Team News Archive

 

SUSAN BETH SCOTT has claimed another world record, this time at the Can-Am Championships for Swimmers with a Disability held July 11-13 in Victoria, British Columbia. Her time in the S10 800m freestyle was 9:40.00. She smashed the old record, which had stood since 1995, by nearly two seconds. Scott's time was also good for new American and PanAmerican records. See the wrapup here: 2008 U.S. Paralympic Swimming Team Makes Strong Statement at Can-Am Championships

GATOR ASST. COACH DEBBIE FRANKLIN talks about competitive swimming as an adult on KFVS-12. Links on the KFVS sports section also feature video clips on Susan Beth Scott's ESPY nomination and Kyleigh and Kristian Troxel. Be sure to have a look! View Debbie's interview here.

VOTE FOR SUSAN BETH! - Exciting news! Susan Beth Scott has been nominated for an ESPY award for the Top Female Athlete with a Disability in the country. ESPN will fly her to LA for the red carpet program on July 16. Her teammate, Philip Scholz, was also nominated in the male category. Please show your support by going to the ESPN website and voting on the ESPYs. Voting ends July 12. Here's a PDF of the entire ballot. See also: Local swimmer earns nomination for ESPY award (Southeast Missourian, 7-3-08)

THE 2008 OLYMPIC TRIALS are June 29-July 6 at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Neb. Gator grad Steffan Troxel is swimming the 1500 free. Good luck, Steffan!! More info here. Check out the new video widget to watch the events you may have missed!

MINUTES from the Gator Parent Meeting held June 4, 2008, are available here (pdf).

SPRING GATOR AWARDS - Photos from the Spring awards banquet are available online here (password is gators.) http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee261/prjk95/2008GatorAwards/ MD-Most Dedicated; MI-Most Improved; MVP-Most Valuable
8 and under girls MD - Hadley Beck MI - Sophi Thurman MVP - Allison McDonald 8 and under boys MD - Tra Leimer MI - Ian Cameron MVP - John Kiefner 9 - 10 girls MD - Caitlyn Palmer MI - Elizabeth Kiefner MVP - Gabby Vieira 9-10 boys MD - Payton Beck MI - Kevin Douglas MVP - Austin Hobbs	11 - 12 girls MD - Maddie Siefert MI - Morgan Maguire MVP - Kyleigh Troxel 11-12 boys MD - Kristian Troxel MI - Mason Turner MVP - Kristian Troxel 13 -14 girls MD - Bridget Hale MI - Lizzie Schmidt MVP - Allison Hobbs 13-14 boys MD - Landon Beck MI - Ben Koch MVP - Ramsey Scott	15 over girls MD - Audrey Glover MI - Annie Wolpers MVP - Morgan Fraser 15 over boys MD - Caleb Coots MI - Nick Welker MVP - Caleb Coots 2008 Gator Award Annie Wolpers Nick Welker

 

HALL OF FAME - Congratulations to Gator Assistant Coach Alicia Scott, who was just inducted into the Glasgow-Barren County (Kentucky) Athletic Hall of Fame. From the Glasgow Daily Times:

"Alicia Polson Scott made the most of her opportunity. The 1977 graduate of Glasgow High School was on the inaugural GHS girls’ basketball team. She also reached state in doubles tennis while in high school. She was not offered a scholarship to play basketball at Western Kentucky University, but walked on to the program. By the end of her senior year, she was the first All-American in women’s basketball at WKU and she is still in the top 10 all time in several women’s basketball statistical categories at the university. She parlayed her success at WKU into a solid college coaching career before becoming an assistant athletic director. She now resides in Missouri."

BOARD MEMBERS - The following people were elected to the Gator Board of Directors at the banquet on Thursday, April 17: Laura Brown, Mark Coots, Tom Kiefner, Kyle McDonald, Mike Scott.

SUSAN BETH MAKES U.S. PARALYMPIC TEAM - It's official! Susan Beth Scott has been named to the U.S. Paralympic Swim Team, and she was also honored as female Swimmer of the Meet for her world-record-setting 400-meter swim. She will represent the U.S. at the Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 6-17, 2008. More info/photos here. Congratulations to Susan Beth and her family from the Gators! Here are a couple of links to stories out on the web:

• Beijing-Bound Swimmer (Southeast Missourian, April 13, 2008)
• Lane 9 News via Swimming World Magazine: www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/17734.asp
• CBS College Sports: www.cstv.com/sports/c-swim/stories/040608aac.html.

SUSAN BETH SCOTT SETS RECORD AT TRIALS - Gator swimmer Susan Beth Scott has made the most of her opportunity this year as a resident athlete at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs as she capitalized with a world record swim in the 400 meter freestyle Thursday night (April 3) , the opening day of the U.S. Paralympic Swimming Trials held at the University of Minnesota through Saturday. Scott's time of 4:40.10 broke a 12 year standing record by nearly 8 tenths of a second that was set in 1996 at the Paralympic games in Atlanta. Scott's swim and new #1 world ranking in the event should secure her a slot on the U.S. team going to the games this September in Beijing, as the U.S. has 38 total slots, 18 for women. Competition continues through Saturday and the team will be announced Sunday. Congratulations, Susan Beth!

Above at right is a photo of Susan Beth right after her record-setting swim on Thursday.
More photos >>

• AP news via Yahoo Sports
• Minneapolis Star Tribune
• U.S. Paralympic Team website

ALUMNI NEWS - Gator Grad Hannah Kinder's Texas A&M women’s swimming & diving team won the 2008 Big 12 conference championship on March 1. More info here! (Hannah is in pic behind the sign). Hannah scored with a 13th-place finish in the 100 free in 51.26. Congratulations, Hannah!

PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Congratulations to Gator Annie Wolpers, recognized as Player of the Week by the Southeast Missourian.

H2O MEET RESULTS - New achievements: Elizabeth Kiefner got her first double-A time in the Girls 9-10 50-Yard Butterfly (35.25). Kevin Douglas got his first triple-A time in the Boys 9-10 200-Yard Freestyle (2:18.64). New Record: Gabby Vieira broke a long-standing record from Erin Vogt (1991) in the Girls 9-10 200-Yard IM. The new record is 2:33.74. Congratulations swimmers! Gator Results - Full Meet Results

IN THE NEWS - Read the following article and scroll down to the third picture and see if you recognize the cute girl in the backround wearing the goggles. - The Denver Post: Still in the Swim (It's Susan Beth Scott!)

PARADE RESCHEDULED - The parade is rescheduled for This Sunday, Dec. 2. Meet at Capaha Park to make final touches on float by 3:30 pm. We are still #62. If the weather is bad it will be canceled again but listen to the radio for cancellations. Still need a lot of CANDY!

• Cape Christmas Parade Postponed - (Gators on KFVS-TV)
  

SCHOLASTIC ALL-AMERICA TEAM - Congratulations to Gator grad Hannah Kinder, named to the 2006-2007 USA Swimming Women's Scholastic All-America Team

MOTIVATIONAL MINUTE - Coach Steve shares this from his inbox: Get motivated with the Motivational Minute by Josh Davis, 5-Time Olympic Medalist, Motivational Speaker (pdf)

GIFT CARD FUNDRAISER UPDATE - Attention Parents: We are starting a scrip gift card program to raise money for the team. The gift cards are purchased at face value and the team receives a percentage of the proceeds of the gift card. This is a great way to raise money for the team without selling something. Most of you are already spending your money at these vendors anyway, why not plan ahead and purchase the cards and help raise money for team. Scrip Card Order Form (pdf) - Michelle Hobbs

RIO GATOR WATCH - Follow Gator SUSAN BETH SCOTT's progress as she competes Aug. 13-18 in the 2007 Parapan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. See these team newsletters (pdfs) from the coach: Aug. 9 - Aug. 10 - Aug. 11 - Aug. 12 - Aug. 13 - Aug. 14 - Aug. 15 - Aug. 16 - Aug. 17 - Aug. 18 Congratulations, Susan Beth! Gold medal in 400 free (4:45.57) , silver medals in 50 free, 100 free, 100 back, 200 IM, 400 free relay and 400 medley relay. See also: Scott Wraps Up Parapan Games (Southeast Missourian)

Coach's Corner

03-05-07

Gator swimmers, parents, and friends,

We have come to the end of another very successful short course season, in which we placed 6th at Ozark Championships and sent 8 swimmers to Sectionals last weekend. We had around 45% of our team qualify for Championships and out of the 27 who competed, 70% of them scored in the top 16 !!!

First place swimmers were :

• Susan Beth Scott
• Caleb Statler
• Jordan Gramling
• Morgan Fraser

9 year old Gabby Vieira tied for third place overall in the high point scoring bringing home a nice plaque.

Four Sectional cuts were also made:

• Morgan Fraser / 50 & 100 Free
  
• Caleb Statler / 500 Free
  
• Nick Welker / 1000

Even though we did not win the spirit award at the meet, I thought our support of swimmers in finals and the heart our swimmers showed through and caught notice of the other teams.

All the hardships of training are softened greatly with the sweet feeling of success.The mental thoughness it takes for our swimmers to train day to day in a distance based program is remarkable. Other swimmers take for granted the gift(s) given them, and are not willing to put their body on the line to achieve their true potential. They might achieve a modicum of success but won't know how to maintain success when their abilites run into like abilities, who have determination, and a long history of sacrificing to achieve. When dedication, determination, and desire are a conerstone of your life the question is not if you will achieve in life but when.

Sectional swimmers do well!! Not only did we have a sectional winner, but achieved 3 new sectional cuts in the 1000 free while swimming the mile -- that's right while swimming the mile!

• Caleb Coots
• Susan Beth Scott
• Allison Hobbs

With such great times going out, all of our milers achieved best times !!

Hannah Kinder set at least one team record in prelims of the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:49.65 and possibly in the 500 with a time of 4:56.74 which was good enough for her to stand on top of the podium in first place. She also placed 3rd in the 100 free , 4th in the 50 free and 13th in the 100 back.

I would like to thank all the parents who make it possible for our swimmers to achieve because of their sacrifices, and our swimmers, who put their bodies on the line for their belief in the program.

