Welch Swim Team 2015 Food Drive Results :-)

Thank you to those that contributed to the Welch Swim Team's 2nd annual Food Drive to benefit the State College Area Food Bank.  Carson & Kate reported that we collected and donated 88 pounds of needed food to our local food bank.  Your generosity towards this worthwhile cause that benefits those in need is greatly appreciated. :-)

MORE WELCH TEAM RECORDS BROKEN!!!

A very BIG and belated Welch Sharks Swim Team CONGRATULATIONS to several more Welch swimmers for their record breaking performances during the 6/18/15 Welch vs. Park Forest meet.

1. The relay team of Seth Erdley, Ben Gingher, Tobias Van Dyke and Carter Hardy with a time of 1:41.92 in event 8, the Boys 13-18 Medley Relay.
2. Colter Long with a time of 55.57 in event 28, the Boys 15-18 100 IM.
3. The relay team of Ben Gingher, Colter Long, Seth Erdley and Carter Hardy with a time of 1:41.92 in event 74, the Boys 13-18 200 Free Relay.

When you see them, make sure to congratulate each of these Sharks on their accomplishments.

Meet Results from TUE's (7/21) Welch vs. SPRA meet are posted on the "Meet Results Banner Page Tab".

GO WELCH SHARKS!!!

STILL ON

2015 “DAY OF JOY” CPSL RELAY MEET

Reminder: Tomorrow (July 18^th) is the annual Day of Joy Relay meet 

hosted by Park Forest Bullfrogs

If your swimmers (parents and siblings there is a relay for you too) plan to participate please arrive at Park Forest by 8:00am.

There will be no warmups but seating for relays will begin promptly at 8:20am.

**Concession stand will be open with breakfast items.

The following relays will be available to participate in:

Dog (Frog) paddle relay	Sweatshirt relay
Corkscrew relay	Inner tube relay
Piggyback relay	Wheelbarrow relay
Noodle Relay	Kicking relay
Progressive relay (add swimmers as you go)	Three-armed relay
Sibling relay	Parent/Kid relay
Coaches inner tube relay

If you have any further questions please contact the Parent Reps or the coaches via email.

Tie-Dying on TUESDAY, JULY 14

We will hold our annual Welch Tie Dye Day on Tuesday, July 14 after each practice session.

Please bring a white, 100% cotton t-shirt (or other clothing item(s)) that is already tied with rubber bands to Tuesday, July 14 morning practice.  Place your last name with a laundry marker/sharpie somewhere on your shirt (preferably on the shirt's tag or on multiple tags made from a piece of masking tape that is folded over itself onto the rubber bands - please make several tape tags in case a rubber band breaks).  Dyes will be available after each practice session.

Do you need design/fold ideas?  There are many online sources available that provide many ways to rubber-band shirts to get that tie-dye look you may want.

• Classic Spiral Tie-Dye
• Tie-dyeing a Peace Sign (Whoa, far out ...that's way cool!) 
• Tie-dying Shoelaces
• How to videos are also easy to find online

We need and welcome volunteers to help after each swim session.  Parents are encouraged to assist their younger children.  If you already contributed your suggested $2 per family tie-dye donation to cover supply costs, thank you for your generosity.  If you still have not made the family fundraising/tie-dye donation, please submit that as soon as possible.  This is a fun team activity and we look forward to seeing everyone participate and show their creative team spirit.

Parents, you too can participate and tie-dye so that you can display your creativity and Welch Team Spirit when you wear your Welch Tie-Dye to our meets.

Welch Tie-Dye Take Home Instructions:

• Keep shirt in the plastic bag and let it cure/set up for at least 4 hours but preferably 24 hours for the brightest colors.
• Once set, it's time to unwrap!  This can be done either in a sink, tub or outside.  Please note these dyes can still stain.  Leaving ties on, rinse under cold running water (faucet, shower, or hose) to stop the dye reaction.
• Next rinse in warm water while you untie the folds and keep rinsing until the water runs fairly clear.
• Throw in machine as soon as it is rinsed, running through a full wash cycle.  You will see a lot of dye pouring out while rinsing...this is normal.  Wash and dry separately for the first few wash cycles.

