SCAY

AQUALIONS

Welcome to Shouts From Steve! I'm Steve Power, the coach of SCAY. Shouts from Steve are updates and posts I make to keep everyone on top of things. My most recent shouts are available on the right.

District Entries

Licensed To: State College Area YMCA

3/2/2010

Page

1

Individual  Meet  Entries  Report

YMCA Western PA District Meet  13-Mar-10 to 14-Mar-10 [Ageup: 12/1/2009] Yards

Location: Indiana University of Pennsylvania

State College Area YMCA [SCAY-MA]    Coach: STEVE POWER

PA     

WOMEN

Kiana Albert (12)

# 17

Women 11-12 200 Medley Relay A

Fly

# 25

Women 11-12 50 Fly

   30.46Y

# 29

Women 11-12 50 Back

   31.97Y

Leandra Albert (13)

# 35

Women 13-14 200 Medley Relay A

Free

# 37

Women 13-14 200 Free

 2:04.75Y

# 39

Women 13-14 50 Free

   26.77Y

Kate Cooper (11)

# 21

Women 11-12 50 Free

   29.93Y

Breanne Cummins (12)

# 17

Women 11-12 200 Medley Relay A

Back

# 23

Women 11-12 200 IM

 2:39.91Y

# 31

Women 11-12 50 Breast

   37.70Y

Avery Cymbor (10)

# 1

Women 10 & Under 200 Medley Relay A

Free

# 11

Women 10 & Under 50 Back

   39.08Y

# 13

Women 10 & Under 50 Breast

   42.93Y

Grace Dangelo (8)

# 5

Women 10 & Under 100 IM

 1:25.92Y

Ruth Dangelo (10)

# 1

Women 10 & Under 200 Medley Relay A

Fly

# 9

Women 10 & Under 100 Free

 1:10.83Y

# 11

Women 10 & Under 50 Back

   36.96Y

Danielle Feffer (15)

# 53

Women 15-18 400 Medley Relay A

Fly

# 61

Women 15-18 100 Fly

 1:01.41Y

# 65

Women 15-18 100 Back

 1:03.59Y

Jackie Feffer (10)

# 11

Women 10 & Under 50 Back

   39.94Y

# 13

Women 10 & Under 50 Breast

   41.71Y

# 15

Women 10 & Under 200 Free Relay A

1

Jordan Garrigan (15)

# 55

Women 15-18 200 Free

 2:05.88Y

# 57

Women 15-18 50 Free

   26.91Y

# 71

Women 15-18 400 Free Relay A

1

Marie Gingher (15)

# 53

Women 15-18 400 Medley Relay A

Breast

# 57

Women 15-18 50 Free

   26.36Y

# 69

Women 15-18 100 Breast

 1:13.38Y

Suzanne Gingher (17)

# 53

Women 15-18 400 Medley Relay A

Free

# 57

Women 15-18 50 Free

   24.02Y

# 63

Women 15-18 100 Free

   53.50Y

Kirsten Hillsley (12)

# 17

Women 11-12 200 Medley Relay A

Breast

# 23

Women 11-12 200 IM

 2:27.03Y

# 31

Women 11-12 50 Breast

   36.11Y

Laura Holleran (14)

# 43

Women 13-14 100 Fly

 1:09.50Y

# 45

Women 13-14 100 Free

   58.97Y

# 51

Women 13-14 200 Free Relay A

1

Jessica Hook (14)

# 51

Women 13-14 200 Free Relay A

4

Phoebe Jordan (15)

# 59

Women 15-18 200 IM

<

Shouts from Steve - March 2, 2010

March 2, 2010

 

Good Tuesday Morning:

 

My wife, Kelli Hoover, had back surgery this past Thursday, which is why I have been away from practices.  Yesterday should be the last day I will miss, unless something unforeseen comes up.  Everything is fine and the doctor feels very positive about the success of the operation.

 

Districts                                  Districts are March 13 – 14.  Here is the general schedule:

            Saturday           A.M.    13-14 session

                                    P.M.    15-18 session

            Sunday A.M.    10/U session

                                    P.M.    11-12 session

 

            Attached are our District entries.  No individual event changes will be allowed.  We can change relay personnel, though we can only use SCAY swimmers already entered in the meet.

            When I receive our warm up times/lanes I will get them to you.

 

Saturday Practice                   This Saturday, March 6, we will have a practice for District qualifiers only.  This practice will be from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.  Parents:  it would be nice to send in breakfast treats for the kids after practice.

 

Communication                      What has been happening with these notes going out is I send them to our IT person who sends them out over our server.  (This all language and approach I do not understand.)  Our IT is on her honeymoon, so I will send this out via the distribution lists I have; Jenny Koberna will also send them out and will put them on the website.  Pass the word if you get messages this week.  The IT will be back next week.

 

More as it happens.  I am looking forward to seeing the kids tonight…..

 SP 

Shouts from Steve - February 24, 2010

February 24, 2010

Good Wednesday Morning:

A couple things I forgot to mention in yesterday's note.....

Today's Practice                               

I will not be at practice tonight.  Nicole will be taking my practices today and tomorrow and Brendan (see next item) will run practice Friday.

Friday Practices (2/26)                      

The only change for Friday is that the D3 group will practice from 3:40 - 5:00.  If swimmers in this group cannot attend during this time, they can come during their regular Friday time (5:00 - 6:15).  We will be running a special circuit practice for the JR/SR and D3 kids this day.

Last Chance Meet                            

There has been some concern expressed about having enough parent volunteers running this meet.  Right now we have over 50 kids entered in the meet.  We will pick up some more over the next few days.  This meet has been on our schedule all season.  With 50+ kids, and visiting teams providing some help, we will run this meet as we normally do.  Please be willing to time, officiate, work the desk, whatever it takes to make sure SCAY puts on a good meet.  Even if you don't have swimmers in the meet, you can still come and help.  I look forward to a fun meet Saturday.  See you then.

More next week.... 

 

SP
Steve Power

Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - February 23, 2010

 

February 23, 2010

Good Tuesday Morning:

So, I'm driving home Saturday, blasting live Neil Young (I just wish my car stereo would go louder than '31' - ask about one of my favorite concerts, certainly my favorite NY concert - and I know how much you all enjoy live loud NY), enjoying thoughts of a fun day of swimming, and thinking about a long hot bath when I get home.  Oops, power out as a transformer on our street blew.  Oh well....No, I really do like cold showers.

KYSL Champs                      

Parents, thanks for your help and work at the meet.  You carried more than your fair share of the work burden.  I really appreciate it.

Swimmers of the Meet are Katie Korberna, Hannah Mancuso, and Grace Tothero.  They all swam well and represented SCAY very well.

           

Awards                        All KYSL awards have been distributed.  Trophies are on tables under our bulletin board.  Medals and ribbons are in your folders.  Please pick these up as soon as possible.
Team Record            
In the 8/U girls 25 yard butterfly, Grace Dangelo set a SCAY Team Record.  Congratulations Grace!  That makes two this season.
KYSL Records           The following are KYSL records SCAY swimmers set Saturday.  As you can see, all records broken were held by SCAY swimmers.

Event

Broken By

Time

Former Record Holder

Time

Girls 15-18

50 Free

Suzanne Gingher

24.77

Michelle Myers

2005

24.88

Boys 13-14

100 Back

Alexander Hillsley

57.31

Tony Romanini

2006

57.71

Boys 13-14 Free Relay

Alexander Hillsley,

Mike Feffer,

Trevor Beahm,

Ian Schrock

1:39.37

State College

1992

1:39.65

(My thanks to Coach Kate for compiling this information)

Last Chance              

We have our Last Chance District qualifier this Saturday.  All SCAY swimmers are invited to participate, whether or not they are close to District times.  We will be signing up in our normal dual meet fashion - coaches asking the kids at practices and parents emailing me with the information.  We will not swim relays and 8/U will participate in 10/U events (no 8/U events at Districts).  Click here to view entries.

