Crocs!

This Saturday is our first away meet of the season at Towne Lake.  This is our first time swimming at their pool, so I’m getting information out earlier so that everyone can plan accordingly.

Reminder:  There is NO pep rally this week.

SWIM MEET:

While the event schedule of the meet will be the same as our home meet last week, the logistics of set up can vary from pool to pool.  Towne Lake has a good summary of their setup and parking layout on their website:https://www.townelakewake.com/home-meet-setup

There are a few key points that they have asked to be communicated:

• The parking lot at the pool will fill up fast.  Please note the reserved parking and the no parking areas.  Additional parking is along one way of the road in front of the gate (Towne Lake Parkway), then parking in certain areas (see map) at the retail/office lots close by.  DO NOT park in the BASU lot as it is off limits.
• Please note the visiting team setup area in the link above.  The beach, other pools, and playground are off limits during the swim meet.  Please help us keep kids safe.
• The last slide in the link above shows the flow of traffic.  Spectators will enter via the splashed area onto the pool deck.  Once swimmers have finished their race, spectators should exit the pool deck (West - under the breezeway by the bathrooms) and return to tent city.
• The Towne Lake pool is only 3 feet, 8 inches deep along the entire length of the pool.  They have blocks, but they are not tall.  Coaches have been communicating this to swimmers during practice to make sure they do not dive too deep, but it always helps to remind them again.
• Concessions are provided by Chick Fil-A, Kona Ice, Smart Drinks and a small concessions stand by the ready bench.  Some of the concessions are credit card only, so bring one if you wish to purchase something.

CIRCLE IN BY 7:30 AM:  Every week, at home or away meets, swimmers MUST circle in at the pool to tell the computer volunteers and coaches that they are present.  If a swimmer’s name is not circled, the clerk of course assumes they are not there and they may be scratched from the meet.

This week, the circle-in boards will be located outside the pool area, most likely near our designated tent setup area.

WARM-UPS will begin at 7:45 am this week.  They are required for all swimmers — this is a good time to get familiar with their more shallow pool.  As visiting team, we warm up second, then congregate in our team area for cheers and then start the meet.

RELAY ETIQUETTE:  I believe we have fixed the computer flitch that prevented relays from showing on the website and app last week.  They should show up on Thursday evening after we merge with the other team.  We have more swimmers missing this week than usual, so your swimmer may be on a relay this week even if they were not last week.  If your swimmer is in a relay at the end of the meet, PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE EARLY.  If you do, you will be letting down the other 3 swimmers not the relay team who will have to scratch with you.  If you must leave early, TELL THE COACHES before you leave — they can identify a replacement and substitute them in, so the relay can still compete.

WEATHER:  The forecast for Saturday is currently partly cloudy, with highs of 92.  It will be warm.  Please bring plenty of water and remember to stay hydrated — both swimmers and spectators.

VOLUNTEERS:  We do not have a common volunteer check in area for our team.  Towne Lake does shift change after event 42 (AFTER 6 and under backstroke).  Please do not leave early.  Officials meeting will be at 7:50am.  They will have a timers and scribes meeting on the pool deck at 8:10 am at the non block side of the pool.  They will have a ready bench meeting at 8:10 am at the ready bench area.  Our volunteer coordinator, Alexis Dempsey, will be present in the morning and at shift change.  If you have a problem or you are unable to fulfill your shift due to an emergency or illness, please contact Alexis at 713-306-2404.

Good luck on Saturday.Eat ‘em Up, Crocs!