Welch Sharks TIE-DYE TUESDAY 2015

2015 Welch Sharks are taking it to the Bank! - 2nd Annual Food Drive

Welch Sharks swimmers, families & friends,

The Welch Swim Team w/ the help of Carson & Kate will hold our 2nd annual Welch Swim Team's Taking it to the Bank - Food Collection Drive to assist The State College Food Bank.  As many of you know, the State College Food Bank provides a wonderful and needed service to many in our community.  In 2014 this drive donated 144 lbs of needed food and at season's end, the team continued to assist the State College Food Bank with an additional 25 lbs of food from our concession stand supply.  Welch Swim Team has donated it's season end food surplus to the bank since 2013.

The Food Bank's current requested needs are:

• Flour
• Tea
• Soups
• Macaroni & Cheese 
• Vegetable oil
• Canned Pasta, Dry pasta & Pasta Sauces
• Tomato products - canned or jarred tomatoes and sauces
• Canned meats
• Canned fruits and vegetables, beans
• Condiments, Mayonnaise, Salad dressing
• Sugar - 2 lb. or 4 lb. bags
• 100% Juice
• Coffee
• Hot Cocoa mix

We started to collect food items at Thursday, July 2 morning practice and will continue with collections through Friday, July 17 morning practice.  Look for the bright pink Food Drive poster and the collection tub to place your food items.

2015 Welch 2nd Annual Food Collection Drive

Let's see if this year we can surpass last years totals.  Like last year we will open this food drive request to everyone.  We will provide a collection bin at each Welch practice, event and meet during the July 2 (THU) through July 17 (FRI) time period.  Please tell your friends and family of this rewarding challenge and we look forward to seeing everyone participate and take it to the bank!

Since 2014 credit and thanks to Carson, Kate and Lilly.  You made us an offer we could not refuse. :^)

FYI:  To those interested, since 2013 the Welch Sharks Swim Team donated our end of season surplus of soft drinks and water to the Alpha Fire Company with great appreciation.

Welch vs. SPRA meet last minute info

Welch Swimmers should arrive at the pool by 4:45pm for check in and warm-ups.

We still have a few needed Welch Parent volunteer positions to fill.  Please come to the Black & Yellow bumble bee umbrella to claim your valuable spot. :-D

See you at the pool and of course...

GO WELCH SHARKS!!!

LAST DAY FOR REGISTRATION

REMINDER: LAST DAY TO REGISTER

Please be mindful that today is June 30th, which means it is your last chance to register for the swim team for summer 2015. If you do not register by the end today your son or daughter will not be able to score points for the team during Welch this season. You can call CRPR @ 231-3071 or by visiting their website at crpr.org if you cannot physically get to their office. 

Hope to see you all tonight and keep your fingers crossed that this rain passes. Let's go Sharks!!! 

The Welch Sharks Swim Team 2015

**2015** The Welch Sharks Swim Team **2015**

Welcome to the Welch Swim Team's 2015 season!  We will use Facebook and this blog to communicate Welch Swim Team information to parents and swimmers.

2015 Summer Swim Season... "OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR" 

After all these years, still enjoy Gary Larsen's vintage "Farside"

A new summer swim season with the Welch Sharks Swim Team is upon us with the first pre-season practice scheduled for early morning Saturday, May 30 (Wow, that's only a few hours from now!) and the second pre-season practice will be on Saturday, June 6.

2015 Preseason Practices: Saturdays, May 30 & June 6

• Ages 11+ from 8-9 AM
• Ages 10 & Under from 9-10 AM

Practices are a great opportunity for the coaches to get to know the kids and review some fundamentals!  Swimmers MUST be registered before they may participate in practices or meets.  You can register your Welch Sharks Swim Team swimmer either at the Welch Pool Front Desk, The Centre Region Parks & Recreation (CRPR) Office (in person or by phone) located in the Centre Region Council of Governments (COG) Building or online through the following link to CRPR website:

CRPR Aquatics Registration - Welch Swim Team

There will be a general information presentation for all new swim parents at each of these pre-season practices.  We will provide a summary of information related to the Welch Team and the summer swim league (CPSL) competitive meets as well as attempt to answer all questions.

