ELITE NEWS BULLETIN 02-02-09

WAVE BLACKS & MARLIN TEALS COMPETE AGAINST CALDWELL; RESULTS SLUGGISH;

A. FRESEN, RJ FRESEN (2), A. GALEA (3), J. GORHAM (2), I. MORREALE, C. ROSER (2) & SINGER (2) WIN EVENTS:

Within Elite’s training cycle, January (into mid February) is for racing. All out sprinting during practice, every practice and racing as often as possible in meets is the team wide goal. This focus in January stresses the anaerobic conditioning system in one’s body, preparing it for the challenges of the late February and March Championship Meets.

Thus, despite a team wide sluggish performance (as defined as less than the usual high best time creation) on Saturday against the Caldwell Cyclones, the meet was exactly what our swimmers needed at this time of the year. Competing against Caldwell were the Wavebuster Blacks and the Marlin Teals. Elite has a similar meet planned this weekend at the Clifton Boys and Girls Club for the Wavebuster Teals, the Marlin Blacks and the Marlin Teals.

In addition, this meet provided a bonus opportunity; many Wavebuster Blacks competed in the 400 IM; most for the first time in their careers!!

Seven Elite swimmers won 13 events of the 22 events staged.

10 year old Andrea Galea won all three of her events (100 IM-1.15.03, 50 back-33.86 & 50 breast-41.10). 12 year old Jess Gorham out sprinted her competition twice: 100 IM-1.11.00 & 100 back-1.09.72.

14 year old Jonas Singer, who has dropped significant time over the past year due to his strong work ethic, also won two events. His 400 IM swim of 5.27.75 represents an 8 second drop from his previous best while he also won the 100 back in 1.14.94. 12 year old Chris Roser, who has had a tough year health wise, showed some of his potential by winning two events: the 100 IM-1.10.21 & the 100 breast-both personal bests. Interestingly, Roser’s biggest drop was in the 100 back-1.17.18 in which he placed 4^th.

Brothers Fresen, 8 year old twins, dominated the three 8 & Under Boys events held: RJ won both the 100 IM-1.36.38 & the 25 breast-23.28 while Andy won the third event, the 50 back in 44.73.

13 year old Isabelle Morreale stroked to a 1^st place finish in the 100 breast-1.22.92.

8 year old Ava Fitzsimons placed in the top 3 in all three of her events: 2^nd in the 50 back-53.27 & 3^rd in both the 100 IM-1.57.78 and 25 breast-27.33-all personal bests! 14 year old Mark Berns, who has also seen significant development this year, placed 2^nd in the 100 breast-1.21.42 while also placing 3^rd in the 400 IM-5.42.58 (his 1^st career 400 IM swim!).

13 year old Taylor Savarese came in 2^nd in the 100 breast-1.25.73 in a personal best (Taylor also dropped 28 seconds in her 400 IM swim!!) while 12 year old Caroline Watt placed 2^nd in the 400 IM-5.38.25, finishing behind a 15 year old. 13 year old Stephanie Chen placed 2^nd in the 100 back with a 1.16.46 time while 11 year old Karl Melchior placed 2^nd in the 100 back (1.16.59).

8 year old Richie Carchia touched 3^rd in the 50 back in a personal best of 49.26 (almost a 6 second drop). Carchia also dropped time in his other 2 events. 8 year old Summer Felsen placed 3^rd in the 50 back (53.70) while 12 year old Dara O’Gorman placed 3^rd in the 100 back (1.17.14).

Swimmers who participated (# in parathesis is number of best Elite SCY best times): Lindsay Behar (1), Mark Berns (2), Ethan Blum (1), Nicole Blum (1), Eannie Botte (3), Eloise Burn (2), Sarah Burn (3), Richie Carchia (3), Stephanie Chen (1), Drew D’Andrea (1), Ryan Dorneo (2), Madeleine Faust, Summer Felsen (2), Ava Fitzsimons (3), Andy Fresen (2), RJ Fresen (3), Andrea Galea, Ariel Gelman (1), Jess Gorham, Andrea Guacelli, Julia Guacelli (3), Emma Harris (2), Alyssa Hartigan (2), Alyssa Hartigan (2), Alex Jacobs (3), Sara Jacobs (2), Madison Kretten (3), Clark LaRaia (1), Isabel LaRaia (1), Karl Melchior, Isabella Morreale (1), Sandeepan Mukherjee (3), Julia Muro (2), Caroline Nash, Dara O’Gorman (1), Nick Pachiolo (1), Gabrielle Pick (1), Joseph Pick (1), Michelle Pick (1), Chris Roser (3), Stephanie Roser (2), Monica Samtani (1), Taylor Savarese (2), Jonas Singer (1), Jessica Solodkin (2), Will Stearns (3), Caroline Watt.

