First of all, I wanted to thank everyone for a great season. We had a good turnout at the banquet last night, and I hope those that attended enjoyed our last bit fellowship before heading off for the school year.
We still have a number of swimmers who haven't picked up their ribbons for the year. Please come by the pool and pick them up at your earliest convenience.
If you haven't taken a moment to fill out our end of season survey, please do so. I will leave the survey open for responses until the end of the month. We greatly appreciate your input into making VTST a great team and community.
Thanks again, and I look forward to seeing everyone next season!
Now, as many folks requested last night, here is Coach Andersen's Jambalaya Recipe!
1 (3.5-4lb) fryer chicken (or chicken quarters)
1 lb. smoked Andouille Sausage, cut in 1/2 inch pieces
1 lb. Mahatma long grain rice
2 Tablespoons Kitchen Bouquet
1 medium bell pepper (color doesn't matter), diced
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
6 cups of water
salt to taste
black pepper to taste
red pepper to taste
Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning to taste
Boil Chicken with Creole seasoning in large pot using the 6 cups of water until chicken is tender. Keep covered so as to minimize water loss. Once chicken is tender, remove from the pot and let cool. Keep the chicken stock. Debone the chicken, discarding all fat, bone, and skin. Cut or tear the chicken into bite size pieces. Add chicken, sausage, onion, pepper, Kitchen Bouquet, to the chicken stock and bring it to a boil. Add rice, mix in well, reduce heat to low, and cook covered for 20 minutes, or until rice is cooked. Equal parts of wild game or shrimp can be substituted for chicken and sausage. Enjoy!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Pictures from Conference
Good evening Torpedo Family!
I wanted to remind everyone to please fill out our survey on SurveyMonkey. This will help us know what to continue to do in the future, as well as address any issues you may have found with our program. It is ten questions and shouldn't take too long to complete. Please check the previous post for the link.
Also, just another reminder that Thursday, August 16, will be our end of the year banquet. Please plan to bring a dish to share.
Finally, the point of this post: Pictures from Conference! SportPix, out of Shelby, and run by Valdese native Cam Bumgarner, was on hand with several photographers for the championship meet. There are literally thousands of pictures that he and his crew took, and any picture you see on the website is available for purchase. The folks at SportPix do a great job, which is why they have done our team pictures for the last three years.
Check out the site and see if there are any pictures of your children you would to purchase!
www.sportpixaction.photoreflect.com
I wanted to remind everyone to please fill out our survey on SurveyMonkey. This will help us know what to continue to do in the future, as well as address any issues you may have found with our program. It is ten questions and shouldn't take too long to complete. Please check the previous post for the link.
Also, just another reminder that Thursday, August 16, will be our end of the year banquet. Please plan to bring a dish to share.
Finally, the point of this post: Pictures from Conference! SportPix, out of Shelby, and run by Valdese native Cam Bumgarner, was on hand with several photographers for the championship meet. There are literally thousands of pictures that he and his crew took, and any picture you see on the website is available for purchase. The folks at SportPix do a great job, which is why they have done our team pictures for the last three years.
Check out the site and see if there are any pictures of your children you would to purchase!
www.sportpixaction.photoreflect.com
Monday, August 6, 2012
End of the Season Banquet
Good afternoon Torpedo!
I am happy to announce that we will be celebrating our season with an end of season banquet on THURSDAY, AUGUST 16. The banquet will be from 5-7pm at Rotary Park (where we had our Conference Chow Down). It will be a pot-luck style dinner, so everyone bring something to share (Coach Andersen is planning on bringing his famous jambalaya!).
Any remaining ribbons, pictures, or T-Shirts from the year can be picked up at the banquet, and High Point and Coaches awards will be given out for the different age groups.
In the meantime, please be sure to check the previous post for the link to the end of season survey. We really would appreciate you taking the time to answer the 10 question survey so we can see how we did this summer.
See everyone soon!
I am happy to announce that we will be celebrating our season with an end of season banquet on THURSDAY, AUGUST 16. The banquet will be from 5-7pm at Rotary Park (where we had our Conference Chow Down). It will be a pot-luck style dinner, so everyone bring something to share (Coach Andersen is planning on bringing his famous jambalaya!).
Any remaining ribbons, pictures, or T-Shirts from the year can be picked up at the banquet, and High Point and Coaches awards will be given out for the different age groups.
In the meantime, please be sure to check the previous post for the link to the end of season survey. We really would appreciate you taking the time to answer the 10 question survey so we can see how we did this summer.
See everyone soon!
End of Season Survey! Please Take!
Good afternoon Torpedo Family!
One new thing we are trying this year is an end of the season survey. If possible, we would like for you to click on the link below and take a few minutes to give VTST coaches and the Recreation Department some feedback about your experiences this summer. The survey will be anonymous, and no one can access the personal information of anyone who responds.
We are offering this as a way for you to tell us how we did! After all, we want to make sure you are happy with the experience you paid to be a part of! We will then use this to figure out what we did well and what needs tweaking for next summer.
Thanks again for a great season, and we hope to see you all at the banquet!
Click here to take survey
One new thing we are trying this year is an end of the season survey. If possible, we would like for you to click on the link below and take a few minutes to give VTST coaches and the Recreation Department some feedback about your experiences this summer. The survey will be anonymous, and no one can access the personal information of anyone who responds.
We are offering this as a way for you to tell us how we did! After all, we want to make sure you are happy with the experience you paid to be a part of! We will then use this to figure out what we did well and what needs tweaking for next summer.
Thanks again for a great season, and we hope to see you all at the banquet!