Welcome and we look forward to enjoying another fun filled summer swim season with the Welch Sharks Swim Team

Meet Results - 2014 CHAMPS (Ages 10 & Under)

Another great Welch Sharks effort was made by our 10 & under swimmers for their final meet of the season.  Results from Thursday's, July 31 CPSL CHAMPIONSHIPS (Ages 10 & Under) are available at the link below.

Meet Results - 2014 CPSL CHAMPIONSHIPS (Ages 10 & Under) July 31, 2014

A very BIG THANK YOU to the Welch Parents who volunteered and endured the rain and related 30 minute weather delay for the final meet of the season.

Meet Results - 2014 CPSL CHAMPS (Ages 11 & Up)

A great effort was made by all our Shark swimmers for their final meet of the season.  Results from Tuesday's, July 29 CPSL CHAMPIONSHIPS (Ages 11 & Up) are available at the link below.

Meet Results - 2014 CPSL CHAMPIONSHIPS (Ages 11 & Up) July 29, 2014

A very BIG THANK YOU to all the Welch Parents who volunteered for this last home meet of the season.

Meet Results (Welch @ SPRA)

What a fun filled and competitive swim meet!  In the first meeting this season our Welch Sharks won a hard swum (is that really a word?) meet by just 22 points.  Both teams' swimmers did well but this time the pod of dolphins from SPRA edged our Sharks by 12 points.  It was an exciting meet.

Meet Results - Welch @ SPRA July 24, 2014

Thank you to the Welch Parent meet volunteers who assisted at this meet.

Meet Results (Penns Valley @ Welch) online

We had a fun meet with our friends from Penns Valley.  Online meet results for the July 17 Penns Valley at Welch meet are available at the following link. 

Meet Results Penns Valley @ Welch July 17, 2014

Thank you to all our Sharks who swam hard and parents who volunteered to help run this meet.  An additional thank you to those who donated to assist the Penns Valley Penguins Swim Team's.  We raised just over $160 from the donation jar and are awaiting results from our concession sales to further help the Penns Valley Team with the maintenance expenses related to their pool at The Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Park Pool in Millheim.

THE Welch Sharks Swim Team - The final countdown to season end.

Final Practices, Awards, and general housecleaning:

1. We will have Ages 10 & Under regular morning practice through THU (July 31).
2. The FINAL FRIDAY FUNDAY (Aug 1) is for ALL AGES OF SHARKS:-8:00 AM for Ages 11 & Up
   -9:00 AM for ages 10 & Under
   Again all are invited & encouraged to attend FRIDAY (Aug 1) FUNDAY for the last hurrah of the Sharks 2014 Summer Swim League Season.  We will provide snacks. :-D
3. Sharks who did not receive their Welch Team banquet awards please come to the remaining Welch practice before the close of the season (FRI Aug 1) to receive your awards.  Team availability will be very limited after this week and will be at the Team's convenience.  Swimmer awards will not be carried over to next season.
4. Ages 11 & Up TUE night Champs swimmers please either stop by THU's (8:00 AM to 9:45 AM) 10 & Under practice, THU CHAMPS Meet at Park Forest, or 2014 FINAL FRIDAY FUNDAY to receive all your earned CHAMPS medals & ribbons from the Team's coaches and staff.
5. CHAMPIONSHIPS for Ages 10 & Under is THU, July 31 at Park Forest Pool.  Welch warm-up times are 5:15 PM to 5:35 PM.  Give yourself ample time to check in with coaches upon arrival.  Parking areas include the pool lot, and both school lots at the top of the hill.
6. CHAMPIONSHIPS 10 & Under Welch Parent Meet Volunteer positions are still available.  Please use our online sign up page to volunteer for the last meet of the season.  Get out the weeds and background grass and get close to the action of your swimmers' meet.  There are a number of 2nd half positions yet to fill.
7. Like last season, THE Welch Sharks Swim Team will donate any unopened regular (non-snack) foods from our Team's concession supply to The State College Food Bank.  Remaining soft drinks will be donated to the Alpha Fire Company.
8. Any current Welch Parent who might be interested to assist with the Team's 2015 operations, please send an email to me at the Team Parent Rep email address and place in your subject line:
   
   SUBJECT:  2015 WELCH Season
   

   If possible, please identify any particular team areas that you would be interested to serve or coordinate.  The Team Parent Contact email address is:

   Welch[dot]Sharks[dot]Swimteam[at]gmail[dot]com

CHAMPS Warm-up times etc.