STRAND, KATZ STILL RANKED NATIONALLY;

Two Elite swimmers, 16 year old Michael Strand and 12 year old Zach Katz, are currently listed within the national rankings for their events thru mid-season meet results.

Compiled thru USA Swimming’s national database (called “SWIMS”), the results include meet results thru December 2008. Swimmers 10 years old and younger are not ranked nationally.

By reason of his phenomenal Holiday Classic finals swim in the 100 yard backstroke in which he posted a 51.14 time, Strand is currently ranked 6^th nationally for all 15 year old boys in that event. Strand has since aged up to 16; thus this time will need to withstand all current 15 year old swims thru August 2009.

Based upon his 50 yard breaststroke time of 32.70 also at Holiday Classic, Katz is ranked 4^th in that event for 11 year old boys. At Winterfest, Katz lowered his 50 yard breast swim to 32.25. This lowered time is not yet factored into the rankings. Katz has also aged up to 12; thus this new time will also need to withstand all current 11 year old swims thru August 2009.

Swimmers who post times within the top 10 of their age for the season receive Top 10 recognition certificates from USA Swimming.

Last summer, Elite swimmers Chris Dart and Regan Kology placed within the top 10 of their age groups for long course distance events. Just missing a top 10 ranking, Strand placed 11^th in the 100 meter back as a 15 year old.

AGE GROUP SWIMMERS TO PICK THEIR EVENTS FOR LAST CHANCE, MIN-CHAMPS, SILVER/BRONZE AND JOS:

Keeping with tradition started 2 years ago, Elite swimmers will pick their events for Last Chance, Mini-Champs, Silver-Bronze Championships and for Junior Olympics. Information has been handed out to each of the swimmers regarding their best SCY times. Information regarding each meet (order of events) has been posted at Newark Academy. Swimmers are strongly encouraged to discuss their event choices with their Head Training Group Coach.

In order for a swimmer to pick their events, they must turn in their event requests to their Head Training Group Coach by Wednesday, Feb 10^th. (8 & Unders will need to get their information into Bill by Wednesday, Feb 4^th, so that entries into the Mini-Champs can be competed before the deadline. If a list is not received, Bill will choose the events for the swimmer.

8 & Unders please note: you are not going to compete in Last Chance (the day before the Mini-Champs Meet). We want you rested for your Championships Meet!!!

Seniors and Senior Preps will pick their events during a discussion with Bill at practice.

NO LZRs FOR 12 & UNDERS; MAY BE A WORLD TREND: DOUBLE SUITING ALSO EXPECTED TO BE ELIMINATED:

A reminder: at the USA 29^th annual USAS (United States Aquatics) Convention held September 2008, USA Swimming voted to restrict the use of “high tech” swim suits (LZRs, Blue Sevens, etc) for those swimmers participating in 12 & Under Age Group competition. The idea is to keep the playing field level for 12 & Unders during their formative years of competition. Although the restriction has significant cost issues tied to it, the rule actually reads: “Swimsuits worn for all 12 & Under age group defined competition shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder nor past the knee.” Swimmers who are 12 or younger who are participating in “open” events will be allowed to wear suits that cover more area than allowed by this rule. Although this rule does not commence until May 15, 2009, Elite will follow the spirit of the rule immediately (including March 2009 championships). No Speedo LZRs for Elite Swimmers 12 & Under!!!

Interestingly, USA Swimming has presented the identical wording of this new restriction to FINA, which is the governance body for international swimming, for consideration with the 12 & Under restriction language removed. If adopted, all international competition will restrict these technologically advanced suits as currently constructed from use in competition. If adopted by FINA, it is expected that USA Swimming will follow suit and restrict these suits from being worn at all USA Swimming competitions.

USA Swimming is exploring “exemption language” based upon religious or medical needs. However, the “more coverage” suit to be worn will not be of the technologically advanced nature under these circumstances.

