What's New at Wisconsin Swimming, Inc.?

What was news in 2006?  Check the News Archive for 2006!

August 11, 2008 -- Wisconsin Swimming announces plans for a SwimposiumSwimposium - April 18, 2009 
August 7, 2008 -- Results are available from the 13 & Over Wisconsin Long Course State Championship Meet. Results are available from the 12 & Under Wisconsin Long Course State Championship Meet.  
July 30, 2008 -- Here's the Psych Sheet and link to the Live Results website.  And also here's a file for families and friends to send heat sheet messages to 13 & O swimmers. Download the Excel Spreadsheet, fill in the blanks and email to Pat Lewno.
July 28, 2008 -- Forms and instructions for 2009 Wisconsin Swimming / USA Swimming registration have been posted on the Wisconsin Swimming Registration Page.
July 25, 2008 -- Coaches: Nomination forms are available for the 2007-08 Long Course Coach and Swimmer of the Year.  PLEASE take the time to recognize our peers as well as our hard working swimmers.  PLEASE make sure to write a little something about the coach you are nominating as well as the swimmer's accomplishments. 

Forms may be turned in to Wagner at the 12 & Under State Meet or on SUNDAY only at the 13 & Over State Meet.  For more information contact Wagner da Silva.

 
July 22, 2008 -- The link below will take you to the Live Meet Results Page for the 12-Under State Meet which will contain the psych sheet by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, July 22nd. The Link below will take you to the 12-Under State Meet Page which will be updated with important meet information, including timelines and a link to Live Meet Results.  
July 21, 2008 -- Mike Mohr, our Senior Athlete Representative is nearing the end of his term, therefore, its time to elect a new Junior Athlete Representative.  Information concerning the role of the Athlete Representative can be found on the Wisconsin LSC website on the Rules page, revised Policy 13.

As stated in the Wisconsin LSC policy:

At the time of election, the Athlete Representative must be:
A. An Athlete Member or Seasonal Athlete Member in good standing;
B. At least sixteen (16) years of age and have junior status in high school;
C. Competing currently, or have competed during the three (3) immediately preceding years, in the program of swimming conducted by WSI or another LSC; and
D. Reside in the Territory and expect to reside therein through at least the first year of the term.

Any swimmer meeting the above criteria, who wishes to serve as Athlete Representative for a two year term, should forward their name, a brief bio, and an explanation of why they would like to be the Athlete Representative, to Mike Mohr, Senior Athlete Representative at honestabe01@wi.rr.com, with a copy to Markie Healy, Junior Athlete Representative at mkamhswim@aol.com.  Elections for the new Junior Athlete Representative will be held at the 13 and Over Long Course State Meet.  Ballots will be provided to the coaches at the meet, to be filled out by the swimmers and returned to Mike or Markie.  Questions can be addressed to Mike or Markie at any time prior to the election.

July 21, 2008 -- USA Swimming has a number of Speedo fastskin swim suits available for swimmers with Outreach memberships who need a suit for championship meets.  Contact Kim O'Shea at USA Swimming for details.
July 17, 2008 -- Wisconsin Swimming Records are now updated through the Short Course season meets.  Congratulations to new record holders: Mackenzie Buss (SCSC), Leah Pronschinske (ECY) Emma Szczupakiewicz (SWAT), Anna Brooks (WEST), Emily Russart (GYD), Paul Young (WEST), Stephanie Sarandos (WEST), Rebecca Thompson (WEST), and Adam Mania (SSTY).
Congratulations also to relay teams from: Waukesha Express, Badger Aquatics, and Schroeder Y.

Also, congratulations to these new record holders who are not in the current report:
Haley Pietila (LAKE) 13-14 Girls 100 yard free (51.78);
Emma Goral (LAKE) 13-14 Girls 100 yard fly (55.60), 200 yard fly (2:03.48), 15-16 girls 100 meter fly (1:01.86) and 200 meter fly (2:14.42);
Mackenzie Buss (SCSC) 13-14 Girls 100 meter back (1:05:00);
And the 13-14 girls 200 medley relay team from Lake Country Swim Team (1:49.20).

Wisconsin Swimming records are posted in January, April and October.  Current records can be found at the link below and on the Wisconsin Top Times Page.

Please send updates to Dave Joyce.
July 14, 2008 -- The Madison East YMCA is sad to announce the death of our long time 8un coach Joyce Anderson.  She retired 6 years ago after 18 years of coaching.  A memorial service will be held at the Gates of Heaven Center in James Madison Park in Madison Sunday 27 July from 2-6pm.  She will be much missed by the many coaches, parents and swimmers her life has touched.
July 14, 2008 -- Here is the 2008-09 Short Course Meet Schedule as approved at the June LSC Meeting.  All meets requiring reservations must be turned in for Sanction/Approval by August 1st, 2008.  Meet reservations may be postmarked no earlier than Tuesday, September 8, 2009. The State cuts will remain the same as we have had last year for all events for the State Short Course meet in the spring of 2009.  All cuts will be reevaluated after 2009.
July 2, 2008 -- Zone registrations are posted on the Wisconsin Zone-C Information Page.  Also look for the latest FAQ, forms and team apparel information.
June 19, 2008 -- Congratulations and good luck to all Wisconsin LSC swimmers competing in the Olympic Trials next week in Omaha.  Psych sheets and other information about the Trials can be accessed on the USA Swimming website.
June 23, 2008 -- Meet Information and events for the Wisconsin Long Course State Championship Meets is available. 
June 14, 2008 -- McFarland Swimming Sharks (MSS) is hosting a Stroke and Turn Judge clinic for new officials at McFarland H.S. on Thursday, June 19, 2008, 5:15 - 9:30 PM.  Registration deadline is June 16, 2008.   
June 14, 2008 -- Central Zone Championship "MegaZone" 2008 information, including FAQs, Medical form and Honor code, are available on the Wisconsin Zone Team apparel packages and swimwear are available at www.walterswim.com.  See ordering information in the Info/FAQ page and on the registration forms.  Everything regarding Zone Apparel ordering is the same as last year.

Also note that Walter's Swim Supplies has Olympic Trials tickets available.  See the information at the www.walterswim.com website.

June 4, 2008 -- Wisconsin Swimming Board of Directors and House of Delegates will meet on Tuesday, June 24, at UW-Waukesha. The Board will meet in room A100 at 5:45 PM and the HOD in room C101 at 7:15 PM.  Agenda and reports are below.  For more information on past meetings, see the LSC Meetings Page.
May 31, 2008 -- Central Zone Championship "MegaZone" 2008 information, including FAQs, Medical form and Honor code, are available on the  
May 29, 2008 -- The Native American Swimming Championships will be held June 13-15, 2008 at on the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Indian Reservation in Towaoc, CO.  
May 23, 2008 -- Meet Bids for the Fall/Winter 2008-09 season are due Tuesday, June 10.  See the date information and new meet bid form, below:  
May 21, 2008 -- Meet Information, Time Standards and HyTek files are now available for the Summer 2008 Speedo Champions Series Meet, hosted by Schroeder YMCA Swim Team, at the Walter Schroeder Aquatic Center, July 17 - 20, 2008.  
May 14, 2008 -- A number of swim camps and clinics are being offered in Minnesota by Olympian, sport psychologist, Trina Radke and Olympic coach, strength and conditioning specialist, Ross Gerry.  A 3-day camp will be June 16-18, and a 2-day clinic August 9-10. A Start and Turn clinic is offered July 13.  
April 28, 2008 -- Samantha Simon, 18, of Janesville completed the 24 Mile Tampa Bay Marathon Swim on Saturday, April 19th, in 8 hours, 59 minutes, and 12 seconds.  The race course covers the entire length of Tampa Bay and is held each year to celebrate Earth Day and the revitalization of Florida's largest estuary.