 

 

SP
Steve Power

Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - February 18, 2010

 

February 18, 2010

Good Thursday Morning:

Here are our warm times/lanes for Saturday.  The A.M. session will start at 9:30, which is a change from the original start time.

                                                Warm Up                    Start Time

A.M.                                       7:55 - 8:15                  9:30

P.M.                                        12:00 - 12:25              1:30

I look forward to a fun and fast meet for our kids.....Go SCAY!!

 
SP
Steve Power
Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - February 16, 2010

 

February 16, 2010
Good Morning:
KYSL Champs                                              
All Team Practice Reminder                                        
We will again have an all team practice this Friday from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.  Parents, you did a great job sending in treats for the kids.  This week I will provide the treats.
Volunteers                                                      For our KYSL Champs we will need approximately 7-8 volunteers for each session.  Please make yourself available to work the meet - timing, officiating, etc.  You guys did a great job this past Saturday, and I thank you.
More soon.....
SP
Steve Power
Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - February 15, 2010

 

February 15, 2010
Good Monday Morning:
My wife gave me a Valentine's Day card that has what looks like an old Polaroid photo of a young girl standing on a porch with her arms folded and a sour look on her face.  The front of the card says, "I know sometimes I'm difficult and stubborn but since it's Valentine's Day I want you to know one thing...and on the inside of the card it says, "I'M WORTH IT!"  I got her a live plant.  How'd I do?  If you ever want to know my five rules for a long lasting relationship, ask.....
SCAY/Holidaysburg Dual Meet                  
Grace Dangelo broke the 8/U girls 25 free team record that was set in 1976, one of the oldest records on the books.  The record was 15.30 and Grace went 15.29.  Super job Grace!  Swimmers of the Meet are Kirsten Hillsley and Matt Fritsch.  Both swam well and swam up to help the high school kids get the first relay done so they could get their meet in before running to the bus to go over to Wyoming Valley West near Wilkes Barre.  Thank you Kirsten and Matt.
KYSL Champs
                                              
I want to make this clear:  KYSL Champs this Saturday are at the Holidaysburg Y.  Dubois was originally scheduled to host the meet and, due to scheduling problems, couldn't, so Holidaysburg picked it up.  I appreciate their willing to do this.  Please read the following:
  • I am attaching our entries.  If your swimmer(s) will not be participating please let me know.  I must make any changes by tomorrow night.  I am not inclined to change events, though will change entry times - ESPECIALLY any high school times I submitted.  Please let me know ASAP.
  • 8/U and 10/U swimmers will swim the morning session with warm ups beginning not before 7:00 a.m.  11-12, 13-14, 15-18 swimmers will swim in the afternoon session with warm ups beginning not before noon.  When I receive specific warm up times/lanes later in the week I will send this information to you.
All Team Practice                                         
We will again have an all team practice this Friday from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.  Parents, you did a great job sending in treats for the kids.  This week I will provide the treats.
Districts                                                         
The meet is March 13-14 at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  The coaching staff will meet Sunday morning (February 21) to set up our District entries.  These could change due to our Last Chance meet on February 27.  We will be sending in our final entries after Last Chance.  Swimmers can enter a total of three events, one of which must be a relay.  If swimmers with more than three qualifying times have preferences, please get these to me.  As has happened in the past, swimmers not qualified in individual events have been placed on District relays.  If your swimmer who does not have individual qualifying times for Districts and will not be available for relays please let me know.
Note                                                               
KYSL and Districts are different from our dual meets.  Once we send in entries we can not add swimmers and, in most cases, change swimmers and entry times.  Please be sure to let me know.
Volunteers                                                     
For our KYSL Champs we will need approximately 7-8 volunteers for each session.  Please make yourself available to work the meet - timing, officiating, etc.  You guys did a great job this past Saturday, and I thank you.
More soon.....
SP
Steve Power
Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - February 10, 2010

February 10, 2010

 

Good Snowy Wednesday Morning:

 

I am canceling all practices today.  Enjoy the day.  Jenny Koberna told me yesterday that skiing was canceled today due to the snow.  What's next?  Canceling swim practices because there is water in the pool?

 

By the way, I apologize for not discussing this sooner.....we canceled the meet with Holidaysburg on January 30 due to a pump going out on the filter pump.  The computer was overridden to feed chemicals into the pool.  As is the usual case when hand feeding chemicals into the pool, it takes a couple days to get things leveled out.  I know the chlorine levels were a little high on Monday and Tuesday, though we did not feel they were dangerous.  I do know there were some dry skin/rashes and ruined suits.  Things are leveled out now.  Thanks for your patience.  The Aquatics staff work hard to keep the pool in good condition, and I thanked them for their efforts in this situation.  If you want to know some good stories about pool situations I have encountered, simply ask.

 

Another 'by the way' - at our Monday Board meeting (and our board members deserve a solid pat on the back) volunteerism was discussed.  I have mentioned more than once that nothing good happens for our swimmers if we don't have parents stepping up and helping at our meets.  This includes this weekend when the meet starts at 8:00 - and your kids need to be there by 6:45.  It will also include our Last Chance District Qualifier on February 27.  Most importantly, it means being willing to be there at States on March 20-21.  We definitely need to make sure that we are able to conduct a great meet at States.  Karen Myford and Maryellen Hurley coordinate volunteers.  When they call, please be willing to help out.

 

See you soon.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SP
Steve Power

Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - Brookville Meet Cancelled

2/5/10

I have informed Brookville that we will NOT be coming to the meet tomorrow.  As well, we will not have practices tomorrow morning.  We will begin sign ups for Hollidaysburg on Monday.  More next week.  Everyone have a fun weekend.  I know me, my snow blower, snow shovel and driveway are gonna partay!

 

 

 

 

 

 

SP
Steve Power

Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - February 5, 2010

February 5, 2010

 

Good Friday Afternoon:

 

My best friend lives in Fairbanks, Alaska.  He laughs at our 'snow days'.  Up there they cancel bus service when the temp gets to 20 below - which means parents have to get their kids to school.

 

Brookville has asked that we let them know tonight whether or not we are coming tomorrow. 

 

I will let you know around 6:00 tonight if I am canceling the meet.  So you understand, I have always erred on the side of caution with traveling to our meets in inclement weather.

 

Though school is closing an hour early, right now I am planning on holding practices tonight - and the Junior group will wish I had cancelled practices.  If this changes we will send out a note at 2:00.

 

So you know, Jen Stephens, our IT person at the Y, sends these messages out over our server as I was having email problems from my computer.  I thank Jen immensely for this and all the work she does for SCAY.

 

 

 

 

 

SP
Steve Power

Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - February 4, 2010

 

February 4, 2010        

 

Good Early (3:37) Thursday Morning:

 

Mr. Short Shower, here.....

 

I hope you are up and seeing a beautiful starry sky and the moon.  This is the best time of the day. 

 

Brookville                                          

Entries are attached.  Due to the weather possibilities and the potential "degree of road crapiness" (I will not divulge who sent that to me), I will send a note out at 5:00 a.m. Saturday.  The note will only be sent to you if the weather is such that we shouldn't go.  I have alerted Brookville on this.

A correction (and I will not divulge the name of the parent who alerted me to this) since our warm ups start at 8:30, swimmers should arrive by 8:15 (not 7:45) to check in with their coaches.  All coaches will be at the meet.

 

Nationals                                           

I need to know ASAP if swimmers who qualify for Nationals will be going.  Please let me know by Monday, February 8.  See attached qualifying times.

