Latest Newsletter

June 28, 2006 Edition

NOTE FROM COACH TYLER:

I cannot believe how quickly this season is going by; we are already approaching the half-way point! QV swimmers kept up great swims these past two meets: Wednesday night at Flower Hill was a huge success, with almost every athlete dropping time. Despite intense heat, the swimmers still performed up to their full potential and kept the spirit level up. Saturday’s meet at Glenmont created a new challenge for the swimmers, keeping the energy level high on chilly, dreary morning. I can speak from experience as an athlete that it is very difficult to swim fast in that type of weather, especially when the meet is away. Once again, QV swimmers rose to the challenge. I was very happy to see the swimmers supporting both their teammates and the Gators by shaking hands before and/or after the race.

I also want to note the resiliency QV swimmers showed during the meet. The Gators jumped out to a quick lead, gaining a 45-point advantage by the end of the freestyle events. Marlin swimmers were not deterred, however, as they gained five of those points back during the backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly events! That may not sound like much, but this is truly an amazing feat considering we were on pace to lose by more than 125 points!

I hope all swimmers will look past the final score and feel a sense of pride for what they accomplished. In the end, summer swimming is not about how many meets a team wins. It is about a group of individuals coming together as a team, building character and learning life lessons. On Saturday, the swimmers displayed an incredible ability to fight through adversity and not back down. I honestly believe their show of commitment and character reflects much better on our team than simply winning the meet.

I also want to thank all the parents who met at QV to caravan over to Flower Hill and Glenmont. While it may be an inconvenience, it is important in building team unity and spirit.

Our next meet is this Wednesday night here against Waters Landing. Please check line-ups to see who will be swimming; all swimmers need to arrive at QV by 4:45.

On Saturday, the Marlins will face off against Fallsmead. We will meet here at 7:15 a.m. to caravan over.

Also, I encourage every swimmer to join QV at Six Flags on Monday July 10 for MCSL day. Tickets are only $20.99 (that’s 60% off the regular admission price!). This is a great way to build friendships and have a lot of fun. Parents of children 10 and under must make arrangement for adult supervision. Swimmers 11 and up will be with Megan and myself. Swimmers can also pay an extra 8.39 for a food voucher to buy lunch in the park. This is good idea for parents with young children that will be under the supervision of another adult.

Finally, once again, I want to stress the importance of arriving to practices ON TIME and warming up. Warming up improperly greatly increases the risk of shoulder and knee problems. I realize it can be difficult to get in the water some times, but as this is a matter of the swimmers’ health and general well being Megan and I take it seriously.

Hope everyone is having as much fun as I am…see you at the pool!

Coach Tyler Spindel

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NOTE FROM "B" REPS:

Way to go "B" swimmers! You looked great at the Flower Hill Swim meet last Wednesday.

A big thank you to all of the parent and family volunteers who continue to contribute their generous time to the meets. Remember, it takes about 15-20 volunteers to run these meets so we need all families to step-up and sign-up.

Reminder........... the "B" Relays were initially scheduled for July 10 (handbook). It has been rescheduled to Thursday, July 13 at Lake Marion in Montgomery Village. We need only three (3) timers for this meet and possibly two (2) additional volunteers. Please check the bulletin board at the pool for volunteer sign-ups and the time of the meet.

Finally, please make sure you check your child’s name off if they are swimming in the "B" meet. Names and events are posted on Tuesday. If they are not swimming, please cross out their name and let Tyler know.

If you have any questions please contact Gail Silver (silver96@comcast.net) or Laura Williams (Laullie2@comcast.net). Thanks!

Gail Silver & Laura Williams (B Reps)