Simon came in second amongst all women solo swimmers, and 4th over all, also coming in ahead of 5 relay teams.

Since this event was first staged in 1998, it has drawn competitors from across the United States, Great Britain, Guatemala, Italy, Australia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Germany, India, Canada, and the Cayman Islands.  Forty swimmers participated in this year's event, swimming as soloists or as a part of a relay team.

April 24, 2008 -- Congratualtions to all swimmers and coaches that were nominated this year for swimmers and coaches of the year.  Below you will find the final results.  CONGRATULATION to all the winners!  
April 24, 2008 -- Nominations will be taken for the following WI LSC Board of Director positions: Treasurer, Safety Chair, Senior Chair, Technical Planning Chair and Administrative Chair.  Terms begin in September and are two years in length.  Please contact Neil Wright at s_e_a_y@yahoo.com if you would like to nominate an individual or be consider for a position.  Voting will take place at the June 24th WI LSC House of Delegates meeting.  Also, if you are interested in taking over the Club Development position (at the Committee level), that position is open as well.
April 22, 2008 -- For the 2009 membership year (which begins September 1, 2008), the following certifications will be acceptable for the Safety Training for Swim Coach requirement:
  1. ARC Safety Training for Swim Coaches certification (valid for 3 years)

    2. - OR -

  2. Email confirmation from the ARC that the individual has passed the Safety Training for Swim Coaches online exam, ALONG WITH one of the following certifications:
    1. ARC Lifeguarding, Lifeguarding/Waterfront, Lifeguarding/Waterpark, Basic Water Rescue, or Shallow Water Attendant
    2. American Lifeguard Association First Time Lifeguard, Professional Lifeguard Challenge, or Lifeguard Recertification
    3. Ellis and Associates International Lifeguard Training or International Lifeguard Training Instructor License
    4. StarGuard
    5. YMCA Lifeguarding
For Option #2, the expiration date shall be the earliest expiration date on either the ARC email (valid for 3 years) or the lifeguard certification.

See the Wisconsin Swimming Safety Page for more information.

April 17, 2008 -- Summer Senior State meet information will mimic our Senior Spring Championships.  It was agreed on by the Tech Committee Chair, Age-Group and Senior Chair, and Coaching Rep, that both meets should have the similar order of events, number of sessions, and the addition of the 15-16 age group.  Meet information will be handed out at the next LSC meeting.  Please contact Steve Keller if you have any questions about the decision at ozaukeeaquatics@aol.com.
April 20, 2008 -- Verona Aquatic Club (VAC) is hosting a Stroke and Turn Judge clinic for new officials at in conjunction with their Spring Tune-up Meet at Verona H.S. on Sunday, May 4, 2008, 7:45 - Noon.  Registration deadline is May 1, 2008.  Please register by email to Patty Kramer, at pakramer@chorus.net.  

Lake Country Swim Team (LAKE) is hosting a Stroke and Turn Judge clinic for new officials at Arrowhead H.S. on Monday, April 21, 2008, 5:15 - 9:15 PM.  Registration deadline is April 14, 2008. 

 
April 10, 2008 -- It's that time of the year.  See below the 2007-08 Short Course Coach/Swimmer of the Year Ballot.  Coaches please fill out the ballot and send to Wagner da Silva by April 16th.  You can mail to: 278 N. Musket Ridge Dr., Sun Prairie, WI 53590, or email you choices to: wagnerdasilva@verizon.net.  Coaches due to the privacy of all WI LSC coaches I have removed the nomination part of the link and you can find the voting ballet attached.  I have e-mailed all the coaches from our LSC with the nominations and details about each swimmer/coach's accomplishments.  If you have not received such e-mail please e-mail me a request with your name and the team you coach for and I will send you that document again.  Some e-mails bounced back and I have no way to find out your new e-mails.

Sincerely,

Wagner da Silva
WI LSC, Coach's Representative.

April 10, 2008 -- Nomination forms for the 2008 Outstanding Service Award are now available.  Each year Local Swimming Committees have the opportunity to select a recipient for the Outstanding Service Award.  This award, sponsored by ConocoPhillips, is presented to a volunteer in each LSC in recognition of service to swimming.  Anyone in the LSC can submit a nomination.  Nominations must be in writing and returned to Carol Graham by June 1st.  
April 7, 2008 -- Three swimmers from Wisconsin were named to the United States Paralympic Team which will compete in Beijing this September.  Alex Dionne from Schroeder, and Kelley Becherer and Tom Miazga from Ozaukee Aquatics all won spots on the 2008 team at the US Paralympics Swimming Trials in Minneapolis Apr. 2-5.  The team will consist of 20 men, and 18 women, all of whom had swum a time which placed them in the top 10 in the world rankings for their disability classification.  Congratulations Kelley, Tom, and Alex!
April 2, 2008 -- New Travel Reimbursement forms have been posted on the Wisconsin Swimming Forms Page.  At the June, 2007 LSC Meeting a new travel policy was passed wherein reimbursement is based on "shares" rather than fixed dollar amounts.  Shares are calculated at the end of the long course season based on travel fund income.  Travel reimbursements will be paid in October.  See the updated policy and forms below:  
April 1, 2008 -- Wisconsin Swimming Board of Directors and House of Delegates will meet on Tuesday, April 22, at UW-Waukesha. The Board will meet in room N054 at 5:45 PM and the HOD in room N052 at 7:15 PM.  Agenda, minutes and reports are below. 
March 3, 2008 -- Results are available from the 13 & Over Wisconsin Short Course State Championship Meet. Results are available from the 12 & Under Wisconsin Short Course State Championship Meet.  
February 27, 2008 -- CHANGE IN SUNDAY FINALS START TIME

We have a unanimous YES by the coaches to move the start of finals on Sunday from 5:30 to 5:00.  That means warm ups will start at 3:45.

Parking at the Schroeder YMCA for this year’s 13 & Over SC State Championship Meet

We need teams to car pool as much as possible this weekend due to the pending construction.  The west lot will be available on a first come first serve basis.  Once that lot is full, we have arranged for a convenient shuttle available for families and coaches to use.  Feel free to drop kids off at the aquatic center before taking the shuttle.  Use your hotel shuttle if available.

Parking is NOT available on the North and East side for swim meet participants.  It is reserved for Schroeder YMCA members only.

The shuttle will have 2 pick up points.  One is just south of the Applebee strip mall in the park and ride.  The second area for parking is behind the Old Navy.  Be warned there are snow piles at the park and ride and some of the spaces are lost because of it.  The shuttle will be a mid sized Riteway school bus.

Shuttle Hours - Friday, Saturday & Sunday 7am-1pm

If you park in the Pic N Save lot or any of the lots in the front of stores and walk over to the aquatic center, your car WILL be towed.

Here is the Meet Entry Recon Report.  Check this report for any possible proof-of-time requirements.  Please be prepared to prove any time on the report where the time found in the SWIMS database is not under the meet qualifying time.  The report includes all times since January 1, 2006.  SWIMS database reports are acceptable as proof.

Psych Sheet, Timeline and Warm-up Lane Assignments are now available.  Contact Darsi Kohnhorst with questions/problems. NOTE ON SUNDAY FINALS START TIME:We are seeking permission from all teams to move the start time for Sunday finals to 5:00 PM from 5:30 PM.  We need full approval, which we do not expect until after the meet starts.  Please check the Wisconsin swimming website after the start of the meet to verify the starting time for the Sunday finals session.  If the change is approved it will be announced at the meet and posted on www.wisconsinswimming.org.