Also under consideration by FINA is a restriction of the “double or triple” suiting which was present at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Many swimmers, particularly females, wore 2 or even 3 technologically advanced suits during competition in an attempt to reduce drag and/or help with buoyancy. This practice is also expected to be outlawed at the international level. If so, USA Swimmers can expect USA Swimming to follow suit and outlaw the practice.

TEAM BANQUET RESERVATIONS ARE DUE MARCH 12^ST:

Preparations are underway for the biggest party of the season: Elite’s 14^th annual Winter Swim Team Banquet!!! This year’s party will be held Saturday, March 28, 200 from 12:00 am to 4:00 pm.

This year, Elite will again be at the Hanover Marriott, located at 1401 Route 10 East, Whippany, New Jersey. This facility can accommodate up to 700 people!!! The last 7 Elite banquets have had an excess of 300 people each!!!

To reserve your dinner reservations, please print out an reservation form from the website (under Awards Dinner), fill it out and mail the form with the appropriate check amount to Bill Deatly, 32 Prospect Street, Summit, New Jersey 07901. Cost per person is $55. All 12 & Under Swimmers must have at least 1 adult accompanying them.

Parents, Bill will do his best to honor your seating arrangement requests. Swimmers will be seated by Bill!!

Reservation forms must be in by Thursday, March 12, 2009.

CORRECTION: EASTERN ZONE VOTES TO ADD 3^RD ALL-STAR TO 12 & UNDER SCY ZONE MEET NEXT YEAR;

At the USAS Convention in Atlanta last week, the Eastern Zone voted to accept a 3^rd all-star swimmer in each event for 12 & Unders at all future Spring SCY Zone Meets starting in the Spring 2010 championships. LSC’s will continue to pick 2 representatives for all 13 & Older events.

In the past, the “Spring Zones” meet allowed for only 2 swimmers in each event to represent an LSC (NJ Swimming is an LSC-stands for Local Swim Committee).

YOUTUBE UPGRADED TO “ELITE”:

As noted last week, Swimming World Magazine covered the CeraVe Invitational last week at Rutgers University. As part of that coverage, Swimming World Magazine.com program to provided internships to young people locally, “employing” to interview, film and photograph the event.

During the weekend, several Elite swimmers participated in the programming of the event. Courtesy of Antone Balbo, to see these clips click on http:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=waxjez3igm0 to watch some of our favorite swimmers doing commercials and interviews. YouTube never looked better!!!

OFFICIALS TO BE “THANKED” FINANCIALLY:

In an effort to show the appreciation to the Elite officials for their hard work, Elite will institute a new policy this spring that will financially reward our officials.

To become an official, an individual needs to register with NJ Swimming (cost is approximately $50 per year). To offset that cost, any Elite official who has worked 6 sessions at Elite Meets plus 4 additional sessions thru the year will be given a $30 credit towards the next year’s Elite tution cost. Officials will be asked to make a copy of their signed credentials.

Coupled with the cost savings of getting into meets for free, this $30 savings should completely offset the cost of becoming an official.

END OF SEASON ALTERED TO ACCOMMODATE MEETS, SPRING SESSION:

EVERYONE TRAINS TIL FRIDAY, MARCH 13:

As all Elite swimmers and parents know, Elite has developed significantly over the past 4 years. Thru a combination of need changes and changes in the end of the season meet championship schedule, Elite will significantly alter from past years “end of the season” training plan to accommodate the swimmers most pressing need: to continue to develop.

This year, all Elite swimmers (regardless of age or ability) will be invited to continue to train thru Friday, March 13, regardless of their status viz a viz championship meets. This means that all 8 & Unders, all 9 & 10’s and all 11 & 12 will continue training AFTER their Mini Championship meet or AFTER their Silver/Bronze Meets up to Friday, March 13. Junior Olympic and Zone swimmers will continue to train thru the conclusion of their championship meet.

All swimmers (with the possible exception of Zone swimmers), will begin their Spring Season together on Monday, April 6.

Changing the schedule this way allows for non-JO level swimmers (and parents) 3 weeks off between seasons (much needed mental and physical rest) and Junior Olympic swimmers 2 full weeks off between sessions.

The result of this decision to “de-couple” the end of the season training with their championship meets allows Elite swimmers to attend Championship Meets without having to worry about how long a swimmer is out of the pool (too long hurts their development). Please note that the training within each training group will be altered during this time frame, with the post championship swimmers grouped together in practice to work on conditioning while the pre-championship swimmers will focus on stroke details, racing and resting for their upcoming championship meet.