Click here to take survey
Sunday, August 5, 2012
SECOND PLACE AT CONFERENCE!
Valdese 2nd with 371.5 points, McDowell 3rd with 369 points!
About 320 swimmers competed yesterday, and the meet ran smoothly under mostly cloudy skies. The McDowell Mariners volunteers kept the meet moving and running smoothly all day long, all the way through the award presentations at the end of the meet. The meet began on time at 9:15 and continued until the last relay was run at about 5:30pm, making for a long day for the swimmers, coaches, and volunteers. About halfway through the meet, coaches and parents from the six different teams broke up the day with the annual "Fools in the Pool" relays, where coaches and parents get a chance to hop in and cool off, as well as show off their best strokes and, in some cases, belly flops.
There were a lot of great races throughout the day, and VTST was well represented by the 53 swimmers who ended up competing. Those who competed swam great races on the way to second place. McDowell was in second place for most of the meet. After event 66 (of 82), VTST was behind by only 24 points, and the McDowell Mariners head coach turned to me and said, "I don't know if we can hold you guys off through the [freestyle] relays." It was then Coach Lauren and I really got excited because we knew after looking at the upcoming events that we were in a great position to pull off an upset for second place.
The kids got really pumped up, fought hard, and swam their hearts out in those relays. It paid off, as VTST took second place by 2.5 points after the conclusion of the last race. It was a much better finish than any VTST member expected going in to the meet, but in the end, everyone swam incredibly well making second place a reality.
In the events, 8and Under Emma E. took first in the 100 Individual Medley and 50 Freestyle, Paige B. took first in the 200 Individual Medley, Zachary K. took first in the 200 Individual Medley, 100 Freestyle, and 100 Breaststroke, Jenna Claire B. took first in the 25 Backstroke. Many of our swimmers finished second and third in multiple events. Many of the medley relays took second, but it was the finishes in the freestyle relays which helped bring home second place honors. The VTST 9-10 Girls Free Relay edged out Morganton for first by .02 seconds in one of the biggest wins of the day. The 15-18 Boys Free Relay was neck and neck for first until Valdese's Alec B. closed out Morganton's Josh B. on the last leg for a win by just under 2.5 seconds.
Many VTST swimmers earned individual high-point honors for the meet. For the 8 and Under girls, Emma E. took first place. In the 9 and 10 girls, Samantha R. earned second place and Grace L. earned third place. MacKenzie B. took third place for the 11-12 girls, and Paige B. took third place for the 13-14 girls. The older boys from VTST made a big impact, as newcomer Keegan R. tied for third place honors in the 13-14 boys events. In the 15-18 boys, Zachary K. took 2nd place after winning all of his individual events, and Alec B. took third place.
I was incredibly impressed by the way everyone swam yesterday. They fought for every finish, for every point. It was a great way to wrap up the season, and I couldn't be any prouder of the team. Every single swimmer contributed, and with the points being as close as they were, every single swimmer mattered.
Keep watching the blog over the next few days to get details on our end of the year banquet, where we will give out some awards, ribbons, medals, and gather one last time to celebrate a great season and a great team!
About 320 swimmers competed yesterday, and the meet ran smoothly under mostly cloudy skies. The McDowell Mariners volunteers kept the meet moving and running smoothly all day long, all the way through the award presentations at the end of the meet. The meet began on time at 9:15 and continued until the last relay was run at about 5:30pm, making for a long day for the swimmers, coaches, and volunteers. About halfway through the meet, coaches and parents from the six different teams broke up the day with the annual "Fools in the Pool" relays, where coaches and parents get a chance to hop in and cool off, as well as show off their best strokes and, in some cases, belly flops.
There were a lot of great races throughout the day, and VTST was well represented by the 53 swimmers who ended up competing. Those who competed swam great races on the way to second place. McDowell was in second place for most of the meet. After event 66 (of 82), VTST was behind by only 24 points, and the McDowell Mariners head coach turned to me and said, "I don't know if we can hold you guys off through the [freestyle] relays." It was then Coach Lauren and I really got excited because we knew after looking at the upcoming events that we were in a great position to pull off an upset for second place.
The kids got really pumped up, fought hard, and swam their hearts out in those relays. It paid off, as VTST took second place by 2.5 points after the conclusion of the last race. It was a much better finish than any VTST member expected going in to the meet, but in the end, everyone swam incredibly well making second place a reality.
In the events, 8and Under Emma E. took first in the 100 Individual Medley and 50 Freestyle, Paige B. took first in the 200 Individual Medley, Zachary K. took first in the 200 Individual Medley, 100 Freestyle, and 100 Breaststroke, Jenna Claire B. took first in the 25 Backstroke. Many of our swimmers finished second and third in multiple events. Many of the medley relays took second, but it was the finishes in the freestyle relays which helped bring home second place honors. The VTST 9-10 Girls Free Relay edged out Morganton for first by .02 seconds in one of the biggest wins of the day. The 15-18 Boys Free Relay was neck and neck for first until Valdese's Alec B. closed out Morganton's Josh B. on the last leg for a win by just under 2.5 seconds.
Many VTST swimmers earned individual high-point honors for the meet. For the 8 and Under girls, Emma E. took first place. In the 9 and 10 girls, Samantha R. earned second place and Grace L. earned third place. MacKenzie B. took third place for the 11-12 girls, and Paige B. took third place for the 13-14 girls. The older boys from VTST made a big impact, as newcomer Keegan R. tied for third place honors in the 13-14 boys events. In the 15-18 boys, Zachary K. took 2nd place after winning all of his individual events, and Alec B. took third place.