Live scoring will be available at the LAKE web site www.lakecountryswimming.com during the meet.

Meet Information and events for the Wisconsin 13 & Over Short Course State Championships is available. 

13 AND OVER STATE MEET SWEATSHIRT

We are taking pre-orders for the 13 & Over State Championship Sweatshirts at www.all-americanaquatics.com.

February 25, 2008 -- Results are available from the 12 & Under Wisconsin Short Course State Championship Meet.  
February 22, 2008 -- Wisconsin Swimming Records are now updated through the January meets.  Congratulations to new record holders: Mackenzie Buss (SCSC), Emily Russart (GYD), Stephanie Sarandos (WEST), Adam Mania (SSTY), and Leah Pronschinske (ECY)  Congratulations, also, to relay teams from Schroeder Y.

Wisconsin Swimming records are posted in January, April and October.  Current records can be found at the link below and on the Wisconsin Top Times Page.

Please send updates to Dave Joyce.

Coaches, remember you must submit a FORM C to Dave Joyce ASAP for all high school boys who swam at High School State and are USA Registered.  When the meet is loaded into SWIMS only swimmers whose USAS ID #'s were reported on a FORM C will be included in the loaded results.  Times will be uploaded from the HS meet backup if available.  Otherwise they will be loaded by hand in time for the Speedo Sectional Meet, and will be avilable for 13 & Over State.  You can find links to procedures and forms on the Wisconsin Top Times Page.

February 22, 2008 -- Nomination forms are available for the 2007-08 Short Course Coach and Swimmer of the Year.  Forms must be turned in by Sunday afternoon of the 12 & Under State meet.  For more information contact Wagner da Silva.  
February 19, 2008 -- Schroeder Swim Club (SSTY) is hosting an LCM Time Trials for Olympic Trials Qualification.  The date is February, 25, warm up as early as 7:00 pm, and start around 8:15. Events will be combined to make it as quick as possible without rushing the athletes.  One swim and done please and all must have USA Jr cuts .  Disabled athletes may be included if they need a time. Should be done by 8:45 PM latest!  
February 19, 2008 -- Please report any mistakes or omissions from the Meet to dwalden@badgeraquatics.com as soon as possible.  Or call Drew @ 608-438-7146. Note: The session report for Saturday PM finish time does not reflect all the heats of the 1000's.  That event is a check in race that then will be seeded and the expected number of total heats will be 9, which will give us an approximate finish time of 6:40 pm.
February 19, 2008 -- Meet Information and events for the Wisconsin 13 & Over Short Course State Championships is available.  An event file should be posted soon. 13 AND OVER STATE MEET SWEATSHIRT

We are taking pre-orders for the 13 & Over State Championship Sweatshirts at www.all-americanaquatics.com. Meet Information and events for the Wisconsin 12 & Under Short Course State Championships are available.

Families wishing to place a Pep Ad in the 12 & Under meet program for their swimmer, or sponsor their swimmer's favorite event should contact Marisue Horton at marisuehorton@hotmail.com.  Advertising space for businesses is also available.  Deadline is this Friday, February 9.

12 AND UNDER STATE MEET CLOTHING

Due to restrictions from the University, State Meet T-shirts and other apparel will not be for sale on site.  However T-shirts, sweats, shorts and hats may be preordered on line, and can be picked up at the start of the meet.  Order by February 12 for delivery at the meet.  Order forms will be available at the meet, but clothing will be shipped out after the meet, for a small charge.  Order on line with our official vendor Top Promotions, www.events.toppromotionsstore.com.

February 14, 2008 -- The Walter Schroeder Aquatic Center is embarking on a fundraising campaign to renovate and provide operational support for the center.  See the information below.  
February 6, 2008 -- Fox Cities YMCA (FCY) is hosting a Stroke and Turn Judge clinic for new officials at Appleton YMCA on Saturday, March 1, 2008, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.  Registration deadline is February 22, 2008.   
February 6, 2008 -- The Watertown Aquatic Team will be hosting a "Round Robin with the Champs" Clinic featuring Wes Lagerhausen and Jennah Haney, 2007 State Champions.  The clinic is March 29th from 1-5 PM at the Watertown Pool at Riverside Middle School.  See the flyer below: For more information contact: Mark Kruse, Watertown Swimming.
February 6, 2008 -- USA Swimming has announced swimmers chosen to participate in the 2008 Zone Select Camps, May 22-25 in Oxford, Ohio.  Congratulations to Wisconsin swimmers Kayla Skenandore (WEST), Kayla Dlugopolski (EBSC), Siri Smits (OSHY), Leah Pronschinske (ECY), Mackenzie Buss (SCSC), Spencer Ritt (BAC), and Christopher Meyers (SSTY).  See the USA Swimming Camps Page for more information.
January 30, 2008 -- The special meeting of the Wisconsin Swimming, Inc. Board of Directors to discuss the Schroeder Aquatic Center proposals, has been rescheduled for Monday, February 4, 2008 at 6:00 pm, at UW-Waukesha, in Room C158.
January 25, 2008 -- Here are the assignments for the 2008 regional championships.  If you do not see your team listed, please contact Steve Keller at kellerville4@aol.com as soon as possible.  
January 2, 2008 -- Meet Information and events for the Wisconsin 13 & Over Short Course State Championships is available.  An event file should be posted soon. Meet Information and events for the Wisconsin 12 & Under Short Course State Championships are available. Families wishing to place a Pep Ad in the 12 & Under meet program for their swimmer, or sponsor their swimmer's favorite event should contact Marisue Horton at marisuehorton@hotmail.com.  Advertising space for businesses is also available.  Deadline is this Friday, February 9.

12 AND UNDER STATE MEET CLOTHING

Due to restrictions from the University, State Meet T-shirts and other apparel will not be for sale on site.  However T-shirts, sweats, shorts and hats may be preordered on line, and can be picked up at the start of the meet.  Order by February 12 for delivery at the meet.  Order forms will be available at the meet, but clothing will be shipped out after the meet, for a small charge.  Order on line with our official vendor Top Promotions, www.events.toppromotionsstore.com.

January 23, 2008 -- The 2008 Wisconsin Swimming Spring/Summer Meet Schedule as approved by the LSC House of Delegates is available below.  Meets requiring reservations must be submitted for sanctioning by February 1st, 2008 and posted on the Wisconsin Swimming website prior to March 11th, 2008.  Meet reservations can be postmarked NO EARLIER than March 11th, 2008.  
January 23, 2008 -- Meet Information and Time Standards are now available for the Summer 2008 Speedo Champions Series Meet, hosted by Schroeder YMCA Swim Team, at the Walter Schroeder Aquatic Center, July 17 - 20, 2008.  
January 22, 2008 -- Are you a High School student looking to fulfill some community service hours required by your school?  Volunteer for the New Berlin Swim Club Valentine Open, February 9-10, 2008.  This must be arranged in advance due to limited space.  NBSC is a non-profit team.  For details contact Helen Lupo 414-545-7936 or email mlupo2@wi.rr.com (include phone numbers with email please.)
January 16, 2007 -- Leah Pronschinske, Eau Claire YMCA, swam the 100 breaststroke in 104.75 at the Toyota Grand Prix as a 12 year old swimmer.  She also just swam as a 13 year old the 100 breaststroke in a 104.87 at the FOXJET Invitational, in Minneapolis.  Both are new state records.

Schroeder YMCA Swim Team's, Adam Mania continued his WI Swimming State record haul with two more at the Chesapeake Swim Club Pro-Am in Oklahoma City, OK.  Adam went 3:50.66 in the 400 IM and 1:47.49 in the 200 Fly to add to his 100 and 200 back records from Nationals and his hand in the 4 x 100 MR.  Congrats Adam!