Thus, Elite will elect to attend the Mini-Championships on Sunday, February 15, along with the 9-10, 11-12 & 13 & Older Silver Bronze Championships. Elite will also plan to host a “Last Chance” Meet on Saturday, February 14, time to be determined.

One additional change, with the date change of the Senior State Championship Meet to Friday, February 20 thru Sunday, February 22, this meet will now become (another Elite 1^st) an “optional” for Elite swimmers 15 & Older who have high school meet conflicts. Optional is defined as: if there is a significant reason not to have a swimmer swim in the meet (such as 1) a conflict with a high school championship meet or 2) too many meets in successive weekends to insure great end of season performances, a swimmer with coach guidance can opt out of competing at Senior States.

PARENTS GEARING UP FOR 9-10 SILVER BRONZE & 13 & OLDER CHAMPIONSHIPS:

The Meet Coordinators of the 9-10 Silver Bronze Championships are gearing up for this championship meet which Elite will host Saturday, February 28 & Sunday, March 1^st at Newark Academy.

All parents of swimmer 10 years of age and younger (yes, including 8 year olds and 7 year olds) are expected to work the 9-10 Silver/Bronze Championship meet. Carolyn Balbo will begin contacting parents shortly to begin the organization process of running the meet, manning the various jobs, etc. Please respond to her as soon as you are able to help make her job easier.

Parents of all 13 & Older swimmers will also be contacted in the near future regarding Elite’s co-hosting of the 13 & Older Silver Bronze Championships at Rutgers University.

All parents of swimmer 13 years of age and older are expected to work this meet. Debbie Scherb, will begin contacting parents shortly to begin the organization process of running the meet, manning the various jobs, etc. Please respond to her as soon as you are able to help make her job easier.

Quick question for you, am I coordinating volunteers for any other meet but the 13 and older champs?  I want to put together a note for your weekly newsletter soon, in the hopes of getting all the volunteer settled early this year.  I have your meet coordinators for 13 and older:  Jennifer Tortorella for 13-14 girls,  Mary Ann Keiser for 15 and older girls and me for the boys.  I will contact Brandy to work out the rest of the details.

THINKING SUMMER? THINK SUMMER SWIM CAMPS!:

Although the hot sun and humid weather seems millions of years away, summer is only 6 months away and top-notch swim camps are already taking registrations for the summer of 2009.

When planning the upcoming summer, please consider sending your Elite swimmer (Wave Black level, Wave Teal level, Marlin Black level or Marlin Teal level). Wave Golds and Seniors should remain training with Elite thru the summer months) to one of the numerous swim camps.

Each summer, numerous Elite swimmers spend a rewarding week (or two) at a summer swim camp. The benefits of such a camp are: 1) individual attention by reknown swim coaches 2) an increased knowledge of the sport of swimming and 3) personal growth that occurs as a result of “being on one’s own.” The formula that seems to work best is finding an Elite friend to spend the week with at the swim camp.

If you are considering sending your swimmer to a swim camp, now is the time to do the research and make decisions (many of these camps are sold out by mid-Spring). On the website, under Swim Camps at http://www.eliteswimclub.org/Swim Camps/index.html is information regarding Summer Swim Camps. Many of these swim camps close out in late February and early March!!!

Thinking about summer? Think Swim Camps!!

BEST PART OF TAPER? HANGING OUT WITH OLYMPIAN MARK GANGLOFF!!

Every swimmer knows the best part of “taper” season is resting. Well, this year, Elite swimmers will taper by resting and hanging out with 2008 Olympian Mark Gangloff!!

Organized and coordinated by the Elite Swim Club Parents Organization, Elite will hold a 1 day seminar on Sunday February 22, 2009 with eight place finisher Beijing Olympian Mark Gangloff. As with past Olympian Seminars, Mark will discuss his career, give swimming tips and instruct swimmers in the water. If we are lucky, he will race one or two of his new friends.

Information regarding the event is now on the Elite website under Mark Gangloff. Register today by sending your check to ESCPO Sandi Niccolai 4 Redman Farm Road Mendham, NJ (please note the correct zip is: 07945).

REMINDER: SCHOLAR/ATHLETE AWARDS WILL BE HIGHLIGHT OF AWARDS BANQUET:

With the conclusion of the 2nd marking periods, swimmers are reminded that the ultimate award an Elite swimmer can earn at the season ending Awards Banquet (Saturday, March 28, 2009) will once again be the Elite Scholar-Athlete Awards. Great grades, in addition to great swim times, are required for a swimmer to earn one of these awards.

