BIG BUDDY / LITTLE BUDDY PROGRAM

We are excited to continue our Big/Little buddy program.  The purpose of the Big/Little buddy swim program is to help younger swimmers transition into becoming Gators and to help them navigate swim meets.  The program also fosters team spirit, family and camaraderie by connecting the older swimmers with the younger ones.  Big buddies are generally 11&older while Little buddies are 10&under.  This partnership should focus on team unity, spirit and sportsmanship.  The buddy program is not about elaborate gifts-it is about being a supportive teammate! 
There is no requirement that swimmers participate in the buddy program but we strongly encourage everyone to participate.  The coaching staff will organize the buddy program and pair swimmers together.  Once buddies are assigned, we expect the Big buddies to introduce themselves and get to know their buddy.
Responsibilities of buddies include but are not limited to:
  • meeting your buddy and introducing yourself
  • greet your buddy at each meet
  • Big buddies help Little buddies at meets with event numbers
  • Create something for your buddy:  write a note, draw a picture, make a friendship bracelet
  • CHEER, CHEER, CHEER, CHEER and CHEER!!!
  • Congratulate your buddy after their swim
All kids under the age of 11 will be assigned a big buddy. ALL KIDS OVER 11 YEARS OF AGE NEED TO TELL COACH EMMA IF THEY WANT TO BE A BIG BUDDY.  Please let Emma know by this weekend (Sunday 6/9).

WEEK OF JUNE 3RD

Night Practices: will start for “real” this week as long as the weather holds. Between bad weather and the instrasquad rescheduling, we never got off the ground last week.  8:00pm-9:00pm for Upper Divison swimmers.  Lower Division swimmers can attend only with the approval of Coach Ben.

Results and Qual Times:  We had a slight technical screw up last week. We had 2018 Qual Times in our system to start this season. We will get them changed this week and post updated Top Times.  Please note that there will be a few of you that qualified for League or State but didn’t actually make it based on the 2019 standards.  Updated results coming soon. (So Sorry!!)

Saturday 6/8 Meet at 5Parks  See the “Next Event” section on the right side of the blog for more information.

Sunday 6/9 FREESTYLE FRENZY:  This is an optional meet (hosted by GMST + our competitors in the Foothills Swim Association) for swimmers that have a “B” time or better in any freestyle race.  Swimmers will swim in all 4 events at the meet which include: 
Upper Divison:  200 free, 100 free, 50 free, 25 fun free
9-12 year olds: 200 free, 100 free, 50 free, 25 fun free
8 and unders:  100 free, 50 free, 25 free, 25 fun free
Swimmers must tell their Coach if they want to swim on Sunday. There is no paper sign up on the board. They must talk to the coach.

INTRASQUAD MOVED TO THURSDAY EVENING

Given the weather forecast, the decision has been made to move the Intrasquad from Wednesday evening to Thursday evening.

Some swimmers, families, and volunteers probably cannot make the meet now.  Others who couldn’t on Wednesday, can attend now.  We apologize for the short notice, but this seems to give us our best chance to actually let the swimmers swim.

Volunteers, if this affects your availability, please visit the Signup Genius and modify as needed: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D4DABAC28A1FF2-intrasquad6

Now let’s hope for some normal summer weather!