January 15, 2008 -- The Waunakee Rural Aquatic Team will be hosting the Mutual of Omaha BREAKOUT Clinic featuring Josh Davis and Peter Vanderkaay on Friday evening, April 11th.  See the flyer below: For more information contact: Steve hall at stephenkhall@msn.com.
January 8, 2008 -- Wisconsin Swimming is asking for nominations for Zone coaches for the Zone Mega-Meet in Indianapolis.  We am looking for 2 male and 2 female coaches to assist the head coaches both age group and senior at the meet.  Email nominations to Steve Keller.  If we get more than 4 nominations there will be an election held at the Senior State meet.
January 14, 2008 -- Reminder: Meet bids for the 2008 Summer Meet Season are due on Tuesday, January 8, 2008.  See the following letter from Sanctioning Chair, Jeanne Drzewiecki. Here are some additional dates of interest:  
January 2, 2008 -- Wisconsin Swimming Board of Directors and House of Delegates will meet on Tuesday, January 22, at UW-Waukesha. The Board will meet in room A100 at 5:45 PM and the HOD in room C101 at 7:15 PM.  Agenda, minutes and reports are below. 
December 24, 2007 -- Schroeder YMCA Swim Team's, Adam Mania continued his WI Swimming State record haul with two more at the Chesapeake Swim Club Pro-Am in Oklahoma City, OK.  Adam went 3:50.66 in the 400 IM and 1:47.49 in the 200 Fly to add to his 100 and 200 back records from Nationals and his hand in the 4 x 100 MR.  Congrats Adam!

[Ed. Note]  It's that time of year.  Who else has new state records?  Send them to Webmaster to see them posted.  Have a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year!

December 19, 2007 -- Meet Information, Time Standards and Hotel Information are available for the Spring 2008 Speedo Champions Series Meet, hosted by Waukesha Express, at Waukesha South Natatorium, March 6 - 9, 2008.  
December 12, 2007 -- An agreement has been reached between the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee and a new non-profit, Walter Schroeder Aquatic Center, Ltd, to purchase the Aquatic Center.  See the news release below.  Dave Anderson reports: "The facility’s future is in good hands.  We are very excited and are ready to meet new challenges."  Contact Dave Anderson or Matt Miller with any questions.  
December 11, 2007 -- Alex Dionne (Mequon, WI) broke two American Records in the 800 (10:51.33) and 1500 (20:35.54) meter Freestyle events at the Paralympic US Open Swimming Championships on Thursday, December 6 and Saturday, December 8 at the University of Maryland.  Dionne represented the USA at the Para Pan American Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil earlier this summer and won a gold medal in the 400 meter Freestyle.  Paralympic Swimming Trials to earn a spot on the USA Team to Beijing, China are set for early April in 2008.
December 11, 2007 -- State Divisions for the 2008 Spring SC and Summer LC State meets are now posted.  
December 11, 2007 -- USA Swimming has started a new age group recognition program that will recognize the top ten individual times in a single age group beginning at age 11 and continuing through age 17, and the top ten relay times beginning with age group 11-12 and continuing with 13-14 and 15-18.  See the program information, below, and the motivational times based on the 2006-07 short course and long course seasons.  
December 6, 2007 -- Six athletes from the Schroeder YMCA Swim Team participated in the USA National Short Course Championships at the 1996 Olympic aquatic complex on the campus of Georgia Tech.  The National Championships began on Thursday, November 29 and finished on Saturday, December 1.

Adam Mania, 24 of Shorewood medaled in all of his races and led the Schroeder YMCA Swim Team to a 14th place finish in the Men's Team scoring.  Mania finished 6th in the 200 yard individual medley, 7th in the 100 yard backstroke 47.17 and 6th in the 200 yard backstroke 1:43.72 breaking his own Wisconsin State Record.  Adam led off the 8th place 4 x 100 yard medley relay with a new State Record in the backstroke (47.05) which also established a new State Record for the relay 3:20.07.

Josh Baseheart, 25 of Milwaukee, moved into the finals in two of his events, the 50 and 100 yard freestyles.  Josh anchored the record setting relay while on vacation from his job where he works as a computer programmer for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance.

Joining the two post grads were four teens from the area.  They are: recently crowned WIAA Champion in the 100 yard backstroke, Sadie Nennig of Grafton, butterfly specialist Victor Leclere of Brookfield, Nicolet High School sprint standout Steve Cebertowicz of Fox Point, and breast stroke specialist, William Colbert of Mequon.  Colbert swam the breast stroke and Leclere was the butter flier on the State Record relay.

Results can be found on the USA Swimming Website: http://www.usaswimming.org.

December 6, 2007 -- Wisconsin Swimming Treasurer Pat Lewno has a new email address.  Please update your address books to: lewno@wi.rr.com.
November 19, 2007 -- Time Standards and Hotel Information are available for the Spring 2008 Speedo Champions Series Meet, hosted by Waukesha Express, at Waukesha South Natatorium, March 6 - 9, 2008.  
October 30, 2007 -- Meet bids for the 2008 Summer Meet Season are due on Tuesday, January 8, 2008.  See the following letter from Sanctioning Chair, Jeanne Drzewiecki.  
October 26, 2007 -- The Age Group / Senior Committee will meet on Wednesday, November 7, at 7:00 PM in Mequon. Note the time change from 5:45 to 7:00 PM.  
October 18, 2007 -- Wisconsin Swimming is recruiting volunteers to become USA Swimming certified Swim Officials!  No prior swimming experience is required to get started as a Stroke and Turn Judge.

Consistency in the conduct of Meets throughout the LSC is critical to making competitive swimming a fair and safe experience for all athletes.  To maintain a high level of professional Officials, Wisconsin Swimming recruits and trains Officials on an on-going basis.  In so doing, Wisconsin Swimming can better meet the needs of the sport as well as provide rewarding experiences for its volunteers.

New training clinics for Stroke and Turn Officials and Starter/Referee Officials have been recently added. Please review the following information on the Officials Page, and contact George Geanon, LSC Officials Committee Chair, gdgeanon@wi.rr.com or Patty Kramer, LSC Officials Committee Training Coordinator, (pakramer@chorus.net).

October 8, 2007 -- There are some major construction projects going on at Menomonee Falls High School.  Here is a map for showing information on the best place to drop off, park and how to enter the pool.  
October 5, 2007 -- Wisconsin Swimming weleomes CAST (Clintonville Area Swim Club), a new club from Clintonville, WI.  CAST has also added a meet to the schedule.  Here is the information:
    February 2-3rd, 2008    Clintonville Rec Center
    Meet Format:OPEN
    Number of Entries:4 Individual/2 relays
    Pool Length:25 yards
    Starting Block Height:26"
    Pool Depth:5'6"
    Age Groups:AM 9-10, 11-2
    PM 8/Under, 13/Over
    Entry Fees:$3.00 per event
    $8.00 per relay
    Meet Director:Mary Wetzel
    N2829 County Road 4
    Clintonville, WI 54929
    715-823-5800
    thewetzels@charter.net
 
October 23, 2007 -- Wisconsin Swimming Board of Directors and House of Delegates will meet on Tuesday, October 23, at UW-Waukesha. Note the location change!  The Board will meet in room A100 at 5:45 PM and the HOD in room C101 at 7:15 PM.  Agenda, minutes and reports are below. 
September 27, 2007 -- Congratulations to Wes Lagerhausen from Fontana, WI. for being named to the 2008 USA Swimming National Junior Team!  Wes, who swims for Blaine Carlson at the Waukesha Express Swim Team, will be competing and representing the United States with his teammates from around the country in Australia in January, 2008.  More information is available on the USA Swimming website at www.usaswimming.org.
September 17, 2007 -- The Fox Valley Wave Swim Team will be hosting the Mutual of Omaha BREAKOUT Clinic featuring Neil Walker on Saturday, November 10th.  See the flyer below: For more information contact: Paul Hollub.
September 12, 2007 -- Wisconsin Swimming is recruiting volunteers to become USA Swimming certified Swim Officials!  No prior swimming experience is required to get started as a Stroke and Turn Judge.

