The Gator Aide
The Gilroy Gators Swim Team Newsletter
February 2011
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We Swim With Pride, We Win With Honor, We Build Character!
I. GENERAL INFO
Visit our website at up-to-date information on news, events and your personal account information.
GGSThas a voicemail number, 408-842-3100. You can leave a message and your call will be returned shortly. You can also email your coach by going to and selecting the swim group tab. Please remember if you wish to talk to your child’s coach, make arrangements with that coach either before or after practice so they can devote their entire attention to your concerns.
II. UPCOMING EVENTS
Please check the website for important upcoming meets and events, Another copy of the 2011 meet calendar has been included at the end of this month’s newsletter. Post it on your fridge!
III. TEAM STORE
FINS/GOGGLES/CAPS and a variety of other items are sold regularly at themembership office. Items can be paid for at the time of purchase or chargedagainst your GGST account. Pricing is as follows:
FINS - $20, GOGGLES - $12 or $14 depending on style, PULL BOUY - $8,BOYS JAMMERS - $20, GIRLS SUITS - $20-35 GATOR TSHIRT - $15, GATORTSHIRT XXL - $17, GATOR LICENSE PLATE FRAME - $3, GATOR WATER BOTTLES -$2 Visors w/Gator logo - $15, Baseball caps w/Gator logo - $17, Bucket capsw/Gator logo - $20
SWIM CAPS
Silicone w/’GATOR’ logo - $15
Silicone w/miscellaneous logo - $10
Latex w/’GATOR’ logo - $7Latex w/’GATOR’ logo - $7
Latex w/’GGST’ logo - $2
Latex w/’GATORS SWIMMING’ logo - $4 Other Latex caps $5
IV. MEMBERSHIPMarie Forsell-Holms and Kristen Reeder
We have a new "office procedure". There is now a checklistattached to all forms, so instead of logging tryouts in the binder we will use the checklist and create packets. This should simplify the process for office workers, especially those who are new and just learning the ropes.
We will be installing an additional cash box on the wall for pacswim only. Please be careful to drop pacswim payments ONLY in this box, and dues payments ONLY in the dues box. Both boxes will be clearly marked.
Office training will be every Wednesday from 5-6 pm, except the week of Feb 20th.
While school is out for the President’s week break (Feb. 20th – 25th),we will still have practice as usual!
Winter Warrior rate will end March 31st. Be sure to inform membership or the treasurer if you would like to change to Payment Plan B. All changes have to be done on the change status form, no more e-mails.
Recent meets have been filling up before the deadline. If you are going to enter a meet, do so early so you don’t risk missing out. All meets that the our coaches would like Gatorattendance at are listed on TU. Check the list and discuss with your swimmer which you’d like to attend.
AnzarHigh School will soon begin practicing again at GHS. The group is small and their practices willnot affect Gator practice.
V. TREASURERShellie Mayorga andDarcy Rodriguez
Remember to turn in your dues checks totheGator's office by the 1st of each month, or mail them to Gilroy, Gators,P.O. Box at777 1stStreetPMB #183,Gilroy, 95020. Alternatively, you can pay your monthly dues automatically by setting up credit card payments online.
Changes to your account
All swimmers who take time off must fill out a Change of Status form (no more emails accepted for this…we need a paper trail!). There are Change of Status forms in the office for this purpose.
VI. VOLUNTEER COORDINATORElizabeth Moore and Dawn Guillen
You can login to the website and sign up for your volunteer hours and don’t forget to register worked hours on the clipboard in the office. Thanks to Dawn Guillen who has stepped up to assist as co-volunteer coordinator in place of Mary Li-Weidner. Mary, we will miss you!
VII. KUDOS FROM OUR COACHES
SENIORSCoach Tom
Parents,
I understand that there might be some parents who think I am doing too much yardage in my practices and not enough stroke technique. I would like to assure you that when a swimmer comes into my group I do a lot of fine tuning of strokes that swimmers should pick up on at this point. As Senior swimmers they should be into the training cycles of their competitive swimming and should have learned stoke technique in the lower groups. If you have any concernsabout your child’s development don't feel that you can't talk to me,please ask.