I was incredibly impressed by the way everyone swam yesterday. They fought for every finish, for every point. It was a great way to wrap up the season, and I couldn't be any prouder of the team. Every single swimmer contributed, and with the points being as close as they were, every single swimmer mattered.
Keep watching the blog over the next few days to get details on our end of the year banquet, where we will give out some awards, ribbons, medals, and gather one last time to celebrate a great season and a great team!
THANKS FOR ANOTHER FANTASTIC SEASON TORPEDO FAMILY!
Friday, August 3, 2012
Conference is At Hand!
Good afternoon,Torpedo!
Tonight we will meet at Rotary Park (above the Tennis Courts) at 5pm for our Conference Chow Down. Anyone who did not sign up to bring a dish, please feel free to do so. We are still a little low on salad, and we may need some more noodles. Anyone bringing sauce may do so in a crockpot, as there will be power available.
Tomorrow morning we will be warming up at 8am. Please get to the pool as early as possible and get set up. We don't want to be rushed going in to warm up. Please see the bulletin board at the pool for information on parking and tent setup.
We still need volunteers for several spots tomorrow. Please step up and sign up to volunteer. The majority of the jobs do not require a lot of skill, and what needs to be learned can be pretty quickly. In order for the meet to run smoothly, we will need these positions filled.
I look forward to seeing everyone this evening!
Tonight we will meet at Rotary Park (above the Tennis Courts) at 5pm for our Conference Chow Down. Anyone who did not sign up to bring a dish, please feel free to do so. We are still a little low on salad, and we may need some more noodles. Anyone bringing sauce may do so in a crockpot, as there will be power available.
Tomorrow morning we will be warming up at 8am. Please get to the pool as early as possible and get set up. We don't want to be rushed going in to warm up. Please see the bulletin board at the pool for information on parking and tent setup.
We still need volunteers for several spots tomorrow. Please step up and sign up to volunteer. The majority of the jobs do not require a lot of skill, and what needs to be learned can be pretty quickly. In order for the meet to run smoothly, we will need these positions filled.
I look forward to seeing everyone this evening!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Forest City, Spaghetti, and Conference!
Good afternoon everyone! Tonight we have our meet against Forest City. We will warm up at 5:30, so please be there in time to get in on time. We will need volunteers for timing, etc.
Friday night we will have our annual pre-conference Spaghetti Dinner in Rotary Park at 5pm. Sign up on Wednesday or Thursday to bring noodles, sauce, bread, salad, or dessert for the meal! We hope everyone can make it as we prepare for a great time at the championship meet.
Finally, all conference entries have been submitted. There will be no deck entries or late entries. Please read the information about conference on the bulletin board at the Rec. for information about seating, etc. We have volunteer slots to fill for the meet, so please be sure to sign up for a slot. If everyone does their part, it should go smoothly. The weather Saturday will be warm, so please bring plenty of water!
Warm-ups on Saturday are at 8am, so please be on time!
Directions to Forest City: Take I-40 West to Exit 103. At the end of the exit ramp, turn left. Take HWY 64 to Rutherford County. After passing through Westminster Community, turn left on Hudlow Rd at the traffic light. Follow Hudlow Rd to West Main Street in Forest City. Turn left on West Main Street. Take the second right (Harris St). The pool is at the end of Harris St.
Friday night we will have our annual pre-conference Spaghetti Dinner in Rotary Park at 5pm. Sign up on Wednesday or Thursday to bring noodles, sauce, bread, salad, or dessert for the meal! We hope everyone can make it as we prepare for a great time at the championship meet.
Finally, all conference entries have been submitted. There will be no deck entries or late entries. Please read the information about conference on the bulletin board at the Rec. for information about seating, etc. We have volunteer slots to fill for the meet, so please be sure to sign up for a slot. If everyone does their part, it should go smoothly. The weather Saturday will be warm, so please bring plenty of water!
Warm-ups on Saturday are at 8am, so please be on time!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Practice This Week (July 23-27)
Good afternoon everyone. Currently there is some inclement weather heading our direction, but it looks as though we will be clear come practice time, so please be there. If you haven't signed up for the meet tomorrow, please do so this evening.
Remember, due to the meet on Tuesday, we will not be having Wednesday morning practice. Also, there will be NO PRACTICE THIS FRIDAY, JULY 27.
See you all soon!
Remember, due to the meet on Tuesday, we will not be having Wednesday morning practice. Also, there will be NO PRACTICE THIS FRIDAY, JULY 27.
See you all soon!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Sprint/Distance Meet
The Sprint/ Distance Meet is this Saturday. Warm-ups are at 8:30 at the Forest City Pool. All parents will be expected to volunteer in some capacity or another.
Directions to Forest City: Take I-40 West to Exit 103. At the end of the exit ramp, turn left. Take HWY 64 to Rutherford County. After passing through Westminster Community, turn left on Hudlow Rd at the traffic light. Follow Hudlow Rd to West Main Street in Forest City. Turn left on West Main Street. Take the second right (Harris St). The pool is at the end of Harris St.
See you all Saturday!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Directions to Collett St. Pool (Morganton)
Directions to the Morganton Pool: I-40W; Take Exit 105; Turn right onto S Sterling St/NC18; Go 2 miles; Turn left onto Catawba Street – The pool is located behind the Collett Street Recreation Center on King Street.
Please try to be at the pool as close to 5 as possible. Warm ups begin at 5:30!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
PRACTICE SCHEDULE UPDATE!
THERE WILL BE NO PRACTICE ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 18! Coach
Andersen will be out of town for a conference all day. Enjoy your day
off after the meet. We WILL be having an evening practice on Thursday
and a morning practice on Friday. There will also be NO PRACTICE ON FRIDAY, JULY 27! .