Consistency in the conduct of Meets throughout the LSC is critical to making competitive swimming a fair and safe experience for all athletes.  To maintain a high level of professional Officials, Wisconsin Swimming recruits and trains Officials on an on-going basis.  In so doing, Wisconsin Swimming can better meet the needs of the sport as well as provide rewarding experiences for its volunteers.

If you are unsure whether officiating is right for you, ask the Referee at a Meet you are attending, if you may shadow an Official on deck for 30-60 minutes.  This experience likely will provide a better understanding of the role of an Official.

If you are interested in becoming an Official, please review the following information on the Officials Page, and contact George Geanon, LSC Officials Committee Chair, gdgeanon@wi.rr.com or Patty Kramer, LSC Officials Committee Training Coordinator, (pakramer@chorus.net).

August 28, 2007 -- The Age Group / Senior Committee, at its August 15th meeting, passed a proposal to have additional team award opportunities in state meets.  See the proposal below.  
August 23, 2007 -- Your new Athlete Representative to the Board of Directors of Wisconsin Swimming is Margaret (Markie) Healy from Badger Aquatics Club!  Congratulations to Markie!
August 23, 2007 -- Certification and re-certification clinics have been scheduled for Wisconsin Swimming Officials this fall.  Help out your team by becoming a Stroke & Turn Official.  No experience is necessary, and certification clinics are available in both the Madison and Milwaukee areas.  See the schedule on the Officials Page.

NOTE: A Stroke and Turn Judge may participate in a scheduled 'New Officials Training Clinic -- Starter/Referee' in lieu of attending a re-Certification Clinic or taking the USAS re-certification test on-line.  S/R Clinic dates are: Sept. 22 (Sat) and Oct. 2 (Tues).

August 20, 2007 -- Here is the updated 2007-08 Meet Schedule as approved at the LSC Meeting.  All meets requiring reservations must be sanctioned and posted by September 11.  Meet reservations may be postmarked no earlier than Tuesday, September 11, 2007.
August 10, 2007 -- Here are the winners of the 2007 Age Group and Senior Swimmer of the Year and Age Group and Senior Coach of the Year.  The awards were for performances during the 2006 Long Course Season and the 2006-2007 Short Course Season.

FEMALE AGE GROUP SWIMMER OF THE YEAR
Leah Pronschinske (Eau Claire YMCA)
MALE AGE GROUP SWIMMER OF THE YEAR
Matias Koski (Unattached)
FEMALE SENIOR SWIMMER OF THE YEAR
Courtney Veerman (Badger Aquatics Club)
MALE SENIOR SWIMMER OF THE YEAR
Luke Bushman (Green Bay YMCA)
AGE GROUP COACH OF THE YEAR
Mark Schrank (South West Aquatic Team)
SENIOR COACH OF THE YEAR
Abby Dunham (Wausau Tide)

Congratulations to all recipients!  Special thanks to Walters Swim Supplies for their donation of the awards.
August 3, 2007 -- Adam Mania, 23, broke the U.S. Open record in the 50 meter backstroke at the Conoco USA National Swimming Championships.  The U.S. Open record is the fastest swim done within the United States.  The previous record holder, Olympian, Neil Walker of Verona, WI, set the old mark at Indianapolis in 2000 with a time of 25.59.

Mania lives in Shorewood, WI and trains at the Schroeder YMCA in Brown Deer, WI.  Adam is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin where he was a multiple time NCAA All America selection.  Mania is set to race Michael Phelps in the preliminaries of the 100 meter backstroke on Friday, August 3rd.

Other noteworthy performances where recorded by the team of Josh Baseheart (Milwaukee), Mania, Kevin Baseheart (Milwaukee) and Steve Cebertowicz (Fox Point) in the 4 x 100 meter freestyle relay.  They broke their own, one-week old state record with a time of 3:26.45 and scored a 15th place finish at the National Championships on Wednesday evening.

August 2, 2007 -- The Safety Education Committee of USA Swimming presents the Adolph Kiefer Safety Award every year to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to safe swimming in the United States.  The committee will consider all nominations at their August meeting for presentation at the USAS Convention.  Please submit your nomination by August 13th to be considered.  For nomination form, please contact Cathie Marty.
July 31, 2007 -- Here is the latest information for the 13 & Over State Meet.  
July 27, 2007 -- These are the Zone entries as of the 12 & Under meet.  Please check your entries for accuracy. Here is the list of Zone registrations as of July 27.  The list is alphabetical by swimmer and by team. Letters from the Zone Coaching Staff:   See the latest information at the Zone-C Page.
July 26, 2007 -- The next Age Group / Senior Committee meeting will be August 15, at 10:00 AM, at the Community Room at Arrowhead High School, 800 North Ave., in Hartland.  It is on the east end of the front entrance foyer of the north campus building at Arrowhead.  It can also be reached from the pool (back entrance of the north campus building at Arrowhead).  See the minutes from the July 25th meeting at the LSC Meetings Page.
July 25, 2007 -- It is time to vote for WSI's Swimmer and Coach Awards.  Per the House of Delegates recommendation, only Wisconsin coaches that were actively registered during 2006-2007 seasons have a vote.  All votes should be returned by Monday, August 6.  See the ballot below for more information.  Return completed ballots by email to: Wagner da Silva.  
July 24, 2007 -- Are you a High School student looking to fulfill some community service hours required by your school?  Volunteer for the 13 & Over State Championships.  This must be arranged in advance due to limited space.  SEAY is a non-profit team associated with the Racine Family YMCA.  For details contact Jennifer Pennings 262-752-0387 or email djpennings@wi.rr.com (include phone numbers with email please.)
July 24, 2007 -- We are going to be having an athlete rep election at the senior state meet.  You should be 15 or going to be a sophmore in high school and are passionate about the sport of swimming.  The deadline for nominations is August 1.  Send all nominations to Emily Schweitz at emmy4290@yahoo.com.
July 18, 2007 -- Here is the updated 2007-08 Meet Schedule as approved at the LSC Meeting.  The Regional #2 has been awarded to Fond du Lac/West Bend, and some minor changes have been made at the request of other meet directors.  All meets requiring reservations must be submitted for sanction by August 1st.  Meet reservations may be postmarked no earlier than Tuesday, September 11, 2007.  
July 17, 2007 -- Snowfox Aquatics (SNFX) is hosting a breaststroke clinic taught by Olympic Gold Medalist Megan Jendrick on the morning of August 7th at Jefferson Park Pool in Menasha, WI.  Below is a link to all of the pertinent information for the clinic.  Questions should be directed to John Lesko at john@snowfoxaquatics.com and (920) 205-6721.  
July 17, 2007 -- Wisconsin Swimmers turned in tremendous results at the Can-Am Disability Championships this past weekend at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.  Schroeder YMCA Swimmer Alex Dionne captured the Gold Medal in the 400 M Freestyle.  His time of 5:15.66 is also good enough to elevate Dionne to the National Team status for the USA National Swimming Team for athletes with a disability, a real step toward the Beijing Paralympic Games in 2008.  Dionne is pointing toward the Pan American Disability Games later this summer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Kelley Becherer of Ozaukee Aquatics broke the world record in the S13 50 meter backstroke.  Along with that win, she won the 100 M Free and 50 M Free.  Over 10 countries participated, including such teams as the Canadian National Team, Australian National Team, and the very talented Chinese National Team.