In case you might have missed the coaches announcement at practice here is the CHAMPS time schedule.  Please plan accordingly to allow sufficient travel and check in time.

WARM-UP AND STARTING SCHEDULE FOR CHAMPS:

11 & Up Champs at THE Welch Pool, TUESDAY, July 29, 2014

Warm-Ups:

4:35 - 4:55 PM – Welch

4:55 - 5:15 PM – SPRA

5:15 - 5:35 PM – Park Forest

5:35 - 5:55 PM – Penns Valley

Scratch Meeting:  5:30 PM

Officials and Timers Meeting:  5:45 PM

Meet starts:  6:00 PM

10 & under at Park Forest Pool, THURSDAY, July 31, 2014

Warm Ups:

4:35 - 4:55 PM – Park Forest
4:55 - 5:15 PM – SPRA
5:15 - 5:35 PM – Welch
5:35 - 5:55 PM – Penns Valley

Scratch Meeting:  5:30 PM
Officials and Timers Meeting:  5:45 PM
Meet starts:  6:00 PM

*UPDATE* BANQUET RESCHEDULED TO MONDAY (tomorrow 7/28) 6:15 PM to 9:15 PM

The title tells the story.  Note the changes in day to Monday, 7/28 and slight push back on time period.  Please adjust your online RSVP if necessary to reflect any changes to entered info.

The online RSVP link is below:

*RESCHEDULED to MON. 7/28 - Welch Sharks Swim Team Awards Banquet online RSVP link

RESCHEDULED BANQUET SUMMARY:

• What: Welch Sharks Awards Banquet for Welch swimmers, siblings & parents.
• Date:  MONDAY, July 28
• Time:  6:15 PM to 9:15 PM
• Where:  Welch Pool
• Reminders:  Please bring your side dish or dessert to share with all as originally planned and your own soft beverage.  The team will provide pizza.

Join us to celebrate our Sharks and the season.  All Sharks will receive special attention.  We hope to see all of you at the pool.

PS:  Remember to sign-up to volunteer at this week's CHAMPS

PS PS:  Find us on Facebook under the name Welch-Sharks Swim-Team (note the hyphens)

2014 SCAY (State College Area YMCA) Stroke Clinic

For all swimmers age 12 and under who do not participate in a year round swim team program (SCAY or USA Swimming (NLAC), Steve Power and The SCAY (State College Area YMCA) Aqualions Swim Team is offering a FREE 4 day stroke clinic that runs SEP 2 through SEP 5 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the State College Area YMCA.

Registration opens AUG 1 at the YMCA front desk.  When registering, please provide your swimmer's shirt size to the front desk staff.

More details are available from this PDF link:  2014 SCAY Stroke Clinic Info Flyer

SUMMARY:

• Who:  Swimmers 12 & under (not in year round team program - SCAY or USA)
• What: 2014 SCAY Stroke Clinic
• Where:  State College Area YMCA
  677 West Whitehall Road
  State College, PA 16801
• When:  4 day program - SEP 2 - SEP 5 (5pm - 6pm)
• Registration:  Begins AUG 1 at YMCA front desk
• Cost:  FREE (free is good!)

NO Practice WED (7/23) NIGHT

Sharks, there is no swim practice on WED (7/23) NIGHT due to Parks & Rec's Hawaiian Night activity.

PANCAKES, PANCAKES, PANCAKES!!! - THE Welch Sharks Swim Team Pancake Breakfast 2014

It's Back!  The Annual Welch Sharks Swim Team Pancake Breakfast!

