Thursday, November 19, 2020

JHSR Session 2 (Winter) Registration Link

Please follow the link here to register for Pre-Competitive Session 2, December 1 - February 4 (with 2 weeks off over the holiday break).  When you go to register, you will see that Session 2 is currently full, but we encourage you to put your swimmer's name on the waitlist, as circumstances continue to change for many.

As a reminder, practice will be held on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 5:30-6:30, until January 26, when practice will move to 5:45-6:45.  We hope to hold our Sweetheart meet on February 6-7 to cap off Session 2.  

When you register, if you are new to Stingrays this year, please be sure to pay the $10 Wyoming LSC fee, and the $10 Flex USA Swimming membership fee.  If you do not pay the LSC and USA Swimming fees, your child will not be registered, and the next waitlisted swimmer with take the spot.  You can either choose to add the cost of your kickboard, or bring your own to the first day of practice.  

If it is your first time swimming with Stingrays this school year, you will be required to attend a mandatory parent meeting during the first practice.  At that time, we will discuss in detail the health and safety protocol and ask all families to acknowledge and sign the protocol and release.  Please review both.  If you are unable to agree to the terms of either, please do not register your child.  We will also distribute kick boards (if purchased during registration) and fins (to be returned at the end of the session).  Swimmers will not share equipment, and it will be the swimmers’ responsibility to bring these items to every practice. If your child must miss practice or if practice must be cancelled for any health or safety reason, no refunds will be available.

If you have questions, please reach out to the Board at jhstingrayboard@gmail.com.  We look forward to talking with you!

Friday, November 13, 2020

JHSR - Pre-Competitive Session 2 (Winter)

We’ve had a great start this year in pre-competitive Session 1, which ends on November 19.  Thanks to everyone for making it a success!

Session 2 will begin on December 1 and run through February 4, with a 2-week break over the winter holidays.  Practice will be Tuesdays/Thursdays from 5:30-6:30, until January 26, when we move to a 5:45 start time for the last 2 weeks of practice.  We hope to hold our Sweetheart meet on February 6-7 to cap off Session 2.

Registration for Session 2 opens on Thursday, November 19.  Watch the blog for a registration link at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday morning.  The cost for Session 2 will be $200 (paid monthly).  When you register, if you are new to Stingrays this year, please be sure to pay the $10 Wyoming LSC fee, and the USA Swimming membership fee.  If you do not pay the LSC and USA Swimming fees, your child will not be registered, and the first waitlisted swimmer with take the spot.  You can either choose to add the cost of your kickboard, or bring your own to the first day of practice.  

If it is your first time swimming with Stingrays this school year, you will be required to attend a mandatory parent meeting during the first practice.  At that time, we will discuss in detail the health and safety protocol and ask all families to acknowledge and sign the protocol and release.  Please review both.  If you are unable to agree to the terms of either, please do not register your child.  We will also distribute kick boards (if purchased during registration) and fins (to be returned at the end of the session).  Swimmers will not share equipment, and it will be the swimmers’ responsibility to bring these items to every practice. If your child must miss practice or if practice must be cancelled for any health or safety reason, no refunds will be available.

If you have questions, please reach out to the Board at jhstingrayboard@gmail.com.  We look forward to talking with you!

Sunday, September 13, 2020

No Practice Friday, September 18

 There will be no practice on Friday, September 18 because the high school girls are hosting a swim meet at the Rec Center that day.  

For a full calendar of fall practices, go here.  

Friday, September 11, 2020

Pre-Competitive Team -- Registration Invitation

We’ve had a great start to our competitive group season so far and have decided to move ahead with our pre-competitive session.  The session will begin September 15 and end on November 19.  Practices will be Tuesdays/Thursdays from 6:15 to 7:00.  At this time, because COVID-19 restrictions have limited the number of swimmers we can have in each lane, we will only be accepting 15 pre-competitive swimmers.  If things go well, we may consider more swimmers for the winter session.  Registration will be first-come, first-served.  Please follow the link here to register before COB on Monday, September 14. 

Registration is $200 for the session (paid monthly), in addition to the $10 USA Swimming and $10 Wyoming Swimming membership fees.  You must choose the $10 USA Swimming Flex membership or you will be de-registered, and the next waitlisted child will be registered.  (Do not choose the $0 USA membership).  If your child must miss practice or if practice must be cancelled for any health or safety reason, no refunds will be available.

A mandatory parent/swimmer meeting will be held on the lawn outside the Rec Center at 5:30 p.m. on September 15 before the first practice.  At that time, we will discuss in detail the health and safety protocol and ask all families to acknowledge and sign the protocol and release.  Please review both.  If you are unable to agree to the terms of either, please do not register your child.  We will also distribute kick boards and fins (to be returned at the end of the session) on September 15.  Swimmers will not share equipment, and it will be the swimmers’ responsibility to bring these items to every practice.  

We are still uncertain about what competition will look like this fall given the health and safety limitations.  We will keep you posted, and pre-competitive swimmers will be given an opportunity to compete, if at all possible.

Finally, if you have the financial means this year, please remember the JH Stingrays in your Old Bills' Donations.  A little goes a long way, and we need your support more than ever.

If you have questions, please reach out to the Board at jhstingrayboard@gmail.com.  We look forward to talking with you!


Sunday, August 30, 2020

JH Stingrays 2020 Fall Start

JH Stingrays Families and Supporters,

The past several months have been a challenge for USA swim teams across the country with closed facilities and cancelled events.  The JH Stingrays are no exception.  Since March, we have been unable to access the Teton County Recreation Center to hold practice, and we have been unable to compete in any events.  We hope that this is about to change, as we plan to begin our fall 2020 swim season.  As we move forward cautiously, but optimistically, with practice this fall, we ask that our swimmers and supporters remain flexible and understanding, knowing that circumstances can change at any time during this global pandemic. 

At this time, we are planning for a limited start to our fall season, beginning on September 2 with our competitive swimmers who have committed to compete at the Winter State Meet, if qualified, in February 2021.  Competitive swimmers will swim M, W, F from 6:15 – 7:15 p.m. (beginners), M, W, F from 6:15 – 7:30 p.m.(intermediate), M, T, W, Th, F from 6:15 – 7:30 p.m. (advanced).  Our start time is later this year during the high school girls swim season to avoid any overlap or contact within the pool area.  The start time will shift when the high school swim season ends.  During practice, at least for the time being, no other members of the public will have access to the Rec Center, again, to minimize contact.  Swimmers and families will follow strict health and safety protocols, which you will find here.  Swimmers and parents will also be asked