These awards will be broken down into three levels:

1) All-American Scholar Athlete Award: Swimmer must have a 3.5 grade average and at least 1 Sectional Qualifying time. This award is actually a USA Swimming Award and will be presented by New Jersey Swimming. Elite will also provide a certificate to those swimmers who have qualified for this award.

2) The Elite Scholar-Athlete Gold Award: A swimmer must have all A’s and no more than 1 B (or the equivalent of all A’s and 1 B) plus at least 1 individual Junior Olympic Qualify Time

3) The Elite Scholar-Athlete Teal Award: Swimmer must have all A’s and B’s (of the equivalent) plus at least 1 individual Silver Qualifying Time

In addition to each swimmer receiving an impressive certificate from Elite acknowledging this achievement, from this season forward Elite will post the names of its scholar athletes on its website-forever acknowledging its most special scholar-athletes.

Parents of grammar school students should remember that Bill will review the grading legend (assuming A’s and B’s are not given) to ascertain if the swimmer has fulfilled the academic requirements to receive the award.

Bill is now accepting the scholastic information. If your swimmer made a JO or Silver qualifying time last summer or this winter and then aged up, an applicant must fill out the application form on the team website that will point Bill to the swim in question. All scholastic information needs to be to Bill by Tuesday, March 18.

WITH WINTER COMES WEATHER,

CHECK WEBSITE/EMAIL FOR PRACTICE CANCELLATIONS:

Weather will have an affect on practice schedules and meet starting times. When in doubt, check the Elite website and your email for information regarding time changes due to weather.

Be advised that both Newark Academy and Morristown Beard tend to close down at the forecast of bad weather. In addition, safety is extremely important. Thus, weather is likely to interrupt practice and even if it does not, parents should make decisions based upon their comfort level regarding travel to and from practice.

SICK? COULD BE YOUR LACK OF “AT HOME” SWIMMING DETAILS!!!

Are you sick? Got the flu, strep or a bad head cold? Your sickness is probably caused by your own lack of swimming details!!!

Since we are heading towards our heaviest training (December & January), swimmers are “broken down” or tired based upon the heavy swimming workload. To stay healthy, each swimmer needs to practice their “at home” swimming details: drinking lots of fluids, eating properly and often, getting enough sleep and dressing properly for winter.

There are literally dozens of swimmers that ignore these vital “at home” swimming details, and most of these swimmers end up missing significant training and/or actually missing their meets because they do not live their “at home” swimming details. These swimmers literally shorten their training seasons due to their sickness!!!

One new swimmer phenomena that is just plain crazy is the “sandal/no sock look” in zero degree weather. Swimmers who dress like this are literally begging to get sick. One Elite swimmer actually got frostbite 3 years ago due to not dressing properly on the way home from swimming on a particularly cold night. Ever tried swimming with frostbite? Be a winner: do your swimming details at home and at school, in addition to at the pool!!!

PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS:

ATTENDENCE, LEVEL OF TRAINING AND STROKE TECHNIQUE:

CORRECTION: 80% NEEDED FOR WAVE GOLDS TO BE PROMOTED:

As we hit the mid-point of our training season, swimmers and parents are reminded that swimmers EARN their promotions by accomplishing 3 criteria thru the season. Coaches will make their recommendations for promotions to Bill starting in mid January and the promotion letters will be mailed in early February. No swimmer will be considered for promotion unless they comply with the following 3 criteria (and swimmers are reminded that they control this process, not the coaches);

1) great attendance as defined as follows:

a. over 70% for Marlin Teals, Marlin Blacks, Wave Teals & Wave Blacks.

b. over 80% for Wave Golds (changed from last year due to removal of practice make-ups)

c. over 85% for Senior Preps

2) Training within the top lanes in one’s training group. Each training group has 2 to 6 different levels of training within the training group. A swimmer must be training within the top 2 training levels to be considered.

3) Great stroke technique. While swimmers are training in the top level of their training group, they need to hold their stroke technique. Each swimmer

is aware of those things they need to work on.

Each swimmer is encouraged to talk to their coach regarding their current status and things they need to do during the 2^nd half of the season to earn a promotion.

WHEN IN DOUBT, CHECK THE WEBSITE:

If you have questions about Elite, your first source of information is Elite’s website located at eliteswimclub.org. When in doubt, first check the website!!!