 

All Team Practice                             

There will be an all team practice on Friday, February 12, from 4:00 - 5:00.  Parents are invited to send in treats (you know, things such as carrots, celery etc) for after practice in the lobby.  Thanks in advance.

 

I'm gonna go out now and bark at the moon.....

 

 

 

SP
Steve Power

Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - February 2, 2010

February 2, 2010

 

Good Tuesday Afternoon:

 

KYSL T-Shirt Orders

If this hasn't gone out, please be aware that 2010 KYSL t-shirt orders are due to my folder at the Y by the end of practices on Friday.  Make checks payable to SCAY, and indicate it is 2010 KYSL t-shirt order.  I will have info on KYSL entries tomorrow.

DOWNLOAD ORDER FORM 

 

 

 

SP
Steve Power

Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve, February 1, 2010

February 1, 2010

 

Good Monday Morning:

 

THE POOL IS OPEN SO THERE WILL BE PRACTICES TONIGHT

 

SCAY/Brookville 

We will begin taking sign ups for our away meet with Brookville.  Our warm ups will begin at 8:30, so swimmers should arrive by 8:15 to check in with their coaches.  Parents, you can confirm yes or no by emailing me. 

 

SCAY/Hollidaysburg 

Having to cancel this meet threw a huge wrench in the works of getting our high school swimmers qualified for Champs and Districts.  I am working on getting this figured out and will let you know as soon as I can.

 

Coming soon.....    

KYSL and District entries.  More information will be coming your way.

 

 

 

SP
Steve Power

Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - January 25, 2010

January 25, 2010

 

Good Monday Morning:

 

SCAY vs Ridgeway                I really enjoy going to Ridgeway.  The parents run a good meet and the pool is my favorite in the league (one of the few I get to swim in before the meet).  I want to thank the parents who volunteered to work - you represented very well.  Swimmers of the Meet are Grace Dangelo and Teddy Smith - great job you two!

 

SCAY vs Hollidaysburg         We host Hollidaysburg this Saturday.  Our warm ups will be at 8:00, so we would like the swimmers to arrive at 7:45.  For this weekend we will not have a Meet Event.  Rather, we will concentrate on our best events and/or those events in which swimmers are closest to District times.  We coaches will begin taking sign ups tonight.  Parents can also email me yes or no - especially those parents of younger swimmers.  I would like all sign ups by Wednesday so I can get the meet set up.

Concerning High School swimmers:  Being as this is Hollidaysburg you are invited to swim a couple of individual events in addition to the medley relay.  Please let me know your preferences.  PARENTS please get this to your High School swimmers.

 

Parking                                   At the Y I am a member of the Management Team.  At our last Management Team meeting swim team parents parking in the circle in front of the Y came up.  This is not an area where people are supposed to park.  Please find a parking space and come into the Y to get your swimmers.  Thanks.

 

More as it happens...

 

SP
Steve Power

Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - January 18, 2010

 

January 18, 2010

 

Good Monday Morning: 

 

Swimmers of the Meet for Saturday's dual meet with TY-Valley are Hannah Mancuso and Ben Schiffer.  Great job, Hannah and Ben.  I also want to thank all the parents who helped run the meet - and our Late Night - as all your efforts certainly are appreciated.

We will begin taking sign ups today for our away dual meet with Ridgeway.  I will let you know when our warm up time and the meet start time are when I get them.  Remember, parents, you can email me yes or no about meet entries.  This is especially useful for the younger swimmers as, for the most time, they don't know if they are going to be in the meet.  Thanks.

A short today, I know.  More as it happens.....

SP
Steve Power

Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - January 13, 2010

January 13, 2010

Good Wednesday Morning: 

    

The meet event this Saturday is butterfly, so everyone who is legal will be swimming the butterfly event in their age group.

   

Concerning Late Night this Saturday.  The main activities will be rock climbing and the world renown SCAY Coin Dive.  The pool will be open from 9:30 - 10:30, and the coin dive will take place at 10:15.  Oh, did I mention the annual swimmers vs old people basketball game, which will begin sometime between 8:15 and 8:30.  Though this morning all those boys who have been telling me the Old Guys were going down, were telling me something about an away meet and they may not get back in time.  Same excuse I would use if I were them, under these circumstances.  If you are interested in hearing some of the highlights of the history of these games, simply ask.

Also concerning Late Night

, all swimmers should be picked up by 11:00 - and remember, all parents/swimmers are to sign in and out.

You recently got a note about volunteering from SCAY Board President Jenny Koberna.  I have discussed many times how important parents are to what we do for our kids.  Going beyond getting them to practices and meets, our meets cannot run without our parents - yes and those from the visiting teams.  My hope is that all of SCAY's parents would be willing to volunteer to time, seed, hand out cards, work concession, officiate (if you are qualified - and getting qualified is easy, just ask), and any of the other jobs available.  Karen and MaryEllen (as do many of our parents) work hard at making sure our meets run smoothly. 

I support their efforts in getting parents to volunteer, and ask we all do the same.

On Monday, January 18 (Martin Luther King, Jr*., Day) there will not be an organized dryland practice - Swimmers can come in on their own and workout. 

SCAY afternoon swim practices will be during their normal times.

*One of my favorite quotes is from Marin Luther King, which contained 'judging a man by the content of his character, rather than by the color of his skin'.

More as it happens.....

 

  SP
Steve Power

Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - January 7, 2010

 

January 7, 2010

 

Good Thursday Morning:

 

The next time you come into the Y take a gander at our new trophy case and bulletin board.  Thanks to our board and Karen Myford and Heather Jordan, our area looks great.  My hope is that we will win a few more awards to display.

Remember, tomorrow morning we have our dual meet with Juniata Valley.  Swimmers should arrive at 7:45, check in with their coaches then get ready to start warm ups at 8:00.  A couple things about our home meets:

v     The swimmers lead the singing of our National Anthem.  Please follow suit and sing loud and, as James Brown intoned, "Proud".

v     Entries by name will be posted in the lobby - this will include relays. 

v     If you can, keep your swimmers to the end of the meet.  As happens a few times during the season, we need swimmers to fill the freestyle relays.  Otherwise we have to scratch that relay.

v     Please have your swimmers sit on the side of the pool where the team and coaches are.  This will help us round up the stray who is late to the seeding area.

v     Food is not to be eaten on deck.  Swimmers and spectators are to eat all food in the lobby/concession areas.

Beginning Monday, January 11, all dryland practices will start at 6:15 a.m.

More as it comes up.....

 

 

 SP
Steve Power

Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - January 4, 2010

January 4, 2010 (!)
Good Monday morning and Happy New Year!
Seems like such a long time ago, however, we did participate in the Hollidaysburg Invitational on December 19.  Remember that one?  Lotsa snow.  Our kids swam well.  Swimmers of the Meet were Avery Cymbor in the morning and Kate Cooper in the afternoon.
We will begin taking sign ups today for our home dual meet with Juniata Valley this Saturday.  Coaches will be asking the swimmers at practice; parents can email me yes or no about your swimmers.
Welcome to 2010 everybody.  Let's have a great year.

SP
Steve Power

Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - December 15, 2009

December 15, 2009

Good Tuesday Morning:

SCAY/Dubois Dual Meet 

We had a good meet at Dubois, and I really appreciated their efforts in conducting an efficient and quick meet.  Swimmers of the Meet are Ruth Dangelo and Luke Hurley.

Hollidaysburg Block Party               

I am attaching our entries for this Saturday (Click here).  Swimmers 10 and younger should arrive at 8:15 to check in with the coaches.  Swimmers 12 and older should arrive at 12:15.  Kate and I will be on deck for the morning session. 

Kate and Brendan will be on deck in the afternoon.

 Holiday Wish 

This will probably be my last note before the Holiday break.  However you celebrate this time of the year, I wish for all peace, love and full bellies.  Next time you see me, ask about the surfing/Sports Illustrated story. 