I am thankful for all of this and proud to be the Coach of the Gator Swim team

Steve Franklin
Head Coach, Gator Swimming

 

 

GATORS WIN SUMMER CHAMPIONSHIP! - The Gators won the SMSC Championships again this year with a total score of 1,020.50 points. Kennett was second with 768.50 points and Jackson was third with 620 points. Meet Photos - Team Scores - Full Results - Gator Results By Name - By Event - Top Times & Records - Achievements

• HIGH POINT WINNERS - The following Gator swimmers won the high point award for their age group: Gabriela Vieira (Girls 9-10), Austin Hobbs and Kevin Douglas* (Boys 9-10), Bridget Hale and Kyleigh Troxel (Girls 11-12), Ramsey Scott (Boys 11-12), Jessica Zander* (Girls 13-14), Alex Anne Troxel (Girls 15-18), and Peyton Waggener (Boys 15-18). * Jessica and Kevin won high point trophies for Ste. Genevieve, but they swim year round with us and have Gator blood in their veins.
• RECORD BREAKERS - Gator swimmers were responsible for 10 of the 20 conference records broken at the SMSC Championships. New individual records were set by Austin Hobbs (Boys 9-10 100Y IM), Josey Powell (Girls 8 & Under 50Y Freestyle and 100Y IM), Gabriela Vieira (Girls 9-10 50Y Backstroke, 100Y Freestyle and 100Y IM), and Peyton Waggener (Boys 15-18 100Y Breaststroke). New relay records were set by these Gator teams: Madison Brune, Elizabeth Kiefner, Madeleine McDonald and Gabriela Vieira (Girls 9-10 100Y Medley and 100Y Freestyle Relays), and Bridget Hale, Morgan Maguire, Jenny Powell and Kyleigh Troxel (Girls 11-12 200Y Freestyle Relay).
• NEW TIME STANDARDS - Swimmers who achieved new time standards in the past two weeks were Madeleine McDonald (A time in the 50Y Freestyle at the SMSC Championships), Madeline Siefert (A time in the 50Y Breaststroke at the SMSC Championships), Eva Schafer (BB time in the 50M Freestyle at the Scott City meet), Laura Waggener (BB time in the 50Y Breaststroke at the SMSC Championships), and Raymond Woldtvedt (BB time in the 100Y Freestyle at the SMSC Championships).

PRACTICE SUIT ORDER - We will be placing an order for practice suits. Uglies will be $25, jammers $20 and briefs $17. This is a 'grab bag' order so you can only pick your size. Email (sdarevalo@hotmail.com) or call DeAnna (382-2580) with your order before Friday July 27th. Thank you!!

SWIM YEAR ROUND with the Gators. Details here! (pdf)

YEAR ROUND PRACTICE - Did your kids have a great time this summer? Are they just now "hitting their stride" and sad to see it all end? The good news is that it doesn't have to!! The Gators are in the water year round and you are invited to keep swimming with us. Practices will continue on Monday July 23rd. Please see/call DeAnna (382-2580) for the necessary form you need to fill out if you are interested in swimming with us some more. We'd love to have you!!!

SIGN UP TO WORK AT CARBONDALE - The Gators are co-hosting the Ozark Championships at Carbondale July 27-29. This is a meet that USA parents MUST WORK! Gators are responsible for timing half the lanes on Friday night and all positions for all sessions on Saturday. If families choose not to work, a fine will be assessed to your account. This policy is outlined in the handbook. Thank you for your cooperation...and please sign up with Sherrie Troxel to ensure we have enough help to keep this valuable fundraiser much continued success.

OZ CHAMP SHIRTS - Due to availability issues we cannot get the lime green tie-dye shirt. We have substituted a gold tie-dye instead to match the new Gator cap that we ordered. If you prefer not to have a gold shirt, please contact DeAnna before Monday July 23rd to cancel your order. Also, there were no Adult Medium sizes available so we had to substitute Adult Large for those sizes. Sorry for the inconvenience, we didn't realize the tie-dye shirts were in such limited quantities.

MORE PHOTOS ONLINE - order prints and/or add new albums to the room. You’ll need to create a free Walgreens account if you still don’t have one. Once you have an account, you can join the Gator Swim Team Room by using the code 42867 (GATOR on the telephone pad). Here’s the address: http://photo.walgreens.com/groups/gatorswimteam

JUNIOR OLYMPICS - The psych sheet for the JOs has been posted here!

THANK YOU - We would like to thank all of you for your prayers, gifts, phone calls, meals, visits, kindness, etc. etc. during and after Iliana's surgery. You all certainly made this easier for her to handle. She has a long road ahead of her but can't wait to get back in the water! We are truly proud to say we are Gators!!! Thank you to everybody!! - Iliana, DeAnna & Santiago

GATORS ON KFVS - Gator Swim Team made the KFVS12 sportscast preparing for the Junior Olympic Qualifier Meet to be Saturday in Poplar Bluff. View the video here. The Gator segment is at the end, about 4:18 into the sportscast.

EMAIL ADDRESSES NEEDED - Gator Parents...Please send me your email addresses for billing as soon as possible. Your bill will be emailed to you, please email me the address you would like it sent to jama20@charter.net. Thank you, Michelle Hobbs

TIMES AND ACHIEVEMENTS PAGES - Check out these new Gator pages featuring team records, top times and Gator achievements.

BOARD MEMBERS / OFFICERS - Thank you to our volunteers who have agreed to serve on our Board of Directors. Please note the new contact information.

GATORS WIN SUMMER CHAMPIONSHIP! - The Gators won the SMSC Championships again this year with a total score of 1,020.50 points. Kennett was second with 768.50 points and Jackson was third with 620 points. See also: Team Scores - Full Results

Meet higihlights:

• HIGH POINT WINNERS - The following Gator swimmers won the high point award for their age group: Gabriela Vieira (Girls 9-10), Austin Hobbs and Kevin Douglas* (Boys 9-10), Bridget Hale and Kyleigh Troxel (Girls 11-12), Ramsey Scott (Boys 11-12), Jessica Zander* (Girls 13-14), Alex Anne Troxel (Girls 15-18), and Peyton Waggener (Boys 15-18). * Jessica and Kevin won high point trophies for Ste. Genevieve, but they swim year round with us and have Gator blood in their veins.
• RECORD BREAKERS - Gator swimmers were responsible for 10 of the 20 conference records broken at the SMSC Championships. New individual records were set by Austin Hobbs (Boys 9-10 100Y IM), Josey Powell (Girls 8 & Under 50Y Freestyle and 100Y IM), Gabriela Vieira (Girls 9-10 50Y Backstroke, 100Y Freestyle and 100Y IM), and Peyton Waggener (Boys 15-18 100Y Breaststroke). New relay records were set by these Gator teams: Madison Brune, Elizabeth Kiefner, Madeleine McDonald and Gabriela Vieira (Girls 9-10 100Y Medley and 100Y Freestyle Relays), and Bridget Hale, Morgan Maguire, Jenny Powell and Kyleigh Troxel (Girls 11-12 200Y Freestyle Relay).
• NEW TIME STANDARDS - Swimmers who achieved new time standards in the past two weeks were Madeleine McDonald (A time in the 50Y Freestyle at the SMSC Championships), Eva Schafer (BB time in the 50M Freestyle at the Scott City meet), Laura Waggener (BB time in the 50Y Breaststroke at the SMSC Championships), and Raymond Woldtvedt (BB time in the 100Y Freestyle at the SMSC Championships).

SIGN UP TO WORK AT CARBONDALE - The Gators are co-hosting the Ozark Championships at Carbondale July 27-29. This is a meet that USA parents MUST WORK! Gators are responsible for timing half the lanes on Friday night and all positions for all sessions on Saturday. If families choose not to work, a fine will be assessed to your account. This policy is outlined in the handbook. Thank you for your cooperation...and please sign up with Sherrie Troxel to ensure we have enough help to keep this valuable fundraiser much continued success.

OZ CHAMP SHIRTS - Due to availability issues we cannot get the lime green tie-dye shirt. We have substituted a gold tie-dye instead to match the new Gator cap that we ordered. If you prefer not to have a gold shirt, please contact DeAnna before Monday July 23rd to cancel your order. Also, there were no Adult Medium sizes available so we had to substitute Adult Large for those sizes. Sorry for the inconvenience, we didn't realize the tie-dye shirts were in such limited quantities.

MORE PHOTOS ONLINE - order prints and/or add new albums to the room. You’ll need to create a free Walgreens account if you still don’t have one. Once you have an account, you can join the Gator Swim Team Room by using the code 42867 (GATOR on the telephone pad). Here’s the address: http://photo.walgreens.com/groups/gatorswimteam

JUNIOR OLYMPICS - The psych sheet for the JOs has been posted here!

YEAR ROUND PRACTICE - Did your kids have a great time this summer? Are they just now "hitting their stride" and sad to see it all end? The good news is that it doesn't have to!! The Gators are in the water year round and you are invited to keep swimming with us. Practices will continue on Monday July 23rd. Please see/call DeAnna (382-2580) for the necessary form you need to fill out if you are interested in swimming with us some more. We'd love to have you!!!

THANK YOU - We would like to thank all of you for your prayers, gifts, phone calls, meals, visits, kindness, etc. etc. during and after Iliana's surgery. You all certainly made this easier for her to handle. She has a long road ahead of her but can't wait to get back in the water! We are truly proud to say we are Gators!!! Thank you to everybody!! - Iliana, DeAnna & Santiago

GATORS ON KFVS - Gator Swim Team made the KFVS12 sportscast preparing for the Junior Olympic Qualifier Meet to be Saturday in Poplar Bluff. View the video here. The Gator segment is at the end, about 4:18 into the sportscast.

EMAIL ADDRESSES NEEDED - Gator Parents...Please send me your email addresses for billing as soon as possible. Your bill will be emailed to you, please email me the address you would like it sent to jama20@charter.net. Thank you, Michelle Hobbs

TIMES AND ACHIEVEMENTS PAGES - Check out these new Gator pages featuring team records, top times and Gator achievements.

BOARD MEMBERS / OFFICERS - Thank you to our volunteers who have agreed to serve on our Board of Directors. Please note the new contact information.

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARCHIVE - Find our old news here.

Coach's Corner

03-05-07

Gator swimmers, parents, and friends,

We have come to the end of another very successful short course season, in which we placed 6th at Ozark Championships and sent 8 swimmers to Sectionals last weekend. We had around 45% of our team qualify for Championships and out of the 27 who competed, 70% of them scored in the top 16 !!!