With the rest of our meets this season on a Tuesday, the following schedule changes will be made:
Monday: Morning and Evening Practices!
Tuesday: Morning Only!
Wednesday: Evening Only!
Thursday: Morning and Evening!
Friday: Morning and Evening!
Please feel free to speak to any coach if this isn't clear.
Have a great weekend!
With the rest of our meets this season on a Tuesday, the following schedule changes will be made:
Monday: Morning and Evening Practices!
Tuesday: Morning Only!
Wednesday: Evening Only!
Thursday: Morning and Evening!
Friday: Morning and Evening!
Please feel free to speak to any coach if this isn't clear.
Have a great weekend!
Meet Tuesday at Morganton! No Practices This Wednesday!
Good afternoon Torpedo!
First of all, many thanks to the VTST family for a great meet on Thursday. McDowell swimmers did a great job, but they couldn't beat the Torpedo in our second meet of the season.
You can find a brief article about the meet here: http://www2.morganton.com/sports/2012/jul/13/torpedo-swimmers-speed-past-mcdowell-ar-2430932/
This coming Tuesday we swim against Morganton. The pool is a 50 Meter pool, so we are encouraging any of our younger swimmers who have difficulty swimming 25 yards (one lap at Valdese) to come and cheer on the team, or enjoy a nice week without a meet. Either way, coaches need to know if you will be attending the meet BY MONDAY NIGHT AT THE LATEST!
Please make sure to sign-up for the Sprint/Distance Meet at Forest City on July 21. We need to get entries to the Stingrays staff by Wednesday evening. This is an optional meet for our swimmers, and it has been a lot of fun in the past. There is a chance to swim longer and shorter events than those we typically swim at our regular meets.
Finally, THERE WILL BE NO PRACTICE ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 18! Coach Andersen will be out of town for a conference all day. Enjoy your day off after the meet. We WILL be having an evening practice on Thursday and a morning practice on Friday. There will also be NO PRACTICE ON FRIDAY, JULY 27! Coach Andersen will be out of town for personal reason.
With the rest of our meets this season on a Tuesday, the following schedule changes will be made:
Monday: Morning and Evening Practices!
Tuesday: Morning Only!
Wednesday: Evening Only!
Thursday: Morning and Evening!
Friday: Morning and Evening!
Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
First of all, many thanks to the VTST family for a great meet on Thursday. McDowell swimmers did a great job, but they couldn't beat the Torpedo in our second meet of the season.
You can find a brief article about the meet here: http://www2.morganton.com/sports/2012/jul/13/torpedo-swimmers-speed-past-mcdowell-ar-2430932/
This coming Tuesday we swim against Morganton. The pool is a 50 Meter pool, so we are encouraging any of our younger swimmers who have difficulty swimming 25 yards (one lap at Valdese) to come and cheer on the team, or enjoy a nice week without a meet. Either way, coaches need to know if you will be attending the meet BY MONDAY NIGHT AT THE LATEST!
Please make sure to sign-up for the Sprint/Distance Meet at Forest City on July 21. We need to get entries to the Stingrays staff by Wednesday evening. This is an optional meet for our swimmers, and it has been a lot of fun in the past. There is a chance to swim longer and shorter events than those we typically swim at our regular meets.
Finally, THERE WILL BE NO PRACTICE ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 18! Coach Andersen will be out of town for a conference all day. Enjoy your day off after the meet. We WILL be having an evening practice on Thursday and a morning practice on Friday. There will also be NO PRACTICE ON FRIDAY, JULY 27! Coach Andersen will be out of town for personal reason.
With the rest of our meets this season on a Tuesday, the following schedule changes will be made:
Monday: Morning and Evening Practices!
Tuesday: Morning Only!
Wednesday: Evening Only!
Thursday: Morning and Evening!
Friday: Morning and Evening!
Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
The Meet is ON!
Ok everyone, it looks like we've dodged most of the worst weather and it will stay to the west of us in time to get the meet run and done!
Parent, please plan on volunteering in some manner so we can get finished in enough time this evening for everyone to get home safely.
There is still some chance of rain, so please be prepared in the event it does sprinkle on us this evening.
See you at the meet!
Parent, please plan on volunteering in some manner so we can get finished in enough time this evening for everyone to get home safely.
There is still some chance of rain, so please be prepared in the event it does sprinkle on us this evening.
See you at the meet!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Weather Forecast for Thursday
I just wanted to make everyone aware of the weather forecast for tonight and tomorrow by sharing the NOAA outlook.
http://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=NCZ504&warncounty=NCC023&firewxzone=NCZ504&local_place1=&product1=Hazardous+Weather+Outlook
I'll keep you updated as we prepare to the meet tomorrow evening.
http://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=NCZ504&warncounty=NCC023&firewxzone=NCZ504&local_place1=&product1=Hazardous+Weather+Outlook
I'll keep you updated as we prepare to the meet tomorrow evening.
Wednesday Practice CANCELED! MEET TOMORROW!
Practice tonight has been canceled due to inclement weather.
Please be at the meet tomorrow in time for 5pm warm-ups. We are expecting rain, but short of continued thunder and lightning, we will be having the meet. Should we cancel, please be sure to check here for updates!
Parents, please plan on helping out in one capacity or another during the meet!
We'll see everyone tomorrow.
Please be at the meet tomorrow in time for 5pm warm-ups. We are expecting rain, but short of continued thunder and lightning, we will be having the meet. Should we cancel, please be sure to check here for updates!
Parents, please plan on helping out in one capacity or another during the meet!