Tom Miazga, also of Ozaukee Aquatics, continued with a win his 3rd straight national championship in the S8 200 M Backstroke.  He also won silver in the 50 M Back, and Bronze in the 100 M Back.  Tom is also on his way, with Alex, to Brazil in August to represent the USA.

 
July 12, 2007 -- Your help is urgently sought to staff the deck of Schroeder YMCA for the 2007 Long Course State Championship Meets.  Sign up now for the 12 and Under Meet, July 27-29.  The format is 5 sessions of Timed Finals.  The LAKE Officials Coordinator is George Geanon, at gdgeanon@wi.rr.com.

The 13 and Over Meet takes place August 2-5.  The format is 8 sessions of Prelims/Finals.  Sign up now through the SEAY Officials Coordinator, Jennifer Pennings, at djpennings@wi.rr.com.

The State Meets are tremendously important to the Swimmers and Clubs.  All hands are needed to provide the adequate deck coverage the swimmers deserve.  The WI LSC appreciates the donation of your time and talent.  We hope to see you on deck!

July 5, 2007 -- Olympians Michael Phelps, Katie Hoff, Ian Crocker and Ryan Lochte are among the several world class swimmers who today announced the creation of Swimroom (www.swimroom.com), the sport’s first social networking site.  Swimroom was established as a forum where swimmers from across of the globe can regularly interact and communicate beyond simply seeing each other at traditional competitions or swimming related events.  Other featured Swimroom members include Olympic gold medalists Lenny Krayzelburg, Megan Quann Jendrick and Kirsty Coventry.

Links to Swimroom can be found on the Wisconsin Swimming Links Page and on the left side main menu.

July 1, 2007 -- Meet Information and Event file are now available for the 2007 12 & Under Wisconsin Long Course State Championships, July 27 - 29 and the 2007 13 & Over Wisconsin Long Course State Championships, August 2-5.  
June 28, 2007 -- Here is the 2007-08 Meet Schedule approved at the LSC Meeting.  The Regional #2 will be determined by ballot among the region teams.  All meets requiring reservations must be submitted for sanction by August 1st.  Meet reservations may be postmarked no earlier than Tuesday, September 11, 2007.  
June 21, 2007 -- Wisconsin State Short Course and Long Course records are updated as of the end of the Short Course season.  Congratulations to new record holders since May, 2006: Emma Szczupakiewicz (SWAT), Alexandra Meyers (SSTY). Allison Teske (GBSC), Leah Pronschinske (ECY), Kayla Skenadore (WEST), Pamela Breitrick (WEST), Chris Meyers (SSTY), Lucas Kuriga (WEST), Mitchell Friedemann (LAKE), Paul Young (LAKE), Stephanie Serandos (WEST), Adam Mania (SSTY), Emily Russart (GYD), Luke Bushman (GBY), Beckie Thompson (WEST), Nicole Landisch (LAKE), Jesse O'Keefe (Unat). 
Congratulations, also, to relay teams from: Schroeder Y and Lake Country. 

State Record plaques will be ordered at the end of June.  Coaches and swimmers, please verify the information in the plaque order and send corrections to Dave Joyce.

 
June 15, 2007 -- Meet Information and Event file are now available for the 2007 12 & Under Wisconsin Long Course State Championships, July 27 - 29..  
June 11, 2007 -- The Nomination Committee of Wisconsin Swimming presents this slate of candidates for office.
    General Chair: Drew Walden (incumbent)
    Finance Chair: Peter Healy (incumbent)
    Safety Chair: Cathie Marty (incumbent)
    Age Group Chair:     John Bradley
    Secretary: John Borja
    Officials Chair: George Geanon
According to LSC bylaws, nominations may also be made on the floor.  Remember that only registered team LSC representatives may vote at the House of Delegates.  If you are not sure who your LSC rep is, contact Carol Graham, cagraham@wi.rr.com.  Because of LSC elections and the 2007-08 meet schedule vote, it is very important that teams attend the June 26th meeting.
June 7, 2007 -- Information and registration forms are now available for the 2007 Central Zone Championship Meet, August 10-12.  See the Zone-C Page.  The entry forms are revised, as of 6/26, to correct various entry times.
June 1, 2007 -- Wisconsin Swimming announces the qualifying time limits for the 2007 Silver Meet.  No entries FASTER than the qualifying times will be accepted.  
June 1, 2007 -- Wisconsin Swimming Board of Directors and House of Delegates will meet on Tuesday, June 26, at Waukesha South High School. The Board will meet at 5:45 PM and the HOD at 7:15 PM.  Agenda, minutes and reports are below.   
May 23, 2007 -- The award-winning USA Swimming water safety campaign "Make A Splash" comes to Waukesha with the Waukesha Express Swim Team (WEST) on June 2, 2007 at Waukesha South High School.  The events will include swimming instruction, basic water safety skills, organized pool games and open swim, and all events are FREE of charge.  See the information below for more details!

The "Make A Splash" campaign was initiated by USA Swimming in response to the alarming number of drownings and near-drownings that occur every year.  The initiative reaches out to children and families across the country in an effort to educate them on the importance of proper swim instruction and water safety. 

 
May 23, 2007 -- Kenosha Barracud Swim Team (BST) annouces the Pleasant Springs Open Water Challenge, June 30th.  The meet is sanctioned by both USA-S, and USMS.  Meet information can be found below.  Masters Swimming requires a seperate waiver and that verbiage is attached.  All participants must sign a same day waiver at registration.

With the recent addition of Open Water to the Olympics, Big Shoulders in Chicago, and Open Water being a qualifying event for larger Age Group meets, we are excited about the prospects for this event.

 
May 21, 2007 -- Paralympic swimmer Alex Dionne broke his own American Record in the 200 meter butterfly on Saturday, May 19 at the Schroeder YMCA and Aquatic Center in Brown Deer.  Dionne, 16, a sophomore at Homestead High School in Mequon, Wisconsin trains with the Schroeder YMCA Swim Team.  Dionne was recently named to the USA Paralympic Swimming Team.  Alex's time of 3:06.34 shaved nearly 3 seconds off the American Record that he established a year and half ago.  Alex is missing his right leg and has a partial left arm which places him in disability class S7.  He will represent the USA when he competes in the Pan American Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil later this summer.
May 7, 2007 -- The Wisconsin Swimming, Inc. 2007 Nomination Committee is now accepting nominations for the following positions for the board of directors (each position is two year post):
    General Chair
    Finance Chair
    Age Group Chair
    Secretary
    Safety Chair
    Officials Chair
These positions will be voted on at the June 26th LSC House of Delegates Meeting.  Nomination deadline will be Friday, June 1st, 2007 and the Nomination Committee will post the nominees no later than Wednesday, June 6th, 2007.

Send Nominations to Jeanne Drzewiecki at NSSwimming@aol.com.

April 30, 2007 -- Teams are reminded that Meet Bids for the 2007-2008 Winter Meet Schedule are due on Tuesday, June 12th, 2007.  There is a $20.00 sanctioning fee which must accompany your bid request.  Make Checks payable to: WISCONSIN SWIMMING.