First place swimmers were :

• Susan Beth Scott
• Caleb Statler
• Jordan Gramling
• Morgan Fraser

9 year old Gabby Vieira tied for third place overall in the high point scoring bringing home a nice plaque.

Four Sectional cuts were also made:

• Morgan Fraser / 50 & 100 Free
  
• Caleb Statler / 500 Free
  
• Nick Welker / 1000

Even though we did not win the spirit award at the meet, I thought our support of swimmers in finals and the heart our swimmers showed through and caught notice of the other teams.

All the hardships of training are softened greatly with the sweet feeling of success.The mental thoughness it takes for our swimmers to train day to day in a distance based program is remarkable. Other swimmers take for granted the gift(s) given them, and are not willing to put their body on the line to achieve their true potential. They might achieve a modicum of success but won't know how to maintain success when their abilites run into like abilities, who have determination, and a long history of sacrificing to achieve. When dedication, determination, and desire are a conerstone of your life the question is not if you will achieve in life but when.

Sectional swimmers do well!! Not only did we have a sectional winner, but achieved 3 new sectional cuts in the 1000 free while swimming the mile -- that's right while swimming the mile!

• Caleb Coots
• Susan Beth Scott
• Allison Hobbs

With such great times going out, all of our milers achieved best times !!

Hannah Kinder set at least one team record in prelims of the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:49.65 and possibly in the 500 with a time of 4:56.74 which was good enough for her to stand on top of the podium in first place. She also placed 3rd in the 100 free , 4th in the 50 free and 13th in the 100 back.

I would like to thank all the parents who make it possible for our swimmers to achieve because of their sacrifices, and our swimmers, who put their bodies on the line for their belief in the program.

I am thankful for all of this and proud to be the Coach of the Gator Swim team

Steve Franklin
Head Coach, Gator Swimming

^ top of page

GATORS WIN SMALL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP!
For the fourth year, Gator Swim Team has won the Small Club Championship Meet.
Results will be available soon. See more photos in the gallery! More Info

REMINDER: The Gator Long Course meet - We `still have families that have not signed up to work. Please take advantage of the online meet signup or call DeAnna (382-2580) to secure your work spot to avoid being billed. Thank you!!

HOSPITALITY DONATIONS NEEDED - There will be a signup board at the pool for hospitality donations for our meet May 4-6. The items we need include breakfast, dessert and snack items. Some suggestions: fresh fruit, muffins, cookies, brownies, chips, yogurt, trail mix, breakfast pizza, etc. Anything is appreciated. : ) We have two area restaurants providing the main meals. Thank you, Missy Glover

GATOR BOARD ELECTION - Four people were elected to the Gator Swim Team Board at the parents' meeting April 16. Those elected to the three-year terms are Dan Rau, re-elected, Michelle Hobbs, Rosemary Douglas, and Missy Glover. Michelle will replace Karl Larson as treasurer. Those retiring from the board are Karl, Andy Kendig, and John Wolpers. John resigned as board president and board member because of Annie's upcoming surgery and the resulting part-time status. The terms of three board members expire every year. The board has nine members. They will choose officers next month.

SIGN UP FOR SUMMER LEAGUE! Practice begins May 21. Details here!

GATOR LONG COURSE KICKOFF is May 4-6, 2007 - Sign up to work.

Gators place 19 swimmers at Ozark Championships (Southeast Missourian)

SEASON WRAPUP/LETTER from Coach Steve

NEW PHOTOS:

• Hannah Kinder's first-place finish in the 500 free at Sectionals - Full Results
• Gator Girls at the Ozark Championships

TOP TIMES and GATOR RECORDS have been updated! Thanks to Marcio Vieira.

GATOR POSTER WINS ADDY - The Gator Swim Team poster created at Red Letter Communications was among winners at the 2007 Addy Awards (Southeast Missourian article).

BIG FINISH FOR GATORS - Details from Coach on upcoming championships and sectionals.

DOUBLE STATE CHAMPION / GATORS SCORE AT STATE! Congratulations to Gator Hannah Kinder on her dual state titles and state records at the 2007 Missouri High School Girls Swimming Championships Feb. 16-17. Representing Cape Central High School, Hannah won the 200 freestyle in state record time. She also won the 100 freestyle, and she tied the state record in the 50 freestyle during a relay. Congratulations also to Gator Susan Beth Scott, who finished 12th in the 500 freestyle, and to Gator relay swimmers Hannah, Susan Beth, Jessie Baker, Annie Wolpers and Audrey Glover. Hannah, Susan Beth, Jessie and Annie swam for Central High School, which had teams finishing 12th in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays and 12th overall at state. Audrey swam on the Notre Dame 400-free relay team finishing 14th at state. Additionally, Gator Parent / Central Coach Dayna Powell was honored at the meet with the Walter H. Lundt Award, a service award given by the state swimming coaches association. Congratulations to all!

• 2007 Missouri State High School Girls Swimming Championships Results
• Southeast Missourian article: Kinder Takes Two Titles
  
  
• Equal time/oversight deparment: FYI, Gator boys captured top 16 finishes at the Boys State Swimming Championships in November: Gator Sam Gramling placed 11th in the 500 free and 15th in the 200 free; Gator Peyton Waggener placed 15th in the 100 breaststroke.
  • 2006-07 Missouri State High School Boys Swimming Championship Results
  • Southeast Missourian article: Central freshman Gramling captures two top-16 finishes

SWIMMER SPOTLIGHT- Austin Hobbs is our next featured swimmer!
See a list of others on our Swimmer Spotlight section.

GREAT TIMES RESULTS - Full Meet Results and Gator Results

GREAT TIMES WRAPUP - Even though our revenue was down from last year, it was great times for Great Times. As usual, Gator parents made the meet run smoothly where everyone could be relaxed and have fun. We give a special thanks to Michelle Hobbs, meet director, for putting all the pieces of the meet together. The meet also was a success because of the donations by parents of time, talent, and food, and the support of our sponsors, Ryan’s Restaurant and Bob Evans Restaurant. This support and Southern hospitality continues to make Great Times a favorite meet for coaches, officials, and parents. A permanent structure over our pool would go a long way in making the meet the best in the Ozark region, but that discussion will be saved for a different time. We are always looking for ways to improve the meet from year to year. We talked with several Gator parents and visitors, and came up with several ideas for next year. We decided to move immediately on one of the ideas and announce it to our swimmers and parents.The board unanimously approved to sponsor a shirt-design contest for our swimmers. The swimmers can work alone or on teams to design next year’s Great Times t-shirt. The board will judge the entries and award a prize or prizes to the winning design. This had been done in the past, and one of the parents felt the kids would have a lot of fun. We know the Gator swimmers work harder than other swimmers. Now we can discover if they are as creative as they are hard workers. - John Wolpers, Gator Board President

GATOR BAG TAGS REQUIRED - Starting next week around Wednesday (2/7) all Gator swimmers will need to show their Gator bag tag to be able to enter the pool. If they forget it they will either have to pay or not swim. Questions? See Coach Steve.

SWIMMER SPOTLIGHT New! - Gator Swim Team would like to shine a spotlight on its swimmers. First off the block is Chelsea Larson. Find out about her swimmy life!

NEW WEBSITE IN DEVELOPMENT - A new website especially for Gator Parents is in development at gatorswimteam.NET. Parents, please visit and apply for an account. The new site, which requires an account to login, will allow us to sign up for meets online, participate in discussions, buy/sell/trade Gator gear, access exclusive workouts from the coaches, and more. We hope it will help enhance team communication and unity.

COACH'S CORNER - Check out the newest announcements from Coach Steve. (01-05-07)

 

THANK YOU - Thanks to all the family members who donated their time and effort in making Camp Franklin 2006 possible for our swimmers!! Great job to all the swimmers who survived yet another year!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE GATOR ELF!
This site is busy sometimes, so be patient. :-)

NEW PHOTOS! - Gators at Indianapolis Nov. 17-19 2006 - Photos courtesy Rosemary Douglas.

GATOR ADS - It's time to sell ads for our 2007 Great Times Meet Psych Sheet. All ad orders are due Jan. 12 (please get them in earlier if you can). As before, we will reprint the same ads unchanged in the May 2007 Long Course Kickoff program. Here's the info:

Letter to Gator Parents - Ad Order Form - Ad Sizes/Examples - 2006 Ads Sold

GATOR FLOAT WINS IN PARADE! - Gator Swim Team's Parade of Lights float entry won first place in the City of Cape Girardeau's Parade of Lights Class B Appearance category. Congratulations to all who participated! Special thanks to Laura Brown, who coordinated this year's float entry. The annual parade was held Sunday night 11/26. If any Gators have photos they would like to share, please email them to the webmaster. Vie results in the Southeast Missourian.

GOOD LUCK SUSAN BETH, HANNAH AND STEFFAN! - Good luck to Gator swimmers Susan Beth Scott and Hannah Kinder, and Gator grad Steffan Troxel, who are participating in international and national meets this week. Susan Beth is swimming in the U.S. Paralympics Swimming World Championships Nov. 29-Dec. 9 in South Africa, and Hannah and Steffan are swimming in the U.S. Open meet in West Lafayette, Indiana, Nov. 30-Dec. 2. Check their progress at these websites/related articles:

• 2006 U.S. Open - Psych Sheet (pdf)
• On the Road with the U.S. Paralympics Swimming World Championships Team
• 2006 IPC World Swimming Championships
• U.S. Paralympic Team - Susan Beth's bio
• Kinder's progress results in offer from Texas A&M (Southeast Missourian 11/16/06)

TOP TIMES - Marcio Vieira has updated the Gator Top Times and SCY Records.