7/24 (THU) Pancake Breakfast for Welch swimmers after each age group's morning swim practice
*Bring your own drink.  We will provide the pancakes, butter, syrup, plates, cutlery, & napkins.*

• 8:00 AM ages 13-18  (volunteer time 7:40 to 8:25)
• 9:00 AM ages 9-12  (volunteer time 8:40 to 9:25)
• 9:45 AM ages 5-8  (volunteer time 9:25 to 10:05)

Parent volunteers are needed to assist with this activity.  We need six (6) griddles and spatulas.  If you have a griddle/spatula to loan, let me know directly via email or in person - I should be at each morning's practice this week.  You can bring your griddle/spatula to the pool ahead of time where we can store them in the team's storage room.  Please place your name on masking tape and attach to your griddle and spatula.

We added a Sign Up Genius link for those that wish to help and/or loan equipment for Thursday, but are unable to sign up at the pool on TUE or WED morning.

Welch Pancake Breakfast Volunteer & Equipment Sign-Up

Please continue to follow the blog and our new Facebook page (Welch-Sharks Swim-Team) for more updates for this event as well as next week's CHAMPS sign-ups and the End Of Season Banquet information.

SPRA Meet (THU, July 24) Swimmer Sign-ups & Parent Volunteer Sign-ups

Our next meet is THU, July 24 AT SPRA and swimmer sign-ups are now being taken on the black & gold board.  SPRA just came off a stunning victory over Park Forest to knock them from the undefeated ranks.  It is very important to note that the sign-up deadline for Welch swimmer entries for this away meet is by the end of practice on WED, July 23.

Welch Parents, thanks again for volunteering for our meets.  Your involvement at these meets was great to see and your efforts were clearly evident through the running of smooth and fast paced meets. Please continue these volunteer efforts with this regular season finale meet, the Welch Team Pancake Breakfast, as well as next week's (TUE & THU) CHAMPIONSHIP meets.  The Welch AT SPRA Parent Volunteer Sign-up link is listed below and also available on the Volunteer Sign-Ups! tab/page located along the navigation bar at the top of the blog.

Meet Volunteer Sign-up Link - July 24 (THU) Welch at SPRA

Welch parents need to supply 28 positions.  Currently, 9 remain to be filled!  Thank you to the 19 who already signed up to volunteer!

This should be an exciting, fun and competitive meet.  Come on out and support our Sharks!

Arrive early in order to get a parking spot in the SPRA lot.  Do NOT park in the daycare/charter school lot.

Look for and friend us on Facebook:  Welch-Sharks Swim-Team

and...GO WELCH SHARKS!!!

2014 Welch Sharks Swim Team Awards Banquet - RSVP by WED - 7/23

The 2014 Awards Banquet for THE Welch Sharks Swim Team will be held at the Welch Pool on SUN 7/27 from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM for all Welch Sharks Swim Team members and their immediate families (siblings and parents).  We need your online RSVP no later than WED - July 23; the link is provided here:

*THE Welch Swim Team Awards Banquet 2014 online RSVP*

The team will provide pizza.  At this time, it is BYO-SD (bring your own soft drink).  This requirement is due to the lower level of family drink donations received to date and the amount we will need for our THU, July 17 home meet and also for our Team's hosting of big kid CHAMPS on TUE, July 29.

If you have not yet made your "Team Donation" please do so ASAP.  Those contributions directly fund our activities, awards, coaches' gifts and food purchases.

Like in prior years, we need your help with desserts and side dishes to complete our celebratory feast.

Families with last names beginning with the letters:

• A through K please bring a dessert item
• L through Z please bring a side or salad dish

**Please label your dish/item if it is GLUTEN FREE, VEGETARIAN, or CONTAINS NUTS**

You don't need to list what you are bringing to the banquet - simply RSVP no later than WEDNESDAY - July 23 with the total amount of people coming from your immediate family (Welch Shark swimmer(s) plus siblings & parents) so that we can get a head count of how much pizza to provide.

As always, many thanks to all and we hope to see everyone on Sunday night to celebrate our valued swimmers, coaches and parents!