Zone Championships-
I was a little upset on the number of swimmers that we had at the meet but I was happy with the way we swam at the meet over all. Due to sickness in and out of the water, Brian Pribyl and Brittney Malick had some good swims. Some major drops came from Jacob Holm and Anna Brolin. Also swimming at Zones and having a good meet were Kyle and Cristina Collett, Marga and Natalie Garcia,Steven Hadju,Michelle Brunido and Linnae Rodriguez. In all, the group swam very well.
The SBLG Meet-
Jacob Holm had another very strong meet,winning the 200 breast and just missing his 1stJO time in the 13-14 age group by 1/100th of a second! Jacob also dropped 25 seconds in the 500 free with a time of 5:38. Also swimming at this meet was Fiona McFarland and Emma Holm, both did very well representing the Gator Swim Team.
Thanks,
Coach Tom
The Caimans Coaches Karen and Santiago
ZONES Championship Meet has come and gone.
This year, the weather couldn’t have been better, and the swimmers did an awesome job at the meet. Yes, Zones, is a HUGE meet, but it is a TEAM MEET, and lots of fun when we are all together.
Highlights of the meet:
- Stephanie Blankley, Josh Lopez and Zac Syth swam the 50 freestyle in under 30 seconds---a MAJOR MILESTONE---great job!!
- Stephanie Blankley---swam 4 events, and improved in all 4 (she had a basketball commitment, otherwise, I am sure she would have been 6 for 6!)
- Katelyn Brolin---started and ended the meet with time improvements
- Rachel Carnell---a fantastic 50 fly, which she swam again for the relay team!
- Mason Krueger—only his SECOND meet, and he successfully swam 5 events, all legally!! (even the 200 IM)---another great job.
- Josh Lopez---dropped time in ALL events, and swam a sub-30 50 free.
- Kaela Nguyen---a new A time in the 50 Fly!
- Kayla Reeder---like KK, she started and ended the swim meet with time improvements
- Malaya Santos—celebrated her 11th birthday on Saturday in a new age group, and managed to improve her times in all 6 of her events.
- Sabrina Seery---great streamline and dolphin kicks off her start (too bad the event wasn’t butterfly!!!).
- Zac Syth---Time improvements in 4 of his 5 events, and a sub-30 50 free!
- Anthony Weidner---his last meet as a Gator, and he managed to place in most events. Good luck, Anthony---we will miss you!
We are back to swimming at GilroyHigh School. It’s not always easy, swimming at an alternative site like SouthValley, but we are fortunate that we had pool time there. Thanks to all the parents and swimmers for being flexible with pool times and locations.
Also, don’t forget, it is now high school season. While the meets haven’t started yet, practices for the high school swimmers have started. When there is a high school swim meet at GilroyHigh School, we may have to start our practice a bit later (depending on when the high school meet concludes).
Our next team meet is CVALs, which is in August. Coming up, too, are several meets in February and March. Don’t forget to check the team website for upcoming meets, and to notify the coaches when you plan on attending a meet.
See you at the pool!!
Coach Karen
Swamp Monsters Coach Cameron
Zones came and went quickly this year and we were very fortunate to have such a successful meet. There was wonderful weather, fast races, and great team bonding fun. Wonderful job to all of our Gator swimmers including: Kylie Nguyen, Emma Holm, Alex Brunido, Jonathon Jackson, Brianna Mertz, Cullen Kurzenknabe, and Adrianna Queen, our swamp monster participants. Congratulations to the girls 8 under free relay (Kylie, Emma, Alex, Brianna) for finishing in an amazing second place, Adrianna for dropping time in all six of her events, and to Jonathon and Cullen for large time improvements in their races.
We recently had a fun filled swamp monster pizza party at Dutchman’s Pizza where all the swamp monsters were able to let loose, enjoy some pizza, and even participate in a little karaoke. Thank you to all the swimmers and families who attended and a special thank you to Dawn Guillen for organizing the event.