GATORS MAKE CUTS, CLOSE CALLS - The meet in Indianapolis last weekend had over 900 swimmers entered with teams from Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, Minnisota, Illinois, Ohio to name a few.The Gator Swimmers did fantastic, getting 5 new sectional cuts and several close calls.those getting the cuts were:

• Sam Gramling / 200 Backstroke
• Caleb Coots / 1650 freestyle
• Susan Beth Scott / 1650 freestyle
• Allison Hobbs / 1650 freestyle
• Hannah Kinder / 400 IM

Close calls were:

• Morgan Fraser / 200 IM
• Allison Hobbs / 1000 free
• Susan Beth Scott / 1000 free

We had several swimmers make it into finals on Saturday and would have made it back on Sunday except we left early becaue of the long drive time back to Cape. Austin Hobbs, Morgan Fraser, Kevin Douglas , Susan Beth Scott, Allison Hobbs, Hannah Kinder, Caleb Coots , Wyatt Larson, and Sam Gramling were our finalists. Congratulations to all our swimmmers for their efforts and great swims. - COACH STEVE

MEET ATTENDANCE - Coach Steve has sent the following clarifications about upcoming meets:

• December: Rec-plex is optional ( Only if you need cuts )
  Heat meet is our Team meet ( make all attempts to attend )
• January : Paducah is optional
  Memphis is our team travel meet
• February : Our meet is the team meet
  Qualifier meet is for everyone who does not have the cut to attend the Ozark Champs
  Ozark Championshipsis for everyone who has the cuts
• March: 8 & Under Championships / Heat Meet everyone attends ( Spring break is after this meet )

MEET SIGNUPS - IMPORTANT NOTE FROM COACH - Coach Steve will not accept email or phone calls to enter swimmers into meets. You must sign up at the pool !

FALL/WINTER MEET SCHEDULE - The following meet schedule has been approved by the board. Any questions, please contact Coach Steve. (* qualifiers only):

• Sept. 30 - Gator Mini Meet 6:30-9:00 am at the Bubble
• Oct. 7-8 - Fall Frenzy - Paducah (includes 8 & unders) - Invitation
• Oct. 13-15 - NAC - Nashville (includes 8 & unders) - Invitation
• Oct. 27-29 - Halloween Howl - Rockwood (includes 8 & unders) - Invitation
• Nov. 4 - Splash-a-Thon
• Nov. 17-19 - Turkey Trot - Carbondale 500
• Nov. 17-19 - Prelims/Finals - Indy*
• Nov. 30-Dec. 2 - US Open - Lafayette, IN*
• Dec. 8-10 - Ozark Open - Rec Plex*
• Dec. 16-17 - HEAT - St. Louis
• Jan. 5-7 - Swimfest - Paducah
• Jan. 12-14 - Memphis
• Feb. 2-4 - Great Times - Cape
• Feb. 10-11 - Ozark Qualifier
• Feb. 23-25 - Ozark Championships - Rec Plex*
• Mar 1-4 - Sectionals - Rec Plex*
• Mar 10-11 - 8 & under Championships/HEAT - St. Louis
• Mar 16-18 - Para Pan Ams - Canada*
• Mar 27-31 - New York*

BOARD NEWS - Alicia has stepped down as president of Gators to accept an assistant-coaching position with Gators. She will remain on board. She and Ann Welker will be the assistant coaches. John Wolpers, vice president, has assumed the post of president. Andy Kendig has been named vice president. Board approved the revised parent handbook and new fee structure. A parent meeting is scheduled Oct. 5 to discuss changes.

SWIM ALL YEAR - with the Gators! More Info here (pdf)

REVISED HANDBOOK - The Gator Handbook has been revised. Please be sure to read it! The most significant changes are a modest and necessary fee increase, the simplification of the fee structure, some fee discount opportunities and the creation of two new training groups, Periodic Age Group Swimmers and Gator Tots.

National Wrapup

CONGRATULATIONS GATORS - Gators Hannah Kinder and Susan Beth Scott had outstanding swims at their national meets. And former Gator Steffan Troxel recently earned a U.S. Olympic Trials cut in the 1500 free. Hannah finished 7th in the 100 free, 16th in the 50 free and 22nd in the 200 free at the 2006 Speedo Junior National Championships . Susan Beth earned a trip to the US Paralympic World Championships with her first place finish in the 200 back and second place finishes in the 1500 free, 400 free and 100 back the U.S. Paralympics Swimming National Championships. Steffan finished 23rd in the 1500 free at the ConocoPhillips USA Swimming National Championships in 15:47.77. The trials cut is 15:53.59. More info:

• Scott earns trip to world championships (Southeast Missourian, Aug. 15)
• Scott, Kinder, Troxel updates (Southeast Missourian, Aug. 11)

GATORS AT NATIONAL MEETS - Good luck to Gators Hannah Kinder and Susan Beth Scott, who are swimming in national meets this week. Hannah is in the 2006 Speedo Junior National Championships behing held Aug. 7-11 in Irvine, California, and Susan Beth is in the U.S. Paralympics Swimming National Championships being held Aug. 10-12 in San Antonio, Texas. Both swimmers were featured in recent newspaper articles:

• Read about Hannah (Southeast Missourian, Aug. 6, 2006)
• Read about Susan Beth (Southeast Missourian, Aug. 8, 2006)

JO'S - Congratulations to Gator AAU JUNIOR OLYMPICS swimmers Caleb Coots, Alyssa Coots and Maryanne Kendig, who participated in the 40th AAU Junior Olympic Games held Aug. 1-4, 2006, at Hampton Roads, Virginia. 2006 AAU JO results

OZARK CHAMPIONSHIP meet results are online here. Gator Swim Team finished 4th of 17 teams, behind the three large St. Louis teams of Parkway, Rockwood and Rec-Plex.
Meet Results - Individual Rankings - Team Scores

Gators Swim at Sectionals

Gator swimmer Hannah Kinder on screen at the University of Missouri
following her 50M freestyle race. More photos

2nd PLACE and NATIONAL CUT at SECTIONALS - Gator Hannah Kinder swam US Open and National qualifying times in the 50M freestyle finals at the USA 2006 Central Section Region VIII Long Course Summer Championship meet held July 19-22 in Columbia, Mo. She finished 2nd with a time of 26.66. Hannah also swam a US Open-qualifying time in the 100M free with a time of 58:47. Congratulations to Hannah and all of our Gator Sectionals-qualifying swimmers:

• Hannah Kinder - 2nd in 50M free, 9th in 100M free, 5th in 200M free, 13th in 100M back, 43rd in 200 IM, 44th in 400 free
• David Welker - 27th in 800M free, 29th in 1500M free, 33rd in 200M back, 42nd in 400 IM, 45th in 400 free
• Kris Metje - 44th in 800M free, 48th in 1500M free
• Sectionals Championship Results (pdf)

PLEASE SEE A NOTE OF CONCERN about a former Gator swimmer's mother on Parent Link

Gators Win Summer League Championship!

Photos courtesy Marcio Vieira and John Waggener - More photos

Photo courtesy Marcio Vieira Click photo for larger version Even larger version (1200x900 - 287k)

SMSC photo courtesy Andy Kendig Click photo for a larger version Even larger version - (2668x1288-1.2 MB)

GATORS WIN SMSC CHAMPIONSHIPS !! - Gator Swim team won the Large Division Southeast Missouri Swim Conference Championship with 1,309 points, 8 Gators took home age group high point trophies, and numerous Gator swimmers achieved best times or were among those breaking 15 conference records at the meet. Congratulations to all of our swimmers for a great effort and a successful season!

SMSC Championship Meet Results - High Points - Summary - Gator Photos - SMSC Photos

Gator summer practice photos courtesy Angela Welker - More practice photos

GATORS BREAK MORE RECORDS - Congratulations to our record-breaking Gators!
Sikeston Record Breakers - Sikeston Relay Record Breakers - Sikeston Full Meet Results

Scott City meet photos are now online!

MEET WORKER VOLUNTEERS are needed for our SMSC Championships meet July 22, 2006. Please note our online signup form has been de-activated until further notice. Please sign up at the pool.

INDIANAPOLIS meet results are now online.

SIGNUP DEADLINES FOR CHAMPIONSHIP MEETS - The USA Division I Championship sign-up sheet is in the file box and the last day to enter is on July 14. There will be absolutely no exceptions! Once I send in the entries I will not be adding to it or subtracting from it. I also need to have all summer league swimmers who plan on swimming in the SMSC Championships sign up by July 10 ( even if you have not swum in the last meet I need to know your intentions) - Coach Steve

GATOR MEET RESULTS (in additional to full eet results) are now available on te calendar page.

CHAMPIONSHIP SHIRTS: Orders are being taken for 2006 SMSC Championship Shirts. Cost is $12. See DeAnna to put your order in. Orders due by Thursday, July 6th.

JULY 4th COOKOUT - We will be having hot dogs, chips, drinks and ice cream after practice on the 4th. (Yes, we are still having practice!! I know that's what you were thinking! And yes, we know it will be early in the morning for some of you, but we don't doubt your ability to still have a hot dog and some ice cream!) There is a signup sheet for hot dogs, buns, chips, and drinks at the pool. Ice cream and toppings will be provided. Come and celebrate all the hard work you have done all summer!

USA FALL PRACTICE SURVEY - A survey regarding convenient practice times for your swim group this fall is in the family folders. Please fill out and return to the Arevalo folder by July 15 if you want your vote to count!! These are NOT the practice times. We are just trying to get a general idea of times for each group.

FIRECRACKER FRENZY MEET CANCELED - Due to a low number of entries, the Gator Board has voted to cancel the Firecracker Frenzy meet scheduled for June 30-July 2.

MESSAGE FROM THE MEET DIRECTOR - As you have already heard the Firecracker Frenzy has been canceled by action of the Gator Swim Team Board. I want to thank those who showed their support and had already put out effort and time to try to make this meet a success. If held the meet would have required more effort on the part of our parents than the benefit we would have derived. Very little monetary expenses were realized in preparing for this meet and any that were incurred will benefit our other meets. We now need to focus our meet activites upon SMSC Championships and co-hosting Divisions in Carbondale. I will be posting sign-up information for both of these in the near future. Thank you again for your continued support. Not only do these meets offer great opportunities for our swimmers but they help keep our cost down for every swim family. - Dan Rau

STROKE CLINIC - Hap Gentry, a Total Immersion certified coach, and Coach Steve will lead a stroke clinic for Gator swimmers from 7 am-noon on Tuesday, June 20, at Central Pool. Cost is $25. To participate, and have your strokes videotaped and analyzed, be sure to sign up for a session at practice!

TEAM PHOTOS are scheduled for Tuesday, June 20, at 8:00 am. Order envelopes are in your file.

NEW PHOTOS from Jasper and from the Small Club Championship are now online in the photo gallery.