 

SP
Steve Power

Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - December 8, 2009

December 8, 2009
 
Good Tuesday Morning:
 
Practice Cancellation            
In anticipation of the weather coming our way I will not hold an organized dryland workout tomorrow morning.
Hollidaysburg Invitational                
The entry information, which I will post on our bulletin board today, indicates swimmers may enter a total of five events, which includes relays.  My hope is that all entered swimmers will want to participate in the relays, which are mixed and should be fun.  So, list five individual entries on your form in order of preference.  As I enter swimmers in relays I will take off individual events from the back end.
SCAY/Dubois Entries                       
My hope is that all swimmers entering this Saturday's meet at Dubois (Arrive 11:15; warm-ups 11:30; meet Noon), will have done so by the end of practices tomorrow.
 
More as it comes up..... 
 

SP
Steve Power

Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - December 7, 2009

 

December 07, 2009 ("A day that will go down in infamy.")
 
Good Monday Morning:
 
SCAY/Clearfield
A fun meet, and very well run by you parents.  Thanks!  I was really happy that all the high school kids were there.  Thanks to them.  They are alotta fun to have around.  I wish them luck as they begin their season this Saturday with the Quad meet at the high school.  Swimmers of the Meet are Lear Du and Ashley Franks - great job, guys.

1:00/100 Club
Last year I started a club that awards those who come into the Fall/Winter season over a minute in the 100 free and go under that benchmark during the season.  It is just for the 100 free.  So far this year we have three in the club:  Kelly Miller, Ayla Ross, Ian Schrock.  At the end of the season each member will receive a $5.00 gift card from Cold Stones.
Attachment
Evidently I forgot to include an attachment on my message from last week.  I will make sure it is attached on this.  It is for the Hollidaysburg Invitational on December 19.  You must use our Meet Sign Up forms, located in the lobby.  Remember, no entry fee check is required.  The Sign Up form is new (thanks to Carline Feffer), so read carefully and complete all requested information.  Entries are due in the Meet Entries folder by the end of practices on Friday.  Entry information is also located on the bulletin board in the lobby.   Click here for the info!
SCAY/Dubois
This Saturday we swim at Dubois.  The meet is at their Y.  Our warm ups start at 11:30 a.m. and the meet begins at noon.  Swimmers should arrive at 11:45 to check in with their coaches.  We will begin taking sign ups at practices today.  Parents can email me whether or not their swimmer will be in the meet.  The Meet Event is the backstroke.  When the coaches ask the swimmers, they will ask for three other events in preferred order; parents should include this information if they email me.

 
Christmas Practice Schedule
December
23  Regular Schedule  
24  JR/SR Only 9:00-11:00 a.m.
25  No Practice
26  JR/SR Only  9:00-11:00 a.m.
28  Regular Schedule                                             
29  Regular Schedule         
30  Regular Schedule
31  JR/SR Only    9:00-11:00 a.m.
January
1   No Practice                             
2   Jr/SR Only    9:00-11:00 a.m.
4   Regular Practice Schedule in effect
During this time there will not be organized dryland workouts
 
More as it comes up.....  
 

SP
Steve Power

Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County



Shouts from Steve - December 6, 2009

Hollidaysburg Block Party Invitational                   
On December 19 Hollidaysburg will be hosting an invitational.  Attached you will find the meet information.  Review the information as swimmers should enter the maximum allowable individual events.  As per what is going on this year, SCAY will be paying meet entry fees.  Coaches will take care of relays.  Meet Sign Up forms are in the lobby as of this afternoon.  Entries are due by the end of practices Friday, December 11th.
 
       
 

SP
Steve Power

Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - November 30, 1999

 

Monday, November30, 2009

Good Monday Morning:

Clearfield Dual Meet                       

We have our first KYSL dual meet this Saturday, hosting Clearfield.  We will begin taking sign ups this afternoon.  Now, what happens at practices is that the coaches ask if the swimmer will be in the meet.  We will also ask what events they want to swim in order of preference.  If we place the swimmer in one or two relays, we will not enter them in their least preferred events.  Parents, you can email me yes or no for your swimmer.  I ask that you only email me about the upcoming meet, not, as one parent once did:  "My swimmer will be in all meets this year."  If you have emailed me about this meet, please do so again.   

Meet Event                           

Each meet we have a Meet Event, in which all SCAY swimmers will be entered.  This week the Meet Event will be the 100 free.

All Events                              

My goal each year is to have swimmers swim all events offered in their age group at least once during the season.

Relays                                               

If possible, each swimmer will participate in at least one relay each meet.  Sometimes they will be in two as this is a numbers game.

Warm ups/Meet Start           

Our warm ups begin at 8:00.  Everyone should arrive by 7:45 to check in with their coach and get ready to be in the water at 8:00 sharp.  The meet will begin at 9:00.

High School Swimmers         

There is no high school meet this Saturday, so all high school swimmers are expected to participate in our meet.  They will be entered in the maximum of four events.

Didn't Sign Up?                     

Sometimes swimmers don't get signed up (forgot, other activities that get cancelled).  If a swimmer shows up for one of our dual meets and didn't sign up, we will get them in the meet.  I cannot guarantee relays.

Not On The Entry List?        

It is not uncommon that a swimmer who did sign up gets left off the entry list, which will be posted in the lobby.  Don't panic.  Simply let me know and we will get you in the meet.  Again, I cannot guarantee relays.

More as it comes up.

       
 

SP
Steve Power

Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - November 19, 2009

 

Thursday, November 19, 2009
 
Good Thursday Morning:
 
Our kids performed well at the Bloomsburg Swim Your Own Age Meet.  I got an email from the Meet Director who told me our "swimmers were OUTSTANDING!"  Swimmer of the Meet is Ian Schrock.  Brendan indicated that the Swim of the Meet was Jordan Hillsley's 100 free.  We had four high point winners:  Alex Hillsley, Jordan Hillsley, Ruth Dangelo, and Sarah Koberna.  Great job everyone!
This Saturday's practice from 11-12 will be held and we will work on relay starts and dolphin kicks off our walls.
Here is the practice schedule for Thanksgiving week:
     Monday                       Regular practice schedule
     Tuesday                       Regular practice schedule
     Wednesday                  All Team practice from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
     Thursday                      No practice 
     Friday                          No practice
     Saturday                       No practice
Dryland practices during Thanksgiving week are cancelled.  We will start dryland again on November 30.
On Monday, November 30th, the D3 group starts practicing Monday through Thursday 4:10 - 5:40 p.m.
On Saturday, December 19, Hollidaysburg will be hosting a YMCA Invitational.  This will be a meet we will enter via Meet Entry forms.  I will get you more information on this soon.
 
I certainly hope everyone has a fun Thanksgiving.  This is my favorite holiday.  We are having a very good friend and his son in from California (the son goes to Vassar), and Kelli and I are excited.  We are having a few other couples, and I told Kelli to make sure everyone understands that football will be on TV ALL DAY LONG!  And she didn't protest.  How good does it get?!
 
       
 

SP
Steve Power

Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - November 18, 2009

 
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
 
TO:                  JR/SR Group
FROM:            Steve
SUBJ:              Transition to the High School Season
 
This is always an interesting time of the year.  As the high school season I regret not being able to work with some of you because you will train with the high school team.  On the flip side I know you guys get excited about the high school season.  Continue to work hard and stop by and see your SCAY teammates once in awhile - and best of luck with the high school season.
Here are some points to remember:
 
  • For the returning high school swimmers when you have morning only practices during tryouts I expect you to attend SCAY afternoon practices.
  • During tryout week SCAY morning dryland is cancelled.  We will start up again on Monday, November 30.
  • I spoke with Todd and he indicated he and Pete may offer dryland because it may be that NLAC will lose their morning dryland time.  I want you to continue doing your dryland with SCAY on Mondays and Wednesdays.
  • Should Pete and Todd conduct morning swim sessions on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, I expect you to attend these practices.