This February the swamp monsters will be putting a special focus on turns, working on efficiency and speed. Also remember that every Friday is fun Friday and swimming with Coach Cameron. Hope to see you there!
See you at the pool!
Coach Cameron
Crocodiles and Mini-Gators Coach Santiago
Hang in there Crocs and Mini’s – you’ve almost made it through the cold winter months and soon when the warm weather returns you’ll be rewarded with both improved swim technique and fitness for your efforts (and, possibly a winter warrior pizza celebration as well!).
Coach Santiago
VII. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A Word from the President – Denise Brolin
Hello Gator Families,
In the last newsletter, I mentioned that the board was working with the coaches to address some of the issues that arose as a result of the parent survey distributed a few months ago. The Gilroy Gators Board met with the coaches last week to review the comments and concerns received. Some of the things that came out of the meeting are as follows:
- Coaches will begin to intermingle with other groups so that they can get to know all of the swimmers.
- Monthly goal setting of swim times and attendance will take place for the Swamp Monsters, Caimans and Senior Groups.
- Monthly goal setting of attendance will take place for Green and Yellow Croc swimmers.
- Dry land exercises will be given once a week.
- Published Calendar will be available on our website showing all practices, upcoming meets, including deadlines to register, and other club activities.
In addition to the above, we came up with a volunteer position called “Parent Marshal”. This parent would be on deck for an hour and act as the coach’s assistant so that the coach does not have to leave the group at any time. Also, this parent would help keep the swimmers in line so that the focus could stay on teaching swimming and proper stroke technique. Look for this position as a general volunteer hour qualifier in the February Job List Postings.
The Gilroy Gator Board is always open to your comments and suggestions. Please feel free to email us or stop by the office at any time.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or any board member.
Go Gators!!!
Denise Brolin
Board Members 2010-2011:
Please feel free to contact any member of the Board of Directors with questions and concerns. All board members can be emailed confidentially via the web site from the ‘Coaches’ tab (the page includes coaches and members of the board).
President: Denise Brolin
Vice President: Lisa Felice
Secretary: Eileen Santos
Treasurer: Shellie Mayorga
Co-Treasurer: Darcy Rodriguez
Membership:Kristen Reeder,Marie Forsell
Ways and Means: Open – Please contact a board member if you are interested!
Volunteer Coordinators: Elizabeth Moore, Dawn Guillen
Board Meetings 2010-2011:
Board Meetings are on3rdWednesday of each month.
Next meeting:Feb. 16th, 2010 – 7-9PM
Change in location for the FEBRUARYGGST Board Meeting:
GHS LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM
THE LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM IS LOCATED AT THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM THE CLOCK TOWER. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.
Otherwise BOD meetings are held at Community Meeting Room, Sunrise Fire Station.
All swim team members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
For more information, please contact: Eileen Santos.
VIII. BIRTHDAY CORNER
A Happy Happy Birthday to these Gators for the months of February and March!