GATORS SET NEW SMSC CONFERENCE RECORDS - 3 conference records were broken on Saturday (6-3-06) in Perryville by our very own Gator swimmers!

• Girls 8 & Under 50 Free 39.12 Gabriela Vieira
• Girls 8 & Under 100 IM 1:35.42 Gabriela Vieira
• Boys 8 & Under 100 IM 1:31.59 Austin J. Hobbs

Congratulations Gabby and Austin!! What a way to start the summer!!

PARENT CALENDARS - Here are PDFs of the Gator parent calendars: June - July - August

AAU MEET SIGNUP INFORMATION: Summer league is under way and we are implementing a new meet signup policy. The black file box has a folder for each AAU meet in it. In each file is a team roster. You NEED to indicate on the sheet if you are planning to attend the meet or not by the signup deadline. (See parent calendar or website for each individual deadline). NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED. Events and relays will be put together by the coaches. IF your child(ren) are on a relay and does not show up, the relay team will have to forfeit because of it. If something comes up the day of the meet and you cannot make it, PLEASE call 382-2580 and let us know.

SUMMER CALENDARS - Parents - Be sure to pick up your summer schedule calendar that has been placed in each family folder. Important deadlines/meets/events are included!

LINEUPS for the Saluki meet and Jasper, IN, are now online,

MEET RESULTS are now online for the Long Course Kickoff:

• Full Meet - Pentathlon - Gators

GATOR AWARDS - Congratulations to the following Gators recognized at our Spring '06 banquet April 23:

OUTSTANDING GATOR AWARD - Hannah Kinder and David Welker
MOST VALUABLE GIRLS 8 and under Gabriela Vieira 9-10 Kyleigh Troxel 11-12 Mary Kendig 13-14 Morgan Fraser 15-18 Hannah Kinder	MOST VALUABLE BOYS 8 and under Christian Retter 9-10 Kristian Troxel 11-12 Wyatt Larson 13-14 Sam Gramling 15-18 Kris Metje	MOST IMPROVED GIRLS 8 and under Elizabeth Orr 9-10 Morgan Maguire 11-12 Madison Rau 13-14 Audrey Glover 15-18 Ashly Ducharme
MOST IMPROVED BOYS 8 and under Carson Retter 9-10 Luc Helwege 11-12 Jordan Gramling 13-14 Sam Gramling 15-18 Caleb Statler	MOST DEDICATED GIRLS 8 and under Sierra Goss 9-10 Iliana Arevalo 11-12 Alyssa Coots 13-14 Susan Beth Scott 15-18 Maria Esswein	MOST DEDICATED BOYS 8 and under Ian Cameron 9-10 Chase Hagerty 11-12 Ramsey Scott 13-14 Caleb Coots 15-18 David Welker

VISIT THIS OFTEN - Coach Steve's official file cabinet at Central Pool is usually out in the hallway right before the entry into the pool. Each team member has a file folder inside. Parents need to check their file often to sign up for meets and receive information. Coach will also distribute awards via your file folder.

NEW GATOR BOARD MEMBERS - Congratulations to new board members elected April 23: Mary Esswein, Andy Kendig, Marcio Vieira and Ann Welker. Returning board members are Alicia Scott, president; John Wolpers, vice president; Karl Larson, treasurer; Sherrie Troxel, secretary; and Dan Rau, meet chairman. Many thanks to our retiring board members for their service: Greg Luehman, Mark Coots, and Julie Fraser.

GATOR PARENTS - If anyone would like to receive their bill by email please send me your email address. I am in the process of getting a list together of email addresses for this purpose only. It will save the team in postage and it is very easy to do. Also, in the future I hope to have it set up where you will be able to pay your bill for direct deposit. Please email me a response if you have interest in this as well. That way I will be able to tell if this is worth setting up or not. Thank you, Karl Larson-Treasurer, Gator Swim Team

GATOR TEAM SHIRT ON DISPLAY - A framed Gator Team T-shirt signed by team members last summer is now on display in the dining area of Buffalo Wild Wings in Cape. - John Waggener

SUMMER MEETS are now online on our calendar page.

GREAT SWIMS AT HEAT MEET - Gabbie Vieira  won the high point award at he 8 and under championships this past weekend in St. Louis. winning 7 out of her 8 events and making a 9 -10  "A" Time in the 50 back. Anne Simminger, Siera Goss, Helen Wojdylo , and Josey Powell also swam in the meet helping the 100 Free and Medley Relay to 6th place finishes. All the girls broke 2:00 in the 100 IM, and also did great in their other events - Coach Steve.  

SECTIONAL RESULTS - Congratulations to our swimmers who competed at Sectionals! Results Here

SWIM LESSONS - Debbie Janisse will be in Cape March 10-13 and available for swim lessons. If interested, call her at (615) 491-1881.

OZARK CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS - Gator Swim Teamhad one of its best all-around performances of the year at the 2006 Ozark Short Course Championships. (Gator Results) Sam Gramling was one of the high point award winners and Kyleigh Troxel was only one out of the money. We had several swimmers achieve new Sectional time standards:

• Sam Gramling :  1000 Free/10:13; 500 Free/4:55.0
• Caleb Statler :    1650 Free/17:33.0
• Morgan Frasier:   100 Breast /1:11.3 ; 200 Breast/ 2:35.3
• Others going to Sectionals are: Hannah Kinder, David Welker, Kris Metje  

SIGN UP FOR HEAT MEET - Remember to signup for either the Heat meet in March (next weekend) or the Small Clubs Championships the last week of April. Instead of taking a week off this year I am going to be having a turn ,start , and stroke clinic along with filming of swimmer the week after the Heat Meet. I would suggest all swimmer plan to attend!   - Coach Steve

GREAT TIMES MEET A SUCCESS - The Final Results are in!  Thanks to everyone that helped we had a very successful Great Times Meet.  The profit from the meet was up 30% as compared to last year. The extra money will help maintain our costs for our families and possibly go toward necessary equipment replacement. The Gator Swim Team Board is looking into the replacement of the timing console (the old one we have is not even being serviced by the manufacturer) and/or purchasing new lane lines.  If you have any other ideas please feel free to contact a Gator Swim Team Board officer or member. Also, please keep in mind that our next meet will be the first weekend of May.  With your continued efforts this meet could also be a great success. Thanks Again - Dan Rau - Meet Director

SUIT SWAP? - Gator Gals who wear a size 28 -- please check the size of the suit that you took home after the meet on Sunday. We have a younger Gator swimmer who left her suit in the locker room and I think one of you who wear a 28 accidently picked up her smaller suit. Double check the suit you took home to be sure it is the right size. Call DeAnna if you have the wrong size with you.

SPRING & SUMMER SCHEDULE UPDATES - The summer schedule is done for long course/remaining short course:  

• April: 29-30 Small Club Championships U-CIty
• May: 5 -7 Gator Kickoff/Pentathlon Cape GIrardeau
• May19 -21 Saluki International Carbondale, Ill.
• June: 9-11 Jasper, Ind. / WIth 8 & Unders Jasper, Ind.
• June 30-July 2 Gator Firecraker Frenzy Cape Girardeau
• July 7-9 Clayton Shaw Park St. Louis
• July 19-22 Sectionals Columbia, Mo.
• July 28-30 DIvisions Carbondale, Ill.
• Aug: 4-10 Masters World Championship Stanford, Cal.
• August 1-5 Senior Nationals Irvine, Cal
• August 8-11 Junior Nationals Irvine, Cal
• August 8-12 Paralympic world trials San Antonio, Tx
• Summer league meets will be set after meeting on the 19th

Gators in Paducah 11/5 (photo courtesy Marcio Vieira)

NEW GATOR HANDBOOK - The Gator handbook has been updated for 2005-2006. Be sure to view or download the new edition here (170k pdf)

PRACTICE SCHEDULE: (effective 9/26/05)

• Age Group 3: 3:45 to 4:45 Monday thru Thursday / Saturday am 8:00 to 9:00
• Age Group 2: 4:30 to 6:00 pm Monday thru Thursday 5:45 to 7:15 pm Friday 7:30 to 9:00 am Saturday
• Age Group 1: 5:30 to 7:30 pm Monday thru Thursday 4:00 to 6:00 pm Friday 7:00 to 9:00 am Saturday
• Senior prep: 5:30 to 8:00 pm Monday thru Thursday 5:00 to 7:00 am Thursday 4:00 to 6:00 pm Friday 7:00 to 9:00 am Saturday
• Senior : Same As Sr Prep except 5:00 to 7:00 am Tuesday and Thursday

Because of the large influx of new swimmers ( younger ) the single lane from 4:00 to 5:30 was not going to be near enough to accommodate them.This schedule also allows each group to have the pool by themselves for the entire practice. It also allows for me to have several coaches avaliable to coach the younger ones each day. - Coach Steve

OZARK time standards (pdf) for 2005-2006

MAKE YOUR SUMMER TEAM BETTER - Swim with the Gators this winter. More Info (pdf)

SPRING & SUMMER SCHEDULE UPDATES - The summer schedule is done for long course/remaining short course:  

• April: 29-30 Small Club Championships U-CIty
• May: 5 -7 Gator Kickoff/Pentathlon Cape GIrardeau
• May19 -21 Saluki International Carbondale, Ill.
• June: 9-11 Jasper, Ind. / WIth 8 & Unders Jasper, Ind.
• June 30-July 2 Gator Firecraker Frenzy Cape Girardeau
• July 7-9 Clayton Shaw Park St. Louis
• July 19-22 Sectionals Columbia, Mo.
• July 28-30 DIvisions Carbondale, Ill.
• Aug: 4-10 Masters World Championship Stanford, Cal.
• August 4-8 Senior Nationals Irvine, Cal
• August 8-11 Junior Nationals Irvine, Cal
• August 8-12 Paralympic world trials San Antonio, Tx
• Summer league meets will be set after meeting on the 19th

FOUND - A girls Gator team suit was found in the locker room Sunday afternoon 2/5. Please contact DeAnna with the size if you lost yours.