We'll see everyone tomorrow.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Friday and the Heat, Practice Schedule for the Week of July 4th, VTST vs. FCST Meet Summary
Good afternoon, Torpedo!
I hope everyone is doing their best to stay cool in this heat! In this post I first want to address practice this afternoon (Friday, June 28). It is extremely hot today, and it will continue to be for a few days. We will still be having practice this evening. However, parents use your best judgement on whether your swimmers should attend. If your swimmers are already tired from the heat of the meet last night, let them rest and recuperate. Please have them drink lots of water over the course of the weekend, as many heat-related illnesses can occur due to lack of fluids (Coke, sweet tea, and anything with caffeine DOES NOT COUNT!). So again, come to practice tonight if you feel OK doing so, but please keep the weather in mind and drink plenty of fluids beforehand.
Second, for those who didn't hear at the end of the meet last night: Practice for next week on TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, and THURSDAY is CANCELED for the holiday. We will have morning and evening practices on both MONDAY AND FRIDAY.
Now, on to celebration! We had a hot meet last night, and our swimmers burned it up in the pool against Forest City! While numbers were certainly in our favor last night, the Torpedo had a great showing. We were able to get the meet done relatively quickly, and many of our swimmers had best times in at least one event. All the relays swam well, and the coaches only received a couple of DQ slips last night, which always makes us happy! We won the meet by a significant margin, and we had some good competition from Forest City. Way to go Torpedo!
Thank you to all of the lifeguards and Rec. staff who helped run the meet last night. Thank you especially to the parents who volunteered to help out with the various meet positions. Many parents who volunteered did so for the entire evening, instead of just one shift, due to necessity. We will be hosting two more meets this season, including our next meet on July 12. For those meets, the coaches expect parents to assist with the meet. While there are a few skilled areas for volunteers, the majority of tasks are not difficult to perform. PLEASE PARENTS: WE NEED YOUR HELP TO HOST MEETS! Without you to volunteer, coaches are not able to fulfill coaching responsibilities and instead have to pick up cards after events and hand out ribbons to heat winners, among other things. If you are interested in learning how to Clerk of Course (get kids into their events and heats), run the scoring system (input times into a computer), or be a stroke and turn judge, LET A COACH KNOW! These are not difficult tasks, and the more people we have familiar with these positions, the less stressful it is on everyone. Timing is incredibly simple, and it is also the best seat in the house. If you have older swimmers, or if you have someone able to keep an eye on your swimmer, such as a spouse, another Torpedo family member, or family friend, please volunteer to time! The more people we have sign up to time, the more sessions we can work, which will in turn decrease the collective burden. Don't think of this as time away from your swimmers or family, but rather as time interacting with them and something they have an interest in: being an active part of VTST and the Valdese swimming community as a whole.
I hope everyone is doing their best to stay cool in this heat! In this post I first want to address practice this afternoon (Friday, June 28). It is extremely hot today, and it will continue to be for a few days. We will still be having practice this evening. However, parents use your best judgement on whether your swimmers should attend. If your swimmers are already tired from the heat of the meet last night, let them rest and recuperate. Please have them drink lots of water over the course of the weekend, as many heat-related illnesses can occur due to lack of fluids (Coke, sweet tea, and anything with caffeine DOES NOT COUNT!). So again, come to practice tonight if you feel OK doing so, but please keep the weather in mind and drink plenty of fluids beforehand.
Second, for those who didn't hear at the end of the meet last night: Practice for next week on TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, and THURSDAY is CANCELED for the holiday. We will have morning and evening practices on both MONDAY AND FRIDAY.
Now, on to celebration! We had a hot meet last night, and our swimmers burned it up in the pool against Forest City! While numbers were certainly in our favor last night, the Torpedo had a great showing. We were able to get the meet done relatively quickly, and many of our swimmers had best times in at least one event. All the relays swam well, and the coaches only received a couple of DQ slips last night, which always makes us happy! We won the meet by a significant margin, and we had some good competition from Forest City. Way to go Torpedo!
Thank you to all of the lifeguards and Rec. staff who helped run the meet last night. Thank you especially to the parents who volunteered to help out with the various meet positions. Many parents who volunteered did so for the entire evening, instead of just one shift, due to necessity. We will be hosting two more meets this season, including our next meet on July 12. For those meets, the coaches expect parents to assist with the meet. While there are a few skilled areas for volunteers, the majority of tasks are not difficult to perform. PLEASE PARENTS: WE NEED YOUR HELP TO HOST MEETS! Without you to volunteer, coaches are not able to fulfill coaching responsibilities and instead have to pick up cards after events and hand out ribbons to heat winners, among other things. If you are interested in learning how to Clerk of Course (get kids into their events and heats), run the scoring system (input times into a computer), or be a stroke and turn judge, LET A COACH KNOW! These are not difficult tasks, and the more people we have familiar with these positions, the less stressful it is on everyone. Timing is incredibly simple, and it is also the best seat in the house. If you have older swimmers, or if you have someone able to keep an eye on your swimmer, such as a spouse, another Torpedo family member, or family friend, please volunteer to time! The more people we have sign up to time, the more sessions we can work, which will in turn decrease the collective burden. Don't think of this as time away from your swimmers or family, but rather as time interacting with them and something they have an interest in: being an active part of VTST and the Valdese swimming community as a whole.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Great Meet Tonight! FRIDAY PRACTICE CANCELED!
Thanks to everyone who made it out to Granite Falls this evening for a great meet! There were some wonderful races with close finishes. Several swimmers achieved personal best times, and all in all, once the cloud cover kicked in, a good time was had by all!
