. T-shirts will be passed out. Come and show your team spirit!
Swim Meets: If a swimmer will miss a meet, they are asked to inform Coach Katie by email at least three days prior to a meet. Parents are responsible to find meet work alternates and to arrange substitutes if they are unable to work an assigned meet. Parents will call/email Ben Reed to inform him of substitutions for meet assignments.
Grandchildren of members of the Whitehurst Club Association are welcome and encouraged to join the Whitehurst Swim Club. Grandchildren of members of the swim team are welcome to participate in all swim team events such as pep rallies, practices, and swim meets without the Whitehurst resident present at the pool. This does not however provide access to the Whitehurst pool during non-swim team events. Therefore, during regular pool operating hours, the grandchild/children may only attend the pool when their Grandparent is accompanying them. This is the policy of the Whitehurst pool stating: All guests must be accompanied by an Association member sponsor. An exception is made in the case of houseguests, or overnight guests, who are permitted use of the pool unaccompanied by their sponsor during their stay in Whitehurst.
--If you have any concerns about practices, coaching, meets, etc...(anything really), please contact Ali Mikeska at [email protected].
We are excited to start the season off and look forward to working with our swimmers as the year progresses. See you at the pool.