Great Times Results

Full Meet - Gator Results

THANK YOU - I wish to thank everyone for their support and hard work that helped the team put on a great Great Times Meet.  The feed-back we have received so far from visiting teams and coaches is all very positive in all regards and this shows that all of our efforts helped.  I was especially impressed with the work done by Karen and Missy and their Gator Parent support in providing one of the best hospitality facilities at any meet I have been to in a long time.  I would also like to point out that their efforts were successful and beneficial due to alot of parents at home cooking.  I hope that you and your swimmer had a great meet and I am actually looking forward to the long-course meet in May. Thanks again to all - Dan Rau - Meet Director

Get Ready for Great Times Feb. 3-5, 2006!

We are just about set for the Great Times Meet.  We still need a few timers and it is a necessity that we have 16 timers per session.  Simply put, we cannot have a meet without timers.  If you have not signed up, please do so as soon as possible (Online Signup Form). Here is the schedule for workers:

• Thursday - Meet set-up at the pool - begins at 6:30pm
• Friday - Session 1 - be at the pool no later than 5:00pm to work (your swimmer may have to be there sooner for warm-up)
• Saturday AM - Session 2 - be at the pool no later than 7:30am to work (your swimmer may have to be there sooner for warm-up)
• Saturday PM - Session 3 - be at the pool no later than 1:00pm to work (your swimmer may have to be there sooner for warm-up)
• Sunday AM - Session 4 - be at the pool no later than 7:30am to work (your swimmer may have to be there sooner for warm-up)
• Sunday PM - Session 5 - be at the pool no later than 1:00pm to work (your swimmer may have to be there sooner for warm-up)  We will take down the equipment at the pool and clean-up after this session.  Parents are requested to stay and help.  The more we have the quicker this is done and the sooner we all get home.

Dan Rau - Meet Director (334-4448)

GREAT TIMES UPDATE (1/25/06) - The Great Times Meet is a week and a half away.  Things are coming along swimmingly and I appreciate everyone's efforts.  I have placed a sign-up sheet on the Gator Swim Team Bulletin Board outside of the girl's locker room exit.  Many areas are already covered but we need timers.  Timing is one of the easiest tasks and there is no better seat in the house to watch your swimmer during his or her events then while timing.  If you have not signed up to work please sign up as soon as possible.  This can be done on-line, at the pool, or, you can contact me directly at 334-4448.  Also, if you have already signed up please check to make sure your name appears on the sign-up sheet. - Dan Rau - Meet Director
Online Signup Form

MINI MEET SATURDAY MORNING 1/28/06 - Please be at the pool by 6:30 a.m. on Saturday for the mini meet scheduled to begin at 7 am.

GREAT TIMES AD PROOFS - Thanks to everyone who sold ads for our Great Times Psych Sheet. HERE IS A LIST (pdf) of the 60 ads scheduled to appear in our book. Beginning this afternoon (Friday 1/20) there will be a blue notebook with ad proofs at the pool file box if you would like to check your ad. Please let me know ASAP (by Wednesday 1/25 at the latest) by phone or email if your ad is somehow missing, if a major change is needed or an error has been made. Thanks! Julie - 334-7867.

GREAT TIMES SHIRTS - Deadline to order Great Times Shirts is Monday, January 16th. We are not ordering extra shirts this year. Cost is $10. Order form is on the bulletin board. Also, a Gator hoodie was turned in to me that was found at the Carbondale meet. If you lost yours please let me know. Thanks, DeAnna

MESSAGE FROM THE MEET DIRECTOR - MONDAY, JAN. 9, 2006

I hope that you had a wonderful holiday season.  Everyone should be back into the swing of things with school and swim practice.  The Great Times Meet is comming up soon and we will be having a Parent Meeting on Thursday, January 19, 2006, at 6 pm.  The meeting will be held at Grace Bible Church.  The church is located on Old Cape Road by The I-55 - Kingshighway intersection.  This meeting will provide you with an opportunity to ask questions and sign-up for meet activities.  The Great Times Meet is one of the Gator Swim Team's major fund-raisers so your help is needed.  Also, the Gator Swim Team Handbook contains the following information under the heading Home Meet Policy at page 9.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

1. Every family is expected to provide one worker each session of the meet.

2. If a family cannot attend any one of the above sessions, it is the family's responsibility to make arrangements ahead of time with the Meet Director to help with a job prior to or after the conclusion of the actual meet.

3. It shall be the responsibility of each worker to "sign in" properly at the registration table each session of the swim meet.

4. Failure to satisfy the requirements spelled out above will result in a $25 assessment for each session not worked.

If you have any question please feel free to send me an e-mail at DavisandRau@charterinternet.com or you can call me during the day at my office (573) 334-4448.

Dan Rau - Meet Director

GREAT TIMES MEET T-SHIRT - Here's a look at the Great Times T-shirt, available in purple or black. Shirts are $10 and must be ordered by the team. See our meet invitation for more info,

GREAT TIMES ADS DUE TODAY 1/9 - Families who raised $100 or more for the Splashathon are not required to do Great Times ads (unless you want to!). Questions? Read the info below.

2006 Ad Campaign Info - Ad Order Form - Ad Example Sheet (sizes) - Last Year's Ad List

SPLASHATHON UPDATE - Thanks for all the hard work and effort by our swimmers and parents in the Splash-A-Thon. Early indications are that it was a huge success. Please try and turn in all your $$ by Friday, January 6, at the latest. If your swimmer qualifies for a prize see DeAnna to make the order. Again thanks for all your efforts. As you know we try and minimize fund raisers, but they do help us keep our team fees low. Great Job Gators!!! - Alicia Scott

GREAT TIMES ADS - It's time to sell/prepare ads for our 2006 Great Times Meet Program/Psych Sheet. This is one of our team's MOST IMPORTANT and PRODUCTIVE fundraisers so please give it your best effort! All ad orders are due JAN. 9. Ad forms and other info will be available shortly in the pool file cabinet, but you can download the info below (pdf files). A business contact sign-up booklet will be available at the pool shortly as well.

2006 Ad Campaign Info - Ad Order Form - Ad Example Sheet (sizes) - Last Year's Ad List

MEET SIGNUP - Be sure to sign up at the pool for the January 20-22 Winter Warmup meet by FRIDAY, 12/23. Only 7 swimmers are signed up, but we need 16 to enter the meet.

CAMP FRANKLIN - There is a signup on the board for Camp Franklin attendees. Please sign up before Wednesday 12/21 so we know how much food we will need. Thank you.

MESSAGE FROM THE MEET DIRECTOR

During this holiday season we as the Gator Swim Team have many things for which to give thanks.  As we head into Christmas (after Camp Franklin),  I hope that you all have an opportunity to share yours and our blessings with others this holiday season.

As many of you are aware the GREAT TIMES MEET is right around the corner after the holidays. Also, we have begun to provide Gator Parents with the opportunity to give me input (online signup form) as to the things that each of them would like to do to support the Gator Swim Team at this coming meet.  I have already been receiving requests for specific duties and I truly thank those who have contacted me so early.  After the holidays there will be a Parent's Meeting to discuss the Great Times Meet.  At this meeting we will discuss what is needed for the meet and how you can help.  Please keep in mind that the effort that you put into helping with the meet will help your swimmer have a Great Great Times Meet.

We'll drink a cup o' kindness yet for auld lang syne -- Happy Holidays and God's blessings to you and yours

Dan Rau
Meet Director

GET READY FOR GREAT TIMES - The Gators are accepting entries for our home meet Feb. 3-5. Invitation - Sign Up to Work

MISC. TEAM INFO - This just in from DeAnna Arevalo:

CAMP FRANKLIN NEWS - There are sign up sheets on the bulletin board for volunteers to help with serving breakfast and lunch and another sign up sheet for a few food donations. Thanks for your help parents!!

MEET SIGN-UP SHEET is now in the file box for the Winter Warm-up at the Rec-Plex January 20-22. Sign-up deadline is Friday, December 16th.

TEAM PICTURES will be taken for each practice group within the next week.

• Age Group 3 - Thursday Dec 15th at 3:30
• Age Group 2/Age Group 1/Senior - Thursday Dec 22nd during Camp Franklin.

These are just 'unofficial' team photos that will be posted on the website. There will not be any availabhle to purchase. Feel free to bring your own camera and take pics if you would like any for yourself.

SPLASH-A-THON is this Friday the 16th. Pizza party afterward for all participants.

MEET RESULTS and LINEUPs are now available: Carbondale Results - Ozark Open Lineup - Swimfest Lineup

SPLASHATHON- Here is info for the Splashathon on Friday, Dec. 16. Swimmers who get the required amount of donations will be able to attend a party after practice. Splashathon prizes:

• $100 collected - T-shirt
• $250 collected - Hoodie
• $500 collected - Warm-up
• $1,000 collected - Parka

GATOR GEAR UPDATE - Swimsuits, fins, and warm-ups have been ordered. PLEASE get your money to DeAnna this week. Fins are $20, girls suits are $47, boys jammers are $33, boys briefs are $31, and warm-ups are $56. These charges are being turned into Karl to be included with the December billing, but it would be greatly appreciated if you turned the money into DeAnna before the orders arrive. You will not be able to get your merchandise until you have paid for it. Hoodies will be ordered at the beginning of next week. Price will be determined at the time of the order.

Gators in Paducah 11/5 (photo courtesy Marcio Vieira)

NEW GATOR HANDBOOK - The Gator handbook has been updated for 2005-2006. Be sure to view or download the new edition here (170k pdf)

PRACTICE SCHEDULE: (effective 9/26/05)

• Age Group 3: 3:45 to 4:45 Monday thru Thursday / Saturday am 8:00 to 9:00
• Age Group 2: 4:30 to 6:00 pm Monday thru Thursday 5:45 to 7:15 pm Friday 7:30 to 9:00 am Saturday
• Age Group 1: 5:30 to 7:30 pm Monday thru Thursday 4:00 to 6:00 pm Friday 7:00 to 9:00 am Saturday
• Senior prep: 5:30 to 8:00 pm Monday thru Thursday 5:00 to 7:00 am Thursday 4:00 to 6:00 pm Friday 7:00 to 9:00 am Saturday
• Senior : Same As Sr Prep except 5:00 to 7:00 am Tuesday and Thursday

Because of the large influx of new swimmers ( younger ) the single lane from 4:00 to 5:30 was not going to be near enough to accommodate them.This schedule also allows each group to have the pool by themselves for the entire practice. It also allows for me to have several coaches avaliable to coach the younger ones each day. - Coach Steve

OZARK time standards (pdf) for 2005-2006

MAKE YOUR SUMMER TEAM BETTER - Swim with the Gators this winter. More Info (pdf)

GOAL MEETINGS - Coach Steve will be having goal meetings with the swimmers and parents starting Oct 8th and will have a sign up sheet posted at the pool .He will be starting the meetings at 9:40 am and will continue throughout the day.It is important that the parent(s) are in attendence for the meeting.