FEBRUARYMARCH
Coach Karen 2/6Isabella Beninger3/14
Alexandra Brunido 2/21Rachael Carnell3/16
Natalie Garcia2/24Emma Davis3/15
Mason Krueger2/25Fiona McFarland3/24
Cullen Kurzenknabe2/01Kayla Nguyen3/26
Augusta Schulte2/11Alexia Salcido3/10
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We would like to thank our Corporate Sponsors:
California Custom ShedsMichael McKeever,DDSDr. Richard Gallagher, DDS
888-756-4237847-1118408-846-5887
Wren Ave. Ste. A-1117888 Wren Ave. #A110
North of Salinas at Hwy 101 and Ralph Ln.Gilroy, CA 95020Gilroy, CA 95020
Just 2 mi. south of exit for Hwy. 156 West
2011 MEET SCHEDULE
January:
Date / Class/Course / Meet/Host / Location15-16 / Zone Champ
(Z1S) / ZONE 1 SOUTH / Santa ClaraCA
29-30 / Senior I
(PC) / SANTA CLARA SWIM CLUB / Santa ClaraCA
February:
Date / Class/Course / Meet/Host / Location5-6 / C/B/A+
(Z1S) / LOS GATOS AQUATICS CLUB / Los GatosCA
19-21 / Senior II T&F
(PC) / CABRILLO THREASHERS / Santa CruzCA
19-20 / C/B/A+
(Z1S) / WEST COAST AQUATICS / San JoseCA
March:
Date / Class/Course / Meet/Host / Location4-6 / Senior III T&F
(PC) / PACIFIC SEA LIONS / PacificaCA
5-6 / C/B/A+
(Z1S) / TEAM WAVE / Morgan HillCA
18-20 / JO+ T&F
(PC) / SPRING JUNIOR OLYMPICS CHAMPIONSHIPS / San Ramon CA
31-April 3 / Q
(PC) / SHORT COURSE FAR WESTER CHAMPIONSHIPS HOSTED BY ALMADEN SWIM & RACQUET CLUB / Morgan HillCA
April:
Date / Class/Course / Meet/Host / Location8-10 / C/B/A+
(Z1S) / MORGAN HILL SWIM CLUB / Morgan HillCA
30 / 10/under Champ.
(PC) / MORGAN HILL SWIM CLUB / Morgan HillCA
30-May1 / Senior II
(PC) / STANFORD SWIMMING / StanfordCA
May:
Date / Class/Course / Meet/Host / Location14-15 / C/B/A+
(Z1S) / SLUG AQUATICS / Santa CruzCA
22 / Senior II Walkon
(PC) / SANTA CLARA SWIM CLUB / Santa ClaraCA
27-30 / Age Group Open
(PC) / MONTEREYBAY SWIM CLUB / SalinasCA
June:
Date / Class/Course / Meet/Host / Location11-12 / C/B/A+
(Z1S) / SAN JOSE AQUATICS / San JoseCA
24-26 (???) / Invit.
(Z4) / BISHOP SWIM TEAM / BishopCA
July:
Date / Class/Course / Meet/Host / Location7-10 / JO+ T&F
(PC) / ADAM SZMIDT MEMORIAL PACIFIC SWIMMING JUNIOR OLYMPIC CHAMPIONSHIPS / San JoseCA
22-24 (???) / League Champ.
(Z1S) / SOUTHBAY SWIM LEAGUE / San JoseCA
27-31 / Q
(PC) / LONG COURSE FAR WESTERN CHAMPIONSHIPS HOSTED BY TERRAPINS SWIM TEAM / ConcordCA
August:
CVAL? UNKNOWN(NOT ON LIST GIVEN)
September:
Date / Class/Course / Meet/Host / Location9-10 / C/B/A+
(Z1S) / TEAM WAVE / Morgan HillCA
October:
Date / Class/Course / Meet/Host / Location8-9 / C/B/A+
(Z1S) / SAN JOSE AQUATICS / San JoseCA
15-16 / Senior II
(PC) / ALMADEN SWIM & RACQUET CLUB / Morgan HillCA
22-23 / C/B/A+
(Z1S) / MORGAN HILL SWIM CLUB / Morgan HillCA
November:
Date / Class/Course / Meet/Host / Location5-6 / C/BA+ (Z1S) / GILROY GATORS / Gilroy, CA
19-20 / C/B/A+
(Z1S) / ALMADEN SWIM & RACQUET CLUB / Morgan HillCA
December:
Date / Class/Course / Meet/Host / Location2-4 / JO+ 14/un
(PC) / PACIFIC SWIMMING JUNIOR OLYMPICS CHAMPIONSHIPS / Morgan HillCA
9-11 / Senior III T&F
(PC) / PACIFIC SWIMMING SHORT COURSE SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS HOSTED BY WALNUT CREEK AQUABEARS / Pleasant HillCA
10-11 (???) / SENIOR III
(Z2) / PLEASONTON HAWKS / PleasontonCA
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