Mail check to: Jeanne Drzewiecki
MEET BID REQUEST
4121 West Martin Drive
Unit 201
Milwaukee, WI 53208

**Teams should be aware that a separate $20.00 sanctioning fee is required for Time Trials.

Meet Bid Request forms can be found on the Forms Page.

The 2007-2008 Winter Meet Schedule will be presented at the June 26th, 2007 LSC meeting.

OTHER DATES TO REMEMBER:
Regional Meet (Closed Weekend): February 15-17th, 2008
12-Under State Championships: February 22-24th, 2008
13-Over State Championships: February 28th-March 2nd, 2008

Wednesday, August 1st, 2007:  If a team is accepting reservations - meet information is due to the Administrative Chair for sanctioning.  All meets with reservations need to be sanctioned/approved and posted on Wisconsin Swimming's website by Tuesday, August 28th.
Tuesday, September 11th, 2007:  Meet Reservation Postmark Date.

Any questions, please direct them to Jeanne Drzewiecki, Administrative Chair at NSSwimming@aol.com or 414-530-6292.

April 26, 2007 -- Two Wisconsin swimmers have been selected to swim at the World Deaf Swimming Championships in Taipei, Taiwan, August 11-18, 2007.  Jessica Weeden of Verona Aquatic Club will swim on the USA team, and Hannah Fitton of Fox Cities YMCA will swim on the British team.  Congratulations, girls, and best wishes with training and competition!
April 25, 2007 -- Wisconsin Swimming is now accepting nominations for this year's Outstanding Service Award recipient and invites the submission of nominations from its membership.
In recognizing the importance of volunteer work, United States Swimming and Phillips Petroleum Company take great pride in honoring the role of the volunteer as an important investment in the future of all swimming athletes and the growth of the programs they represent.
All nominations must be in writing and accompany a completed Outstanding Service Award Nomination form (over). Nominations received by June 15, 2007, will be listed and presented at the June LSC meeting for consideration by the membership.  
April 20, 2007 -- Neenah’s Fox Valley WAVE Spring/Summer `07 meet information has been updated with all necessary files.  Please consider adding this typically well-run, one-day meet in our 8-lane pool to your teams spring/summer schedule!  Neenah is an easy drive from the north and south, and is a great opportunity for an early season meet.
April 6, 2007 -- The following WI LSC Coaches have been nominated and voted to comprise the 2007 Zone Coaching Staff:
    Zone Manager - Dave Clark
    Coaching Staff - Wagner Da Silva (BAC), John Bradley (WEST), Walberto Colon (SCSC), Colleen Szerlong (STAR), Paul Hollub (WAVE), Shane Ryan (MWY), and Paula Caucutt (ECY).
If any coach listed above is unable to fulfill the requirement as WI LSC Zone Coach (August 10-12), please notify Neil Wright.  Congratulations!
April 4, 2007 -- Coaches should be in the process of initiating background screening.  You should either have a new card from the WI Registrar showing you have successfully completed the process or printed evidence that you have initiated the process which is good for 30 days from the time you initiated the process.  If for some reason, you failed to initiate the process by now, please do so immediately.  You can initiate a background screen online at www.usaswimming.org/bgscreeninfo.

April 15 is the deadline for current WI coach members to complete the screening process.  Meet Directors and Meet Referees will have the authority to bar non current coaches from the deck at a WI sanctioned meet and may do so.  Please come with either a new card or evidence you started the process to avoid a potentially embarrassing situation for all involved.

Approximately 40 coaches have successfully completed the background screen but do not have the new light green card because one of the other required certifications has expired.  Please remember that a legal coach must be current in all safety certifications to maintain insurance coverage and coach membership.

April 3, 2007 -- Wisconsin Swimming Board of Directors and House of Delegates will meet on Tuesday, April 24, at Waukesha South High School. The Board will meet at 5:45 PM and the HOD at 7:15 PM.  Agenda, minutes and reports are below.   
March 23, 2007 -- Alex Dionne, 16, a member-athlete at the Schroeder YMCA in Brown Deer, will represent the USA at the 2007 Parapan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August.  Alex's world rank in multiple events qualified him to be named to Team USA yesterday.  Dionne, one of Wisconsin's best athletes, has one leg and a partial arm has been competing for years in swimming for the Schroeder YMCA and for his high school team.

Dionne, a sophomore at Homestead High School in Mequon, recently raced in the Can-Am Championships Paralympic Swimming Meet that was held in the 1976 Olympic Pool in Montreal, Canada where he medaled in four events.  This meet comes after the conclusion of his high school swimming season where he commonly beats able-bodied conference opponents.

Also at the Can-Am Championships in Montreal, Tom Miazga, of Ozaukee Aquatics, won the 200 meter Backstoke in the S8 class.  Due to his world rankings and times he was also selected to represent the United States at the Parapan American Games in Rio this fall.  We are very proud of the effort both Tom and Alex put in in Montreal.  Good Luck in Rio!!!

March 22, 2007 -- Barracuda Swim Team (BST) is running a Stroke and Turn Judge clinic for new officials at Carthage College on Thursday, April 19, 5:30 - 9:30 PM.  Contact Bruce Barbee, 262/538-2783, or email, BBarbee@wi.rr.com, with questions.  Registration deadline is April 12, 2007.   
March 6, 2007 -- Here are the results from the 2007 Wisconsin 13 & Over Short Course State Championship Meet.  
March 5, 2007 -- The Milwaukee Bucks are hosting the 2nd Annual Swim Night.  Come as a team or with family and friends.  See the flier below.  
March 5, 2007 -- There have been a lot of questions about the American Heart Association (AHA) AED certification.  We have been accepting the AHA Heartsaver CPR card.  You cannot, however, accept the AED card even if the box is checked next to "Includes Adult CPR".  Unfortunately, the AHA recently decided to eliminate the written test for Heartsaver CPR, so effective July 15, 2007, we will no longer accept this certification. 

The Safety Education Committee recently reviewed the curriculum for AHA Heartsaver First Aid - it did not meet minimum requirements.

A revised list of approved courses follows.

 
March 5, 2007 -- Zone Coach elections have been extended to March 31.  Registered Wisconsin coaches may fill out the ballot below and return it to Neil Wright at nfwj@yahoo.com.  
February 28, 2007 -- In remembrace of Caleb Gottinger, a swimmer for Schroeder, pink bracelets saying "CEG 1988-2007 Carpe Diem" will be sold at all sessions of the Senior State Meet.  The bracelets will be sold for $5 a piece and all of the proceeds will go to Caleb's Memorial Fund set up by his parents at Ozaukee Bank.  There will be a booth at the meet where these bracelets will be sold and a donation box will also be at the booth as well.  There is only a limited amount of bracelets, so if they are sold out at some point this weekend there will be another order put it!  If anyone has any questions please contact Emily Schweitz-Athlete Rep by email emmy4290@yahoo.com or find her at the state meet.  Thank you all- this will be a great remembrace of Caleb.
February 27, 2007 -- Meet reservations for the 2007 Spring/Summer schedule may be postmarked no earlier than Tuesday, March 6th, 2007.  This is the date that was published in the official meet schedule as approved by the LSC in January.  Note that this is different from previous years when the postmark date was the second Tuesday of March. 
February 28, 2007 -- Here is the psych sheet and timeline for the Wisconsin 13 & Over Short Course State Championship Meet.

All swimmers in multi-age events will be listed in the senior event on the psych sheet.  Swimmers will be sorted by age (13/14, 15/16, and 17 & Over) for results and finals seeding.