URGENT MESSAGE - The Gator Swim Team is collecting personal items for students of the Pass Christian School District in Pass Christian, Mississippi. Some of us visited this community while participating in the Junior Olympics. Debra Rau has been in contact with the Mississippi State Department of Education and this school district that took a direct hit from hurricane Katrina. The Gator Swim Team is collecting shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, etc. The items will be delivered by Debra and Madison Rau when they go to the Pass Christian Schools October 13th-15th. From September 26th to October 7th a box will be located at the bubble for collection or please feel free to contact Debra Rau or Deanna Aravelo. Your help will be greatly appreciated and go to those who need it most at this time. - Dan Rau

PRACTICE SCHEDULE NEWS FROM COACH STEVE: (effective 9/26/05)

I am changing the practice schedule wholesale, accross the board.

• Age Group 3: 3:45 to 4:45 Monday thru Thursday / Saturday am 8:00 to 9:00
• Age Group 2: 4:30 to 6:00 pm Monday thru Thursday 5:45 to 7:15 pm Friday 7:30 to 9:00 am Saturday
• Age Group 1: 5:30 to 7:30 pm Monday thru Thursday 4:00 to 6:00 pm Friday 7:00 to 9:00 am Saturday
• Senior prep: 5:30 to 8:00 pm Monday thru Thursday 5:00 to 7:00 am Thursday 4:00 to 6:00 pm Friday 7:00 to 9:00 am Saturday
• Senior : Same As Sr Prep except 5:00 to 7:00 am Tuesday and Thursday

Because of the large influx of new swimmers ( younger ) the single lane from 4:00 to 5:30 was not going to be near enough to accommodate them.This schedule also allows each group to have the pool by themselves for the entire practice. It also allows for me to have several coaches avaliable to coach the younger ones each day. - Coach Steve

MEET SIGNUPS are due by end of practice Sept. 15th for Paducah Oct 1-2 and Nashville Oct 14-16.

ALL NEW SWIMMERS should start Sept. 26th at Central pool (tryout & placement week) for October start. But, we will also have ongoing team placements throughout the year.

OZARK time standards (pdf) for 2005-2006 are in place, effective 9-1-05.

HURRICANE RELIEF topics developing, see Parent Link (new message from Lizz Maguire)

NEW ORLEANS IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS - (8/31) Our hearts and prayers are with the hurricane victims and especially those in New Orleans, where many Gator families just recently spent a wonderful week at Junior Olympics, and the family of Barbara and Mark Kinder, who generously hosted a picnic for the team at Lake Pontchartrain. Donations are needed at redcross.org. Barbara reports:

Thank you to everyone for all your thoughts and prayers for my family in New Orleans. Obviously if you are watching the news you know things are really bad down there. Tomorrow 7 more of my family members will arrive in Missouri in addition to the 3 already here. I only wish they would all come up but they need to stay with their homes. My mom and dad are traveling 8 hours tomorrow. Please pray for them. They are both wheelchair bound and this is very difficult for them. I am thrilled they are coming to our comfortable home since it looks like they will be without electricity for weeks or months.
Thank you for your continued prayers,
Barbara

FINS for sale, see Parent Link.

GATORS IN THE NEWS

• Kinder, Troxel excel at nationals (Southeast Missourian)
• Troxel, Kinder perform well in AAU nationals (Southeast Missourian)
• AAU Junior Olympic Full Results

MAKE YOUR SUMMER TEAM BETTER - Swim with the Gators this fall/winter/spring! More Info (pdf)

GATORS WIN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS - For the second consecutive year, Gators are the Southeast Missouri Swim Conference Large Division Champions! Meet Results - High-Point Winners - Gator Photo Gallery - SMSC High Point Photos

SUMMER LEAGUE AWARDS - Congratulations to all swimmers on a great summer season! Coaches thanked all swimmers and also recognized the following athletes:

• 15-18 girls: Most Dedicated Hannah Kinder, Most Improved Joanna Taleno
• 15-18 boys: Most Dedicated Steffan Troxel, Most Improved Nick Welker
• 13-14 girls: Most Dedicated Mary Catherine Ford, Most Improved Audrey Glover
• 13-14 boys: Most Dedicated Raymond Woldtvedt, Most Improved Jacob Buchenmyer
• 11-12 girls: Most Dedicated Lizzie Schmidt, Most Improved Jessica Hagerty
• 11-12 boys: Most Dedicated Wyatt Larson, Most Improved Caleb Coots
• 9-10 girls: Most Dedicated Morgan Maguire, Most Improved Molly Kinder
• 9-10 boys: Most Dedicated Kristian Troxel, Most Improved Matthew Parker
• 7-8 girls: Most Dedicated Helen Wojdylo, Most Improved Elizabeth Kiefner
• 7-8 boys: Most Dedicated David Carmen, Most Improved Jared West
• 6-under girls: Most Dedicated Lindsay Parker, Most Improved Madison McClintock
• 6-under boys: Most Dedicated Robbie Cline, Most Improved Brogan Davis

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to assist at the USA meet this weekend at Carbondale. Gators are co-hosting the event.

LINEUPS are now online for the SMSC Championships and USA Division I Long Course Championships

SWIM TEAM BANQUET for all swimmers and their families - 6 pm Sunday, July 24, at Grace United Methodist Church . Potluck - bring a dish or two.

LAISSEZ LE BON TON ROULEZ (LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL) - The Kinder family would like to "pass a good time" by hosting a crawfish boil for families down in the Big Easy for Junior Olympics. It will happen on Wednesday afternoon August 3, from 4-7pm at the Ponchartrain Lakefront. We will be set up near the large water fountain along Lakeshore Drive. Come and join us in a spicy feast of sucking heads and pinching tails of some fine Louisiana crawfish. And oh, by the way, if you can't take the heat bring your own happy meals. (Bring your own drinks & chairs too!)

GATOR MASTERS SWIMMERS CLEAN UP AT CARBONDALE - Usually busy officiating at meets, Gator parents Karl Larson and Dan Rau get a different perspective as Masters swimmers participating in the Ed & Ruth Shea Challenge Classic in Carbondale, IL, on July 17. Photos, details.

RESULTS from the July 12 Gator home meet and the July 9 Scott City meet are now online.

PHOTOS from the Scott City meet are online.

GATOR GEAR - DeAnna Arevalo sends this message:

I am collecting money and passing out Gator Dad, Mom and Gal shirts this
week. Also taking orders and collecting money for CHAMPIONSHIP SHIRTS
($12). Sikeston is doing these shirts. I do not know what they look like.
Names of swimmers will be on back of shirt. We have to collect the money
for these and pay Sikeston next week. If you do not order and prepay, I
will not be ordering you a shirt.

Orders are being taken for JO SHIRTS . These need to be ordered by Friday
July 15th. Cost will be determined and money will be collected the week
after championships.

LINEUPS are now online for Scott City (revised 7-7-05) and Indianapolis. Gator results are also now online for Jasper and Nashville.

JUNIOR OLYMPICS HOUSING OPPORTUNITY - Unique opportunity to share house in New Orleans during JOs. See Parent Link

Gaor Coach Steve Franklin conducts one of FOUR SWIM CLINICS being offered to SMSC swimmers. The dates are Monday June 27, Wednesday July 6, Wednesday July 13 and Monday July 18. Steve will cover Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Fly at these clinics. The clinics will occur at the normal Sikeston evening practice from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Sikeston Jaycee Pool (map). Swimmers from all SMSC teams are invited to attend. (Photo courtesy Andy Kendig)

JULY 12 MEET - Our second summer home meet is Tuesday afternoon, July 12. Parents, please sign up now to help!

RIDE/ROOM NEEDED for swimmer to USA-Indianapolis meet July 8-10. See Parent Link

MEET PHOTOS from June 21, 2005, are now online in the photo gallery. Meet results

SUMMER MEET INFO - Please check the summer meet info for parents now appearing on the online voluinteer signup form.

POOL BASH - On Saturday evening, June 18, from 7-8 pm there will be a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Central Pool. All current and former Gators and their families are encouraged to attend. See also: Another Night of Gold (Southeast Missourian, 6-16-05)

SIGN UP TO HELP at our home swim meet scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, June 21. (Sign up sheets are on the bulletin board at Central Pool). Online volunteer signup form.

JUNIOR OLYMPICS will be held Aug. 2-5 in New Orleans. Info and entry forms are available at the AAU site. Entries must be received by July 8th. (Parents are responsible for entering their swimmers.) Qualifying standards are "BB" times for 100-meter and shorter events, and "A" times for longer events. Swimmers placing 1st-3rd in events at the JO Qualifier meet in Poplar Bluff on June 25 also may enter. See also: Gator JO hotel info.

Summer League swimmers, please check the SMSC website for full meet information and results.

MEET SCHEDULE CHANGE - The USA swimmers did not get into the Rec-Plex meet scheduled for June 3-5 and will swim at Jasper, Indiana, instead. Here is the meet info.

MEET RESULTS for the Saluki International May 20-22 are now online.