In the end, the Sharks were able to beat us, but we'll get another shot at them in July. In the meantime, we want to thank our hosts for a great meet.
ALL 8&U and 10&U Practices for FRIDAY, JUNE 22, ARE CANCELED! The coaches hope that everyone has a great weekend and comes back ready to swim hard against Forest City on June 28. Remember, we do have team pictures at 4pm on Thursday before the meet!
Have a great weekend, and way to go Torpedo! Great Meet Tonight!
In the end, the Sharks were able to beat us, but we'll get another shot at them in July. In the meantime, we want to thank our hosts for a great meet.
ALL 8&U and 10&U Practices for FRIDAY, JUNE 22, ARE CANCELED! The coaches hope that everyone has a great weekend and comes back ready to swim hard against Forest City on June 28. Remember, we do have team pictures at 4pm on Thursday before the meet!
Have a great weekend, and way to go Torpedo! Great Meet Tonight!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Great Job Torpedo!
Wow! What a fantastic way to start the season! First of all, thanks to the McDowell Mariners for hosting us and for a great meet. We were able to wrap up before 10pm, and everything ran smoothly.
Last night we had over 60 swimmers compete at McDowell! Every age group was represented, and most age groups were represented quite well. The final score was Valdese Torpedo 847, McDowell Mariners 578. The men did a fantastic job, and the women did a great job of holding off a very talented squad from the Mariners. The coaches are all very proud of how everyone swam! You have all worked very hard since the beginning of the season, and it showed last night!
Complete results from the meet are posted on the bulletin board at the pool across from the women's locker room. The coaches also have ribbons for swimmers who finished in the top 5 in their events, so please ask your coach before or after practice for your ribbons!
Tomorrow morning will be the stroke and turn clinic at the Rec from 9-11am. All are welcome, even if you are new to the sport. This will be a very informal look at the stroke and turn position, but there is a lot of material to cover, so please try to be punctual! Lunch will be served at 11am, courtesy of VTST. If you can't make this clinic, don't worry! There is another clinic scheduled for July 14th.
The next meet will be on June 21 at Granite Falls. This will be a close meet, as Granite Falls always fields a strong team. Please be sure to sign up for the meet ASAP! Warm ups will be at 5:30, and please plan to be on time. If you are unable to attend after having signed up, please let a coach know ASAP so the coaches will have a chance to make any necessary changes.
Again, GREAT JOB AND WAY TO GO! LET'S GET THAT CHAMPIONSHIP!
Last night we had over 60 swimmers compete at McDowell! Every age group was represented, and most age groups were represented quite well. The final score was Valdese Torpedo 847, McDowell Mariners 578. The men did a fantastic job, and the women did a great job of holding off a very talented squad from the Mariners. The coaches are all very proud of how everyone swam! You have all worked very hard since the beginning of the season, and it showed last night!
Complete results from the meet are posted on the bulletin board at the pool across from the women's locker room. The coaches also have ribbons for swimmers who finished in the top 5 in their events, so please ask your coach before or after practice for your ribbons!
Tomorrow morning will be the stroke and turn clinic at the Rec from 9-11am. All are welcome, even if you are new to the sport. This will be a very informal look at the stroke and turn position, but there is a lot of material to cover, so please try to be punctual! Lunch will be served at 11am, courtesy of VTST. If you can't make this clinic, don't worry! There is another clinic scheduled for July 14th.
The next meet will be on June 21 at Granite Falls. This will be a close meet, as Granite Falls always fields a strong team. Please be sure to sign up for the meet ASAP! Warm ups will be at 5:30, and please plan to be on time. If you are unable to attend after having signed up, please let a coach know ASAP so the coaches will have a chance to make any necessary changes.
Again, GREAT JOB AND WAY TO GO! LET'S GET THAT CHAMPIONSHIP!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Practice Schedule and Meet Sign-Up Reminder
Good Monday morning Torpedo Family! I wanted to touch base you all about a couple of things:
Today is the first day of our new practice schedule!
SUMMER PRACTICE SCHEDULE BASED ON AGE GROUPS:
June 11-until the end of the season.
8 and under: Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.-5-5:45pm
9-10: Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.-5:45-6:30pm
11-12 and 13-14: Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs.- 7:30-8:30am
15-18: Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs.-8:30-9:30am
In the event of severe weather, an announcement will be made on the blog!
Saturday will be our stroke and turn clinic from 9am-11am at the Rec.
Finally, our meet on Thursday will be in McDowell. Parents need to sign their kids up for the meet if they are planning to attend. Please also plan on volunteering in some capacity during the meet. We will need at least 12 folks to help time over the duration of the meet, as well as to help wrangle 8&U for their relays.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to shoot me an email or ask me on deck at practices.
Today is the first day of our new practice schedule!
SUMMER PRACTICE SCHEDULE BASED ON AGE GROUPS:
June 11-until the end of the season.
8 and under: Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.-5-5:45pm
9-10: Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.-5:45-6:30pm
11-12 and 13-14: Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs.- 7:30-8:30am
15-18: Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs.-8:30-9:30am
In the event of severe weather, an announcement will be made on the blog!
Saturday will be our stroke and turn clinic from 9am-11am at the Rec.
Finally, our meet on Thursday will be in McDowell. Parents need to sign their kids up for the meet if they are planning to attend. Please also plan on volunteering in some capacity during the meet. We will need at least 12 folks to help time over the duration of the meet, as well as to help wrangle 8&U for their relays.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to shoot me an email or ask me on deck at practices.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Opening Meet Information (including Directions)
The opening meet for this season will be this next Thursday, June 14th against the McDowell Mariners in Marion. Warm-ups begin at 5pm, so please be on time! The drive from the Valdese pool will take roughly 40 minutes, so please plan to leave in plenty of time.