Please see this important notice regarding the Saturday session of the Wisconsin 13 & Over State Championship Meet.  This change affects the 200 Free Relays, and the starting time for the Saturday finals session. SHUTTLE SERVICE & RUNNING TIME:
A shuttle service will be running on Saturday and Sunday only, from 7am to 12:30 pm every 15 minutes until the meet starts and every 20 minutes thereafter.  The service will end 15 minutes after the completion of the prelim session.  The first pick up will begin at 7 am in the Park N Ride lot on Brown Deer Road.  (Just south of the Applebee Restaurant located in the shopping center with the Pick N Save and Kohls, behind Schroeder).  It is STRONGLY advised that you utilize this service.  Please plan accordingly.  Drive safely and good luck to all swimmers.
February 27, 2007 -- Here are the results from the 2007 Wisconsin 12 & Under Short Course State Championship Meet. Photographs from the meet are available here.  (This site works with Internet Explorer, but not very well with the Firefox browser.)   
February 26, 2007 -- I would like to take this opportunity to give a huge thank you to the Waukesha Express Swim Team, the Waukesha South school district and Laurie Carlson, the 12-Under State meet director.  They showed a great capacity to adapt and work through the week-end at the 12-Under State meet, which could have been cancelled due to weather conditions.

A special thanks to the Waukesha school district in keeping the facility open when all other venues were being shut down and a special thanks to Laurie in making changes that helped the meet run quickly and smoothly, making sure all swimmers and teams were able to make their races.

By all accounts, every team and all swimmers, over 600 strong, handled the weekend with good Wisconsin humor and adaptability to our unpredictable winter weather, confirming once again the reason swimming in Wisconsin is strong and thriving.

All of our teams that commit to host a state meet, which is a huge undertaking, do a fantastic job of handling the adversity that sometimes comes their way and we are indebted to them all for the job they do for our state.

Thank you all!
Drew Walden
General Chair Wisconsin Swimming

February 23, 2007 -- Lake Country Swim Team (LAKE) is running a Stroke and Turn Judge clinic for new officials at Arrowhead High School on Monday, March 12, 5:30 - 9:30 PM.  Contact George Geanon, 262/691-0232 or email, gdgeanon@wi.rr.com, with questions.  Registration deadline is March 5, 2007.   
February 22, 2007 -- Caleb Gottinger’s death has been deeply felt by his friends and teammates in the Wisconsin Swimming Family.  Caleb made lasting friendships easily and he was universally liked and respected for his swimming abilities.

Caleb’s funeral will be on Saturday, February 24
Eastbrook Church
5353 N Green Bay Rd

10 -12:00 PM Visitation
12:00 PM Funeral
Reception to follow

Many of you have been asking what you can do to help.  Caleb’s parents, Eric and Laura Gottinger, are respectfully requesting that in lieu of flowers or other gifts, contributions in their son’s memory should be made to: Caleb’s Memorial Fund.

The monies collected will be used to defray the costs of Caleb’s funeral, travel for the family, and remaining medical expenses.  Eric and Laura wish that any remaining dollars be given to the YMCA Strong Kids fund in memory of Caleb.  You may mail your contribution to:

Caleb’s Memorial Fund
Attn: Holly Nennig
Ozaukee Bank
N69 W5269 Columbia Road
Cedarburg, WI 53012

Please continue to keep Caleb’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

February 22, 2007 -- Wisconsin Swimming Records are now updated through the January meets.  Congratulations to new record holders: Kayla Skenadore (WEST), Pamela Breitrick (WEST), Lucas Kuriga (WEST), Chris Meyers (SSTY), Mitchell Friedemann (LAKE), Paul Young (LAKE), Stephanie Serandos (WEST), and Adam Mania (SSTY).  Congratulations, also, to relay teams from Schroeder Y and Lake Country.

Wisconsin Swimming records are posted in January, April and October.  Current records can be found at the link below and on the Wisconsin Top Times Page.

Please send updates to Dave Joyce.

Coaches, remember you must submit a FORM C to Dave Joycy by March 6th, 2007 for all high school boys who swam at High School State and are USA Registered.  When the meet is loaded into SWIMS only swimmers whose USAS ID #'s were reported on a FORM C will be included in the loaded results.  The High School Girls Championships (DI & DII) have been loaded to SWIMS.  There was a total of about 40 girls included from seven teams who submitted paperwork (many USAS registered girls were NOT INCLUDED in the loaded data because they were not reported by their coach using FORM C).  You can find links to procedures and forms on the Wisconsin Top Times Page.

February 21, 2007 -- Here is the final Psych Sheet for the 12 & Under State Championship Meet and some additional information.  
February 21, 2007 -- Watertown Aquatic Team (WAT) is sponsoring "Round Robin With the Champs", a swim clinic featuring Wisconsin State Champion swimmers, Kyle Thompson, Tim Scanlan, Beckie Thompson and Jennah Haney.  Learn technique, training tips and mental preparation from some of the best swimmers Wisconsin has to offer.  The clinic is for age 9 and older and open to the first 100 applicants.  The date is April 14th, and will run from 1:00 PM to 5:00, with registration starting at 12:30.  For more information, see the flier below:  

A number of swim camps and clinics are being offered in Minnesota by Olympian, sport psychologist, Trina Radke and Olympic coach, strength and conditioning specialist, Ross Gerry.  A 4-day camp will be June 18-21, and two 2-day clinics are offered April 14-15 and August 11-12.

 
February 20, 2007 -- Entry waivers and payment for the 12 & Under State Championship Meet may be mailed overnight on Tuesday, February 20th, because of the Presidents' Day holiday on Monday.  All entry files are still due by noon today by e-mail.

The Psych Sheet for the 12 & Under State Championship Meet is now available.  Corrections, due to meet management errors only, must be received by Wednesday, February 21st at 9:00 AM.  Contact Laurie Carlson at: laurie@waukeshaexpress.org.

 
February 20, 2007 -- Wisconsin 12 & Under State Championship Meet sweatshirts can be ordered through All-American Aquatics, online, at the link below.  Orders placed by the 22nd will be delivered to the Waukesha South Pool for pickup starting Friday.  
February 19, 2007 Special Notice to Members of the USA Swimming House of Delegates & All USA Swimming Clubs:

Pursuant to USA Swimming Rules 504.8, the USA Swimming Board of Directors has decided to amend Rule 103.2.2 (page 43 of the 2007 Rules & Regulations) which specifically applies to teaching racing starts to provide as follows:

103.2 WATER DEPTH-
.2/M/Teaching Racing Starts - Minimum water depth for teaching racing starts in any setting from any height starting block or the deck shall be 6 feet (1.84 meters) measured for a distance of 3 feet 3 1/2 inches (1.0 meter) to 16 feet 5 inches (5.0 meters) from the end wall.

This decision has been made with the advice and consent of the Safety Education Committee, the Rules and Regulations Committee, and legal counsel. The purpose of this action is to further protect novice swimmers from accidental bottom strikes while they are learning to execute racing starts. This change is effective immediately.

Please direct any questions about this announcement to Bruce Stratton, Chairperson of the Rules & Regulations Committee. His email address is:

 
February 15, 2007 -- Nominations are now being accepted for the position of Zone Coach.  This summer's Zone meet will be held in Topeka, Kansas, August 10-12.  Please forward nominations to Neil Wright via email, nfwj@yahoo.coms, or phone, 262.635.3843.  Voting will take place during 13 & Over State Championships on the weekend of March 1-4.  Deadline to submit nominations is Wednesday, February 28.
February 6, 2007 -- WEST is looking for officials for the 12 and Under State Meet February 23-25, 2007 at Waukesha South High School.  The meet will be a 5 session timed final and the event order can be found at 12 & Under Championship Meet Information.  If you have any questions you can call Paul Young 715-492-0579 or email payray@sbcglobal.net.