 

Remember the following:

  • You need two KYSL meets to participate in KYSL Champs (February 20)
  • You need three YMCA meets (which include KYSL meets) to participate in Districts (March 13-14)
  • You must participate in Districts to participate in States (March 20-21)
  • You need Districts or States to participate in Nationals (April 7-10)
     

I expect all SCAY swimmers who qualify to participate in all the above meets.
 
I have mentioned to you that this has been the funnest year I have had at SCAY.  The reason is you guys.  You have come to work and be a team.  Let's keep it going by working hard, supporting your teammates, and staying in touch.
 
P.S.  Tomorrow is our last practice together before high school season.  I am thinking things round and hot, some with pineapple, some with pepperoni, some with cheese.
            
 

SP

Shouts from Steve - November 10, 2009

Sorry folks... a link was missed.. 
November 10, 2009
 
Good Tuesday Morning:
 
  • Thanks to everybody for working at our SCAY Invitational on Sunday.  We had some good swims and, as I tell the kids, this is a starting point for the season, and what we look for is to improve going to our championship meets at the end of the fall/winter season.  I tell my group that our early season meets are like quizzes to gauge how we are doing and our final exams are the championship meets.  In looking at the results I think this quiz went well.  Swimmers of the Meet are Micah Cattell and Annie Liu.  When you look at the results (link below), please ignore District qualifications as these are last year's standards and some have changed this year.  Soon I will get out a Best Time report that will have the current District standards.  
  • This Saturday is the Bloomsburg Swim your Own Age Thanksgiving Meet.  Brendan, Nicole and Kate are scheduled to be there.  Warm-ups begin at 10:00 a.m., and the meet begins at 11:00.  Swimmers should arrive at 9:45 and check in with the coaches.  I am attaching our entries file.  
  • The only practice change this week will be the D1,2,3 groups will not practice on Saturday.
  • I hope everyone will remember our veterans tomorrow.  My dad served in WWII, and once I was mature enough to realize how important he and his fellow service people are to our country, I thanked him every year on this day.
     
    Everyone have a great week.  I'll be in touch soon.....
     
     

    SP
    Steve Power

    Head Swim Team Coach
    State College Area YMCA
    A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County
    Click here to view the results of the Invitational!

Shouts from Steve - November 2, 2009

November 2, 2009 (Happy Birthday, Mom -- #90)

 

Good Monday Morning:

 

Þ    Today the coaches will start taking sign-ups for Sunday’s SCAY Invitational.  Everyone will swim the IM, so we will be asking the kids what other three events they want to swim, in order of importance, as we may drop the 4th event so they can swim a relay.  Our warm ups are at 12:00 sharp and the meet begins at 1:00.

Þ    Bloomsburg Swim Your Own Age meet entries are due Wednesday, November 4.  You must use our Meet Entry form and place them in the Meet Entry folder.  We are about to switch over to a slightly different ME form, which is why you might find paper copies of our soon to be old form.  These are OK to use.  Make sure you check the meet information for the maximum number events the kids can swim.  Enter your swimmers in the maximum number of events.

Þ    Yesterday’s Halloween Invitational was blast!  I have not received the results yet, and when I do I will get them out to you.  Another thing we are going to do is to send out updated best times after each meet.  Swimmers of the Meet are Kiana Albert for the morning session and Danielle Feffer for the afternoon session.  The Swim of the Meet (not recognized at every meet) is Sarah Dangelo’s 200 free.  She was a stud.  Swimmers of the meet receive a certificate recognizing their performance.  Swimmer of the Meet criteria are, in order:

 

Team support

Sportsmanship

Best times

Points Scored

 

Please keep in mind the award is usually subjective.  For yesterday’s morning session we coaches discussed 5 or 6 swimmers.

 

Þ    As we have in the past, the D3 group will begin practicing from 4:10 – 5:40.  This will take place beginning Monday, November 30.  The D3 group will practice from 4:10 – 5:40 Monday through Thursday.  Friday and Saturday (when there are no meets) will remain the same as they are now.

Þ    I am having a JR/SR Group meeting today.  We will be going over some items that are pertinent to the beginning of the high school season.  We will also be distributing our Property Of Shirts, which look great this year.

Þ    For this Saturday D1,2,3 practice we will be working on two hand turns and breaststroke pullouts.

 

More as it happens…..

 

SP

 

  

Shouts from Steve - October 31, 2009

October 31, 2009       

 

Good Saturday Morning:

 

Man, or Woman, I just looked in the mirror and it was scary!  Must be Halloween.

 

I forgot to attach Williamsport entries yesterday, here they are.  I know there will be some changes in the relays, so make sure you check the relays posted in our team area.  And remember, depending on the timing, if a swimmer doesn’t show we may just have to scratch that particular relay.  This is a fun meet.  For those of you who have not been to this meet before it is very crazy at the beginning of the morning session.  Please make sure you keep you kids the team area. 

 

See you all tomorrow.  Go Washington Huskies!

 

Shouts from Steve - October 30, 2009

October 30, 2009       

 

Good Friday Morning:

 

Þ    If you missed our annual Halloween Costume Contest and Apple Bob last night, you missed a fun event.  Thalia Stout, as a Zombie, won the scariest category; Miranda Myford (as an old man – hey, aren’t I already old?! – running for president) won the funniest category; Ruth Dangelo, as a bag of groceries, won the most creative category.  Then we bobbed for apples.  If I hadn’t called them out of the water I think Phoebe Jordan would still be in the water trying in vain to get her apple.

Þ    We have two meets going on this weekend.  I will list warm up times and meet start times below.  Keep in mind we want the kids to arrive 15 minutes early to check in with their coaches.  I will attach our entries for Williamsport, which we will also post at the meet.  Depending on the timing (it can be crazy) if a relay member doesn’t show, we may have to scratch that relay.

 
MEETWARM UP TIMEMEET START TIME

Big Cat

Friday – 5:30 p.m.

Saturday – 7:30 a.m.

Sunday – 7:30 a.m.

Friday – 6:30 p.m.

Saturday – 9:00 a.m.

Sunday – 9:00 a.m.

Williamsport

12/U – 8:45 a.m.

13/O – (not before) Noon

12/U 9:30 a.m.

13/O – 1:00 p.m.

 Þ    We will begin taking sign ups for our SCAY Invitational (November 8) on Monday.  The coaches will ask the swimmers at practice.  Parents can also email me as a backup.  Swimmers can enter a total of four events, which includes relays.  We try to get swimmers in at least one relay each meet.  Along with the IM, our Team Event (every swimmer will swim this event in their age group, the coaches will ask what other three events the kids want to swim.  I would like to have entries for this and our dual meets by Wednesday after practices.

Þ    For all of our meets until Districts SCAY swimmers are to wear SCAY imprinted suits and SCAY caps.  If you are new and don’t have a SCAY imprinted suit, not to worry – wear, if you can, a dark color suit.  We will have SCAY caps at Williamsport.  Should you need one, latex caps are $4 and silicone are $11.

Þ    A reminder there are no practices tomorrow morning.

Þ    For our Senior group practice on Monday, November 2 (Happy Birthday Mom) we will swim 90 fast and furious minutes then have a meeting to go over a few things as the high school season approaches.  We will also distribute our Property Of shirts – they look great this year!  The plan is to have everyone wear theirs to school Tuesday.

Lots going on now.  More as it happens…….