CONGRATULATIONS to Gator Hannah Kinder, who placed third in state in two events at the Missouri High School 2005 Girls Swimming & Diving Championships held May 20-21 at the Rec-Plex. Hannah swam her 50 free in 24.34 and her 100 free in 53.21, breaking 1999 Central High School records in both events. Way to go, Hannah!!! Final results (MSHSAA) - See also: Southeast Missourian article

GATOR GEAR - GATOR GAL and GATOR MOM shirts will be ordered on Friday May 27th. Lots of
cool summer colors and styles available. DeAnna Arevalo will be at the pool this week between 4 and 5:30 if you are interested in ordering. We are trying to get 24 of each to keep our cost around $11-12. GATOR SUMMER 2005 shirts will be available this week at the pool. Cost is $10. Another GATOR suit order wil be placed soon if you missed the last one. Call DeAnna if you have any questions. (651-6571)

SUMMER PRACTICE TIMES have changed to the following times: (updated 5-18-05)

• May 23-25 at the Bubble/Central Pool
  Senior/Age Group I - 1:30-4:30 pm *
  Age Group II and Summer League - 4:00-5:30 pm
  
  
• May 26-27 at Capaha
  Senior/Age Group I - 1:30-4:30 pm *
  Age Group II and Summer League - 4:00-5:30 pm
  
  * Those who cannot make the early practice can come in from 4:00 to 6:00 pm
  
  
• May 31-June 3 at Capaha
  Senior/Age Group I - 9:00-12:00 pm
  Age Group II and Summer League - 5:00-6:30 pm
  
  
• Back at the Central Pool the following week (June 6):
  Morning practice for year-round swimmers (long-course)
  7:00 to 9:00 am - Age Group I and up M-Sat
  Age Group II will be able to come and swim long-course two times a week
  (not sure which two days yet, It depends on the water aerobics schedule).
  
  
• Summer League (short course)
  9:00 - 11:00 am M-F
  Older swimmers 9 to 11 am, younger swimmers 9:30 to 11:00 am
  

JO HOTEL UPDATE - Our Junior Olympic hotel coordinator Karl Larson reports that our hotel has 11 rooms available out of 20 originally reserved. Visit our JO web page for more information.MESSAGE FROM THE NEW TREASURER - Karl Larson, our new treasurer, sends out this message to Gator parents.

SWIM WITH THE GATORS THIS SUMMER! - Click here to download a pdf form to join the Gator Swim Team for Summer League. Return the form to Coach Steve at Central Pool. Registration sessions will be held from 5-7 p.m. May 16-18 at Central Pool. The Summer League program is open to swimmers age 5-18, all skill levels. The fee is $135 and includes all meet entry fees for the “Summer League Schedule”, a GATOR T-Shirt, a GATOR swim cap, and all AAU fees (excluding fees for the 2005 Junior Olympics). Contact Coach Steve Franklin, gstcoach@aol.com or 573.545.3304.

MESSAGE FROM THE NEW TREASURER - Karl Larson, our new treasurer, sends out this message to Gator parents.

MEET SIGNUP SHEETS are now available. Please print, check the meets you will attend and turn in to Coach Steve asap. USA Swimmers - Summer League Only

SPECIAL GATOR! Susan Beth Scott finds success in meets for swimmers with disabilities
(Southeast Missourian, 5-10-05)

MAY 6-8 MEET RESULTS (html) - Complete Results - Pentathlon Results - Gator Results - Photos

SMALL CLUB Championship meet results are now online.

PHOTOS from the Small Club Championship Meet are now online.

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY to Gator swimmer Madeline Siefert and family. Maddie's father passed away on Wednesday, April 27. Cards may be sent to 422 N. Mt Auburn, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 or 216 Fairlane, Mayfield, KY 42066 Visitation is 5-8 p.m. Monday, May 2, at Seabrle Funeral Home, DuQuoin, IL.

IN THE NEWS - Rehabilitation therapy helped Troxel find his talent (Southeast Missourian 4-26-05); Gators celebrate achievements at spring banquet (Southeast Missourian 4-26-05); Gator Swimmers David Welker, John Wolpers and Hunter Givens, Assistant Coach Jen Goldsberry and Gator Board Member Mark Coots participated in the 21st Annual Steamboat Triathlon (complete results, pdf)

GREAT JOB MASTERS SWIMMERS! - Gator Coach Steve Franklin and Gator Debbie Janisse competed in the 2005 YMCA Masters National Swimming Championships April 21-24, 2005, in Indianapolis. Coach Steve racked up 1st places in the 400 and 200 free relays (setting national YMCA records!), 2nd in the 200 medley relay, 4th place in the 200 free, 100 IM, 100 free, 5th in 100 back, 6th in 50 free and 200 IM, and 7th in the mixed 200 relay. Debbie was 4th in the 50 free, 6th in the 100 IM, 100 free and 200 breast, 7th in the 100 breast, and 5th in the mixed medley relay. Results

WANTED: Flippers, see parent link

INTERVIEWS NEEDED - Wendy Ray, health reporter for KFVS, is doing two special reports relating to busy kids and parents in the month of May and she’s looking for interested families. The first story will focus on the struggle to find enough time in the day for school, sports, extra-curricular activities, homework, and family time…and then make sure your children get enough sleep on top of it. The second will take a look at sports-related injuries, and how children can avoid getting the kind of injuries adult athletes face. These stories would include interviews with health experts and advice for all busy families. I would like to put out the call to any Gator family who might be willing to participate in either/both of these stories. Please contact me at ksweeney@kfvs12.com or Wendy at wray@kfvs12.com. Swim families don’t often get a lot of “love” on tv and I thought this might be a great opportunity to highlight the dedication and long hours our sport requires.
Thanks for your time,
Kathy Sweeney Meadows

GATOR BANQUET / BOARD CHANGES - Fellowship Hall at Grace United Methodist Church was packed the evening of April 14 with Gator swimmers and parents who enjoyed a great potluck dinner. Thanks to everyone who contributed. New board members were elected/re-elected. Alicia Scott and Sherrie Troxel were re-elected, and Greg Luehmann was elected as a returning former board member. Thank you to retiring board member Mary LeGrand. Karl Larson is taking over the treasurer's position for Mark Coots. Many thanks for Mark for a job well done! President Alicia Scott also reported on several Gator board initiatives, including a fulltime assistant coaching position, a possible satellite program at Perryville and obtaining additional pooltime at a new facility (in addition to our lanes at Central Pool).

SWIM AWARDS - Coach Steve recognized our sectional swimmers and Steffan Troxel's accomplishments at World Trials. The Gator team had a seven swimmers qualify for sectionals in individual events (Steffan Troxel, Kris Metje, David Welker, Adam Ansberry, Sam Gramling, Hannah Kinder, Kati Luehmann), two national Top 16 swimmers (Steffan Troxel, Sam Gramling), and one division high point winner (Morgan Fraser). Coach presented the following swimmer awards at our Spring 2005 banquet. He also said all his swimmers deserved an award for sticking it out at his difficult practices! If anyone has photos from the banquet/awards they would like to share with the webmaster, please email them.

Most Valuable

• 8 & Under - Madeleine McDonald, Colton Blagrove
• 9-10 - Kyleigh Troxel, Kristian Troxel
• 11-12 - Morgan Fraser, Sam Gramling
• 13-14 - Maria Esswein, Caleb Statler
• Senior - Kati Luehmann, Steffan Troxel

Most Dedicated

• 8 & Under - Gabby Vieira, Luc Helwege
• 9-10 - Morgan Maguire, Ramsey Scott
• 11-12 - Alyssa Coots, Wyatt Larson
• 13-14 - Mary Ford, Caleb Statler
• Senior - Ashly Ducharme, John Wolpers

Most Improved

• 8 & Under - Elizabeth Kiefner, Chase Hagerty
• 9-10 - Shannon Nyut, Ramsey Scott
• 11-12 - Sydney Stein, Caleb Coots
• 13-14 -Kelly Ennis, Sam Gramling
• Senior - Hannah Kinder, Kris Metje

2005 Outstanding Gator Award

• Male - John Wolpers
• Female - Ashly Ducharme

WORLD CLASS - Congratulations to Gator Steffan Troxel, who placed 15th in the 800M free at the 2005 World Championship Trials held April 1-6 at Indianapolis. Steffan also achieved another world championship trial cut in the 1500 free. His time would have put him 22nd. Way to go, Steffan!!

OFFICIALS CLINIC - On Saturday, April 9, at 9 am a USA/AAU officials clinic will be conducted at Grace Bible Church. See Alicia or Mike Scott if you are interested.

BANQUET - On Thursday, April 14, at 6 pm we will celebrate the short-course season with an awards banquet at Grace United Methodist Church ( near the pool). The event will be potluck and also include the annual parents meeting. - Alicia Scott

SPRING/SUMMER meet schedule for 2005 is now online.

POOL RULES/COURTESY IMPORTANT - Coach Steve sends this important notice:

To all parents,

USA Swimming has rules to help meets progress as smoothly as possible. One of them is that no parents will be allowed on deck regardless of the age of the swimmers involved. Without these rules in place meets would be nothing but mass confusion. I know I was not there to help the swimmers to their places, but I had other coaches in line to do that for us (Gators). In the future, please abide by the rules whether you agree with them or not. It doesn't put Gators in a good light when poor manners or public disagreements occur in front of our swimmers. We are all guilty of it at times, but I hope we can become more level headed in the future and promote our team spirit in a better way.

Steve Franklin
Head Coach
Gator Swimming

MEET RESULTS for HEAT and Sectionals are now online.

DIRECTIONS to the meet March 11-13: Take I-270 north to McDonnell Blvd exit. Go north on McDonnell Blvd. (which changes to Howdershell). Proceed on Howdershell approx. 1 mile. Turn left at the stoplight for Wildcat Lane, across from McDonald's.

SECTIONALS - Good luck to Gators swimming at sectionals Mar 3-6 in Topeka, KS. Here's the lineup.

OZARK CHAMPIONSHIPS results are now online, along with some photos courtesy of Sydney Stein.

REVISED - Iron Swimmer Results and NEW - Gator lineup for Great Times.

SMSC NEWS - Check the SMSC website for news about summer Southeast Missouri Swim Conference/AAU Swimming. Gator parent Andy Kendig has taken over duties as the SMSC webmaster. There will be an AAU stroke & turn officials clinic (note: this is not the same as USA Swimming certification) on Feb. 19 and a SMSC board meeting March 13.

GREAT TIMES RESULTS - Gators - Meet Manager - Team Manager

TRI-STATE CHAMPIONSHIP meet entries (Carbondale Feb. 12) have been posted here. Please let Coach Steve know by Wednesday Feb. 2 if you are or are not going. A few Gators will be going to the Ozark Qualifier meet - that lineup is coming soon.

GREAT TIMES WORK ASSIGNMENTS are posted here. Please check your scheduled times!

GATOR GREAT TIMES INVITATIONAL Fev. 4-6, 2005 Meet Invitation - Meet Info

PSYCH SHEET ADS are completed. Here is the final ad list. There will be a sample book for proofing in the file cabinet on Friday 1/21 ONLY. If anyone has emergency corrections only,