Please sign your child up in the binder at the pool desk. IF YOUR CHILD IS NOT SIGNED UP, THEY WILL NOT BE ENTERED!
PARENTS: Even though the meet is an away meet, parents will be expected to help with meet operations in some form or fashion. We will need a total of 24 timers to help over the course of the meet. We will also need a couple of parents to assist with stroke and turn judging. NOTE: This meet is prior to our stroke and turn training. If you intend to attend the training, this is a great opportunity to shadow a judge and see what the stroke and turn position is all about.
Directions to McDowell: Take I-40 West to Exit 86 (Marion/Shelby exit). Turn right at the end of the ramp. Stay on this road until you come to the second stoplight. Turn right on Rutherfordton Rd. Rutherfordton Rd. takes you to Main Street. Go around the curve. The road will widen. Go straight. At the fourth stoplight, turn left on Court St. Go down a hill. Take the second right on Academy St. The pool is on the hill on the left.
Friday, May 25, 2012
A Stormy, but Successful, Week
I hope everyone is as excited as I am about this coming season. I am very enthusiastic about the potential our team has this coming season. This week was a little stormy in terms of the weather, but everything I saw this week is very encouraging.
First of all, we want to wish Coach Matt the best as he spends this Summer in Chapel Hill working towards the completion of his degree. I also want to welcome our new coaches on board. Yes, I did say COACHES. This season there will be a total of FOUR coaches on deck at meets.
Our most senior coach is Lauren Wallrichs. Lauren is a student at UNC-Chapel Hill, and has been swimming a very long time. Before going to college, Lauren swam under Coach Linda Kidd of XCell Aquatics and und Coach T.R. Robinson at Draughn High School. Lauren has also worked at the pool for many years as a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor. Coach Lauren will be joining us our third week of practice.
Next is Coach Alec Blackwood. Coach Alec is a rising senior at East Burke and has been involved in the Tarheel Swim League since a young age when he swam for the Granite Falls Sharks (but we won't hold that against him). For the past several years, Alec has a been a standout swimmer for me at East Burke and also for Coach Linda Kidd at XCell Aquatics. He has been working as a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor for a couple years now.
Last but not least is Coach Emily Farris. Emily is a current student at Draughn High School. Coach Emily swam for the Valdese team when she was younger and has trained with Coach Linda Kidd at Xcell Aquatics and Coach T.R. Robinson at Draughn High School. Coach Emily has been a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor for the past year.
Please take a moment when you come on deck to thank these coaches for what they do. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend! We do practice this Monday, but we certainly will not hold it against anyone if they choose to spend time with family, friends, or loved ones as we remember the sacrifices our fellow citizens have made and still make in order to protect and defend our country, our Constitution, and our way of life from all nature of threats.
First of all, we want to wish Coach Matt the best as he spends this Summer in Chapel Hill working towards the completion of his degree. I also want to welcome our new coaches on board. Yes, I did say COACHES. This season there will be a total of FOUR coaches on deck at meets.
Our most senior coach is Lauren Wallrichs. Lauren is a student at UNC-Chapel Hill, and has been swimming a very long time. Before going to college, Lauren swam under Coach Linda Kidd of XCell Aquatics and und Coach T.R. Robinson at Draughn High School. Lauren has also worked at the pool for many years as a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor. Coach Lauren will be joining us our third week of practice.
Next is Coach Alec Blackwood. Coach Alec is a rising senior at East Burke and has been involved in the Tarheel Swim League since a young age when he swam for the Granite Falls Sharks (but we won't hold that against him). For the past several years, Alec has a been a standout swimmer for me at East Burke and also for Coach Linda Kidd at XCell Aquatics. He has been working as a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor for a couple years now.
Last but not least is Coach Emily Farris. Emily is a current student at Draughn High School. Coach Emily swam for the Valdese team when she was younger and has trained with Coach Linda Kidd at Xcell Aquatics and Coach T.R. Robinson at Draughn High School. Coach Emily has been a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor for the past year.
Please take a moment when you come on deck to thank these coaches for what they do. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend! We do practice this Monday, but we certainly will not hold it against anyone if they choose to spend time with family, friends, or loved ones as we remember the sacrifices our fellow citizens have made and still make in order to protect and defend our country, our Constitution, and our way of life from all nature of threats.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Practice Has Begun!
Yesterday marked the first practice of the Torpedo's 2012 season! We had a very good turnout for the first day, and there are still more swimmers joining us! Welcome to all newcomers and welcome back to all the returning Torpedoes! Things are shaping up for a great season!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
2012 Practice Schedule
Good Afternoon Torpedo!
First of all, as of April 30, registration is open for the team! Stop by the Rec., fill out a registration form, and make sure the suit and goggles are in good shape before practice starts!
Below you will find the practice schedule for this summer!
Please make an effort to be ready to get in the water at the right time. Swimmers should practice with their own age groups unless otherwise approved by Coach Andersen.
It is important for swimmers to come to as many practices as possible, as each practice is an opportunity for improvement and should be taken advantage of!
See you all soon!
PRE-SUMMER PRACTICE SCHEDULE-May 21-June 8
Monday-Thursday
Ages 11-18- 4-5pm
Ages 10 and under-5-5:45pm
SUMMER PRACTICE SCHEDULE BASED ON AGE GROUPS:
June 11-until the end of the season
8 and under: Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.-5-5:45pm
9-10: Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.-5:45-6:30pm
11-12 and 13-14: Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs.- 7:30-8:30am
15-18: Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs.-8:30-9:30am
First of all, as of April 30, registration is open for the team! Stop by the Rec., fill out a registration form, and make sure the suit and goggles are in good shape before practice starts!