 

SP    

Shouts from Steve - October 26, 2009

October 26, 2009

 

Good Monday Morning: 

 Þ    A great job at Aqualaps yesterday!  Thanks to all the parents who were there to support the kids and to register, count, and feed.  A special thanks to the swimmers, especially the older swimmers who were helping me not get a heart attack – and, at now 58, I need all the help I can get.  The goals of the relay event were for all relays to finish under an hour AND within five seconds of each other.  All relays finished at 59.05 and within ½ second of each other.  And most important, we had alotta fun!Þ    Williamsport allow late entries provided I get them to them by the time I leave for the Y at 5:00 tomorrow morning.  I will be asking the older kids tonight.  Parents, you can email me by 3:30 tomorrow morning if you want your swimmer in the meet.  Keep in mind:  After I send in entries at 3:30 tomorrow morning I cannot guarantee getting your swimmer in the meet – you will have to hope for deck entering on the day of the meet, which cannot be guaranteed.  Also, I cannot guarantee late entries will be in relays.Þ    Remember, our Halloween Costume Contest and Apple Bob is this Thursday (11/29).  Prizes will be awarded for first place for the funniest, scariest and most creative categories.  This event is from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.  All contestants will receive a very special participation award.Þ    Bloomsburg Swim your own entries are due November 4.  I will be submitting these entries the next day.  Entry information is on our bulletin board.  Entries must be submitted on our Meet Entry form and placed in the Meet Entry folder.  Entry fees are not required.  Make sure you enter the maximum number of events allowed.Þ    For our SCAY Invitational on November 8, I am changing the meet entry approach.  In an earlier note I had indicated entries being due this Friday.  Instead, we are going to treat this meet as we do with our dual meets:  the coaches will begin asking the swimmers on the Monday before the meet – yes or no – if they will be going to the meet.  Parents can also email me this information starting this Monday.  As with our dual meets, each meet will have a “Team Event”, meaning we will indicate an event that all swimmers in the meet will swim.  For our invitational the event will be the IM.  Swimmers can/will enter a total of four individual events.Þ    There will be a practice schedule change this week.  Due to no school the Junior/Senior group will practice from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.  All other practice groups will swim at their normal times.Þ    Due to the meets this weekend, practices Saturday are cancelled. 

Again, thanks for a great effort by everyone at Aqualaps yesterday.  And for the many birthday wishes and the cake.

 

Shouts from Steve - October 22, 2009

  • A reminder that we have an all-team practice tomorrow from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.  We will be practicing for Aqualaps, which is on Sunday.
  • In case you don't know, this is how Aqualaps will operate.  The format is a relay.  We will have six relays with kids of all ages on each relay.  The relays will swim 5000 yards (200 lengths).  There will be swimmers of all ages/abilities on each relay.  There will be a time standard for the relays to beat, AND the goal of all relays finishing within 5 seconds of each other.  Hence, there will be frequent changes of personnel within each relay and across the relays.  Swimmers may not all swim the same number of legs on the relays.  Say one relay is getting too far behind and little Johnny is up next.  We may put the fastest swimmer on the team in Johnny's place to catch the relay up.  It is very fun.  Swimmers should arrive by 12:30.  The relays will begin at 1:00 and will certainly be done by 2:00.  There will be food and drinks for the participants.
  • I got an inquiry the other day about a swimmer not being able to participate on Sunday, and what can they do to support the Aqualaps effort.  We hope swimmers can raise at least $125.  If your swimmer cannot participate, or you want to support the effort, simply send in a check for the $125 - or any amount - to the Y.
     
     
    See you on Sunday!
     
     

    SP
    Steve Power

    Head Swim Team Coach
    State College Area YMCA
    A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County

Shouts from Steve - October 21, 2009

Good Wednesday Morning:
 
My emails will now be sent out via the server at the Y.  Jennifer Corman, our IT pro will be taking care of this.  As you know I have had ongoing problems with my email, so, hopefully, this will take care of the problems.  You can still email me or call me at home (231-0340) should you have any questions.  Thanks, Jen!

Our meet schedule is below.  Please read the requirements for participating in KYSL Champs, Districts, States, and YMCA Nationals.  When entries are to be submitted on Meet Entry Forms, you will be notified.  For our dual meets, and our November 8 Invitational, the coaches will ask the swimmers at practice in they intend to participate in these meets.  This process will start the Monday before the meet.  Parents can also email me with 'yes' or 'no'.  For our dual meets we will have a "team event", meaning that, say, the IM is the team event, everyone will swim the IM.  Also for our dual meets, my intent is to have everyone swim each event in their age group at least once during the season.  Swimmers swim in their age group according to their age on December 1, except.....

Bloomsburg Swim Your Own Age Meet is on November 14.This meet is for swimmers 14 and younger, and swimmers swim their age as of November 14.  Entry information will be posted on the bulletin board today, and entries are due on our Meet Entry Forms, which, when completed, should be placed in our Meet Entry folder.  Entries are due by the end of practices on Wednesday, November 4.

Remember, all entry fees for scheduled YMCA meets will be paid by the team.
I hope everyone is busy getting their Aqualaps pledges.  I already have near enough for my "500 Club" T-Shirt.  See you on Sunday at 1:00!
 
SP
Steve Power
Head Swim Team Coach
State College Area YMCA
A Branch of the YMCA of Centre County
 
SCAY AQUALIONS 2009-2010 MEET SCHEDULE
 
Oct 30-Nov 1 ~ Big Cat Fall Invite ~ PSU USA Invitational
November 1 ~ Halloween Invite ~ Williamsport ~ YMCA Invitational
November 8 ~ SCAY Invitational ~ SCAY YMCA ~ Invitational
November 14 ~ Swim Your Own Age ~ Bloomsburg ~ YMCA Invitational
December 5 ~ SCAY/Clearfield ~ SCAY KYSL ~ Dual
December 12 ~ SCAY/Dubois ~ Dubois KYSL ~ Dual
December 19 ~ Hollidaysburg ~ Hollidaysburg YMCA ~ Invitational
January 9 ~ SCAY Juniata Valley ~ SCAY ~ KYSL Dual
January 16 ~ SCAY/Phillipsburg ~ SCAY ~ KYSL Dual
January 23 ~ SCAY/Ridgeway ~ Ridgeway ~ KYSL Dual
January 30 ~ SCAY/Hollidaysburg ~ SCAY ~ KYSL Dual
February 6 ~ SCAY/Brookville ~ Brookville ~ KYSL Dual
February 13 ~ SCAY/Hollidaysburg ~ Hollidaysburg ~ KYSL Dual 
February 20 ~ KYSL Champs ~ Dubois ~ KYSL Champs
February 27 ~ Last Chance District Q ~ SCAY ~ District Qualifier
March 13-14 ~ Districts ~ Indiana U of PA ~ Districts
March 20-21 ~ States ~ PSU ~ States
April 7-10 ~ YMCA Nationals ~ Ft. Lauderdale ~ FLA Nationals 
 
  • Swimmers must compete in two KYSL dual meets to participate in KYSL Champs - all SCAY swimmers are expected to participate in KYSL Champs.
  • Swimmers must compete in ANY three YMCA meets in order to participate in Districts - without Districts they will not be able to compete in States or Nationals.  All qualified SCAY swimmers are expected to participate in Districts, States and Nationals.
  • All scheduled YMCA meet fees will be paid by the team.

Shouts from Steve - October 16, 2009

Good Friday Afternoon:

           Þ    The Y is closed today due to power outages so there will not be practice tonight.  The Y will open tomorrow morning, so there will be practice.

           Þ    Williamsport entries deadline is extended to after practices Monday.  I will submit what entries I have first thing Tuesday morning.  Let me reiterate here:  I will only be submitting entries for invitational meets once; entries must be submitted on Meet Entry forms, located in the lobby (please do not email me your entries); no fees are required for our  scheduled Y meet entries.

SP

Shouts from Steve - October 14, 2009

Good Wednesday Morning:

Aqualaps - If you have not gotten your folder/information, please pick it up at the Y.  The coaches have been handing them out.  The box with packets will be in the lobby.  This is a very important fundraiser for us, and we need everyone involved.  Come Sunday, October 25 (1:00 p.m., at the Y), you will see how very important this is to our team, as a fundraiser, and, much more importantly, a team builder.  And remember, fees from this event will pay for all entries to our scheduled Y meets, and each Aqualaps participant will receive a latex SCAY cap.

Aqualaps Practices - As we do every year, we will have All-Team practices for Aqualaps.  These will be the next two Fridays (October 16 and 23), from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.  These are for all SCAY swimmers.

Williamsport - Entries are due by Friday, October 16.  No fees are required.  All you need to do is to complete a Meet Entry Form, located in the Y, and place in the meet entry folder.  The meet is Sunday, November 1.  The meet information is pinned to our bulletin board.

USA Registration - Also due this Friday.  You MUST download the registration form from the Mid-Atlantic website (maswim.org), attach a check for the fee (payable to SCAY) and place in my folder.  I will not process any registration with out the form and check.

Meet Schedule - I will get this to you as soon as I can.  There is one situation I need to work out before I send it to you.  The meets we have coming up before Thanksgiving are Williamsport (Nov 1), SCAY Invite (Nov 8), and the Bloomsburg Invite (Nov 14.  Our dual meet schedule begins December 5.

Halloween - Remember, our annual Halloween Costume Contest and bobbing for apples is Thursday, October 29, from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.  There will not be any other practices this night.  The categories for costumes are:

Funniest  -  Scariest   -   Most Imaginative.  1st place prizes will be awarded in each category.

Special Note - I was talking with the person who does our shirts and team wear the other day.  We were talking about parents and I told her that I am very lucky to have the parent group on SCAY.  You guys let us coach and provide amazing support for we coaches and the swimmers.  Thanks for all you do.

I’m tearing up………SP

Shouts from Steve - October 7, 2009

Good Wednesday Morning: 

Seems like this time of year gets really hectic, what starting up the new season, getting communication organized – heck, getting to know all the kids names!  From my vantage point things are going well in the water.  It seems the kids have come to work this year and the coaches are doing a great job.

On the parent side of things there has been a big change:  Cathy Dufour stepped down as SCAY President (her daughter decided not to swim this year).  Jenny Koberna agreed to take over this position.  Let’s all work to make Jenny’s job easier – if she calls, please respond to help with what she asks she to do.  At every banquet in April I ask the kids to stand and give the parents a standing ovation.  I do this because, as I explain to the kids, none of what happens with SCAY happens without what our parents do.  So, ahead of time, I will thank all of you for your continued support of the swimmers and coaches.
           

This will be a busy note, so, please, read it carefully.  Should you have questions about anything to do with what goes on in the water:  practices, meets, Aqualaps, etc., please feel free to contact me:  231-0340, and you have my email address.
           

Now, on to business…..
 

Y CHANGE -  If you don’t know, there has been a change with State College and Bellefonte YMCAs.  We have formed an association called YMCA of Centre County with the two branches being State College and Bellefonte.  This will have no effect on the two teams and we will remain separate.  Our team will still be called SCAY and we will retain our mascot, logo, cap, suit, team wear, identity number, etc.
 

AQUALAPS  -  This is one of our two main fundraisers, the other being co-hosting PA East-West State Championships with Bellefonte, in March.  It is very important that all families participate in this event.  Starting tomorrow coaches will be giving swimmers their packet that will include information that should be self-explanatory.  Please remember that pledges can be obtained by door-to-door solicitation and through the mail (friends, relatives).  There is the 500 Club – swimmers obtaining $500 or more in pledges receive a special T-Shirt.  Two things that will come from Aqualaps money are all scheduled Y meets that require fees will be paid by the team, and each swimmer earning pledges will receive a free latex SCAY cap.  Please make sure your swimmers participate in this event – and the relay is a blast!  Aqualaps is on Sunday, October 25, 1:00 at the Y.  You should figure 1 ½ or so.
 

HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST/APPLE BOB - On Thursday, October 29 we will have our annual Halloween Costume Contest and Apple Bob.  (We are doing this on Thursday because we have some kids in a meet on Friday night.  This will take place from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m., on deck at the Y.  All practices are cancelled this night.  Categories will be announced soon. 
 

MEET SCHEDULE - I will get out to you our final meet schedule next week.  However, there are a couple meets coming up in the next few weeks you should know about:
 

Williamsport Halloween Invitational - This meet is on Sunday, November 1.  Information for this meet will be posted on the bulletin board at the Y.  Entries for this meet must be submitted on our Meet Entry Forms, located in our wall rack.  I am asking for entries into the Meet Entries folder by Friday, October 16, after practice.  I will be submitting these before practice the following day.
 

SCAY Invitational - This meet is on Sunday, November 8.  I will get meet information out to you soon.  We will be swimming our normal dual meet events, and entries will be due Friday, October 30.
 

USA REGISTRATION - For those interested in USA registration, you will need to get your registration form and your check into my folder by Friday, October 16.  I will be submitting these the next day.  All information regarding USA registration is on the Mid-Atlantic website:  maswim.org.  Go to forms depot, athlete registration.  Registration at this time covers you through the end of 2010.  I will only be submitting these registration at the one time.
 

MEET ENTRIES - Other than our KYSL dual meets, I will only be entering invitational meets once.  Please get your meet entries in on time.
 

OFFICIALS TRAINING - There will be a training for Level one officials in Hollidaysburg on November 7.  Information is in the wall rack at the Y.  This is a great way to watch a meet.
 

COMMUNICATION - If you are receiving my messages and are no longer involved with the team, let me know and I will remove your address from my list.  If the name on your email address is incorrect, let me know and I will change it.
 

Whew!  I think that is all for now.  Remember to contact me with questions. SP

Shouts from Steve - September 24, 2009

Good Thursday Morning:

So far, everything is going well in practices.  I am impressed with how the coaches are working with the kids, and how the kids are responding to the coaches.  If we all play our cards well this could be a banner year for SCAY.  I especially want to thank Katie, Nicole, Zach, and Brendan for the super jobs they are doing.  Some items that are coming our way:

 Þ      Aqualaps is coming on October 25.  This is one of our two major fundraisers, the other being States in March.  Information will be coming to you soon, in the form of a packet that will be given to the kids or put in your family’s folder in the file cabinet.  All information/instructions will be included.  We hope that all families can raise AT LEAST $125 per family.  Remember, you can go door-to-door, in the workplace, and mail pledge forms to relatives.  This is a very important fundraiser, so I hope everyone will step up.
Þ      Williamsport Halloween Invitational is November 1.  The information will be posted on the bulletin board soon, and I will let you know.  This is a meet where you will need to complete a Meet Entry Form, which are located in the lobby at the Y.
Þ      SCAY Invitational -- we will be hosting a small invitational on November 8.  Teams that will be invited are those in our league, Bellefonte, Greensburg, Johnstown, Mon Valley.  Information you need to enter will come shortly.
Þ      SCAY Annual Halloween Costume Contest and Pool Party – Our annual event will be held on Friday, October 30.  This will be an all-team practice event from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.  We have categories and awards.  Look for more information soon.
Þ      Meet Schedule – Our annual KYSL meeting is October 4.  At that meeting we will establish our meet schedule for the season.  I will get this to you shortly after this meeting.Þ      This Saturday – the D1, 2, 3 groups will work on backstroke starts and turns. As always, should you have any questions, please feel free to email or call me at 231-0340.

 More as it happens….. 