Below you will find the practice schedule for this summer!
Please make an effort to be ready to get in the water at the right time. Swimmers should practice with their own age groups unless otherwise approved by Coach Andersen.
It is important for swimmers to come to as many practices as possible, as each practice is an opportunity for improvement and should be taken advantage of!
See you all soon!
PRE-SUMMER PRACTICE SCHEDULE-May 21-June 8
Monday-Thursday
Ages 11-18- 4-5pm
Ages 10 and under-5-5:45pm
SUMMER PRACTICE SCHEDULE BASED ON AGE GROUPS:
June 11-until the end of the season
8 and under: Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.-5-5:45pm
9-10: Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.-5:45-6:30pm
11-12 and 13-14: Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs.- 7:30-8:30am
15-18: Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs.-8:30-9:30am
Monday, April 2, 2012
VTST Team and Individual Pictures
Good morning everyone! I wanted to get everyone this information as quickly as possible so you could plan ahead. SportPix, Inc. will once again be taking our pictures for us this summer. They offer competitive pricing on picture packages.
The photographer will be joining us at 4pm on June 28 for team pictures. Our meet that evening is at home against Forest City, and we hope many of you will be there to take advantage of their services.
As we are taking the team picture that afternoon, please make an effort to be in attendance so we can have everyone represented in the team picture.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Coach Andersen
The photographer will be joining us at 4pm on June 28 for team pictures. Our meet that evening is at home against Forest City, and we hope many of you will be there to take advantage of their services.
As we are taking the team picture that afternoon, please make an effort to be in attendance so we can have everyone represented in the team picture.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Coach Andersen
Thursday, March 29, 2012
PARENTS! WE NEED YOUR HELP!
This season, the Torpedo is going to need a lot of support from parents. We have had this in the past, and we want to continue and get EVEN MORE of you involved!
There are several ways you can help the team out over the course of the season, and here are a few examples:
1. Carpool! Save money and help the Torpedo win away meets! By offering to carpool with other swimmers and their families, Torpedo swimmers can save money and give support to their teammates at meets we swim in Forest City, Marion, Granite Falls, and Morganton. If a swimmer's parents are unable to get them to a meet, help out by offering a ride! We don't want to miss opportunities in the pool when transportation can be provided.
2. TIME! Get the best seat in the house (and sometimes coolest depending on how big splashes may be off the block!) while helping out with one of the most essential jobs at a meet! If you can push a button and write down numbers, timing is for you!
3. Stroke and Turn! You don't have to know anything about swimming for this job; we teach you all you need to know! Join Coach Andersen and other parents from around the league at the Valdese Rec on June 16th for training on how to be a stroke and turn official! Just in case you decide later in the season, there is a second training on July 14! Bring friends to either one because the more parents we have involved, the easier it will be for everyone to run the meets!
There are several ways you can help the team out over the course of the season, and here are a few examples:
1. Carpool! Save money and help the Torpedo win away meets! By offering to carpool with other swimmers and their families, Torpedo swimmers can save money and give support to their teammates at meets we swim in Forest City, Marion, Granite Falls, and Morganton. If a swimmer's parents are unable to get them to a meet, help out by offering a ride! We don't want to miss opportunities in the pool when transportation can be provided.
2. TIME! Get the best seat in the house (and sometimes coolest depending on how big splashes may be off the block!) while helping out with one of the most essential jobs at a meet! If you can push a button and write down numbers, timing is for you!
3. Stroke and Turn! You don't have to know anything about swimming for this job; we teach you all you need to know! Join Coach Andersen and other parents from around the league at the Valdese Rec on June 16th for training on how to be a stroke and turn official! Just in case you decide later in the season, there is a second training on July 14! Bring friends to either one because the more parents we have involved, the easier it will be for everyone to run the meets!
It's TORPEDO TIME!
Tell your friends! Tell your neighbors! Tell everyone who likes water!
It's time to gear up for the the Valdese Torpedo Swim Team! After a second place finish at last summer's Tarheel Swim League Championship, the I am looking forward to another excellent and successful summer!
To help everyone with planning, here is the schedule for competition this summer:
Thursday, June 14th-Valdese at McDowell
Thursday, June 21st-Valdese at Granite Falls
Thursday, June 28th-Forest City at Valdese
Thursday, July 12th-McDowell at Valdese
Tuesday, July 17th-Valdese at Morganton
Saturday, July 21st-Spring Distance Meet at Forest City
Tuesday, July 24th-Granite Falls at Valdese
Tuesday, July 31st-Valdese at Forest City
Saturday, August 4th-Conference meet at McDowell
Practice times will be announced at a later date, but they will not be too different from last season.
See you all soon!
Coach Andersen
It's time to gear up for the the Valdese Torpedo Swim Team! After a second place finish at last summer's Tarheel Swim League Championship, the I am looking forward to another excellent and successful summer!
To help everyone with planning, here is the schedule for competition this summer:
Thursday, June 14th-Valdese at McDowell
Thursday, June 21st-Valdese at Granite Falls
Thursday, June 28th-Forest City at Valdese
Thursday, July 12th-McDowell at Valdese
Tuesday, July 17th-Valdese at Morganton
Saturday, July 21st-Spring Distance Meet at Forest City
Tuesday, July 24th-Granite Falls at Valdese
Tuesday, July 31st-Valdese at Forest City
Saturday, August 4th-Conference meet at McDowell
Practice times will be announced at a later date, but they will not be too different from last season.
See you all soon!
Coach Andersen
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