Shouts from Steve - September 2, 2009

Good Wednesday Morning:

             Things are looking very good as we gear up for the 2009-2010 season.  I am excited with the talent we have coming back, and with the potential we have coming in through the evaluations I have had this summer and the 50 swimmers registered for our Stroke Clinic.  Over the next short period of time I will be getting notes out to you.  Today I will concentrate on what we all need to be aware of as we get started on September 8. 

    
Þ      Start of Season     We begin on Tuesday, September 8.  The JR/SR group will practice from 3:40 – 5:00 p.m., and our Stroke Clinic will be held from 5:00 – 6:00.  I always ask 5-6 of the JR/SR group members to stay and help with the Clinic.  This has never been a problem, and I look forward to their participation with the Stroke Clinic this year.
    
Þ      Coaching Staff      I am very excited about our coaching staff this year.  I had a great applicant pool, many with PA YMCA experience, and I knew that I would be OK with whomever I chose.  Here is how the staff looks: 
         
Cubs/Pride  Katie Boudreau, an Engineering Grad Student, specializing in Acoustics
         
D1              Zach Smith      
         
D2              Nicole Gonsorick, a Communication Disorders/Speech Therapy Student
         
D3              Brendan Berthold 

      
Þ      Parent Meeting      Sunday, September 13, 2:00 p.m., at the Y

Þ      September 14        Practices begin  - see schedule at link on left

Þ      Big Cat Fall Kick-off    October 30 – November 1.  Entries are due to me on Wednesday, September 9.  Information is available on the Mid-Atlantic website (maswim.org).  You must complete a meet entry form (located in the lobby), attach a check (include payment for surcharge fees if applicable), and place in the ‘Meet Entries’ folder.  Entries without a fee check (payable to SCAY – NO CASH) will be returned.  I will submit our entries on September 10 - no late entries will be accepted.  This is a USA meet and swimmers must be USA registered to participate.  We can enter swimmers who are not yet USA registered; I will get to you USA registration information in a couple weeks.  Should you have questions concerning USA registration/participation, please feel free to contact me

Þ      Meet Entries   For USA and YMCA meets that require payment:
*I will be submitting entries ONLY for meets on our schedule
*I will only submit entries ONCE on the day indicated – after that you will have to hope for on deck entries
*We will have a coach on deck for all meets listed on our meet schedule – our meet schedule will be finalized and published after our KYSL meeting on October 4
*Our KYSL dual meets will be entered as in the past:  We will be asking during the week before the meet if the kids will be participating; parents can also email me with this information as a back-up

Þ      Registration     Registration for SCAY is ongoing.  Please get in and register as soon as possible.

Þ      Contact            Should you have any questions, concerns, compliments(?!), please feel free to contact me: 231-0340 OR spower@ymcaofcentrecounty.org.


That’s it for now.  Let’s have a great 2009-2010 season!!!!

SP

2009-2010 Fee Payment Info

Registration for the 2009-2010 Swim Team season has begun.  Here is information on 2009-2010 fees and payment options.

Shouts from Steve - August 3, 2009

Good Monday Morning:

           

            There will be a great deal of information, so please read carefully.  I am leaving early tomorrow morning to visit my mom.  Should you have any questions about any of this information, I will be back in ‘the office’ on Tuesday, August 11.  I ask that you wait until then to call/email.

            I am very excited about the 2009-10 season.  Though we say good-bye to Gretchen Miller (going off to Elizabethtown College) and Heather Brady (resuming her swimming career at Penn State), I am happy to say that Zach Smith (D1) and Brendan Berthold (D3) will be returning to coach SCAY this fall.  I have already gotten a couple applications for our Cubs/Pride and D2 positions.

            The 2009-10 season will begin on Tuesday, September 8.  The JR/SR group will practice from 3:45 – 5:00 p.m.; the Stroke Clinic will be that Tuesday through Friday from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.  All groups will practice begin practice September 14 – the practice schedule is listed at the Practice Schedule link on the left.

            A note about a change in the JR/SR group practice schedule.  This season we will not be having dryland in the mornings.  Instead, we will be doing ½ hour of core/body weight strength after the afternoon swim practice.  Dryland has always been a big part of our training, and I am looking forward to this new approach.


Here are the practice groups for the 1009-10 season.  Keep in mind the following:

Þ    Practice groups are based on rosters for Fall/Winter, Spring, Summer

Þ    If a swimmer is not listed they were inadvertently left off or somehow didn’t register last year (I will be talking with a couple of you about this); don’t panic if your swimmer is left off – we will get them in the water

Þ    Group changes mainly go up and depend on room available in the next group(s) up, and can happen any time, especially the first two weeks or in the middle of November when the high school season begins

Þ    I try my best to keep the groups evenly distributed

Þ    We will be joining swimmers from our Stroke Clinic

Þ    I took input from our coaches, though I made the final decision

 

Cubs   Maya Foster, Finan Turnage-Barney

Pride   Chloe Bevilacqua, Catherine Caswell, Andrew Geng, William Huang, Nora Parks, Jodie Chellis, Lauren Alexander, Gerogie Thomas, Krupa Hedge, Grace Dangelo, Mason Harvill

D1       Roy Xing, Will Bakken, Claire Burnside, Kelsey Craighead, Daniel Cullen, Sarah Finton, Hanah Foster, Luke Genovese, Kristina Hughes, Joseph Leahey, Thomas Leahey, Matthew Morris, Adam Smith, Anders Sonsteby, Talia Stout, Emma Wilcock, Taler Givens, Mackensie Harvill, Kristi Hile, Kathryn Koberna, Maya Jefferies, Hannah Foster, Casey Restivo, Aiden Turnage-Barney, Ayush Upneja, Jesse Washell, Mike Challis, Christina Kim

D2       Avery Belser, Saran Dangelo, Josie Garrigan, Luke Hurley, Madison Lambert, Annie Liu, Tobias VanDyke, Emma Wright, Patrick Caswell, Jackie Feffer, Joey Feffer, Nick Feffer, Kate Skipper, Noah Smith, Janet Yang, Luke Hurley, Michaela Haprster, Wasi Katri, Rafay Ahmad, Avery Cymbor, Erin Bevilacqua, Ruth Dangelo, Fiona Vashaw, Esther Kleit, Victoria Maras, Kelsey Linzell

D3       Patrick Adair, Katie Arndt, Michaela Bojan, Noah Christie, Kate Cooper, Cora Davis, Lear Du, Seth Erdely, Hannah Finton, Juliet Garrigan, Madeline Gierchak, Johanna Kennedy, Joseph Liechty, Kyle Moerschbacher, Miranda Myford, Camden Nckell, Benn Schiffer, Gract Tothero, Grace VanDyke, Charnice Wren, Lewis Yeaple, Mikayla Barnett, Luke Charles, Frederick Cullen, Breanne Cummins, Hallie Dufour, Caitlyn Fosnacht, Matthew Fritsch, Jordan Hillsley, Elizabeth Holland, Jacob Huff, Julia Lucas, Alexander Milligan, RAra Taminga, Akhil Upneja, Nathan Woodman, Saraan Irzani

JR/SR Brian Adair, Ayla Ross, Kylyn Ross, Quinn Ross, Kiana Albert, Leandra Albert, Kirsten Hillsley, Alex Hillsley, Molly Pate, Courtney Quinn, Ted Smith, Rosie Sowers, Trevor Beahm, Sarah Bevilacqua, Chloe Deonna, Anthony Deonna, Mike Feffer, Danielle Feffer, Dan Fritsch, Laura Holleran, Phoebe Jordan, Sarah Koberna, Ian Schrock, Zach Smith, Zack Schiffer, Garret Wagner, Seamus Wagner, Viktor White, Micah Cattell, Jordan Garrigan, Kelly Miller, Lauren Moreschbacher, Hanna Parry, Laura Prince, Heather Schon, Rachel Sommer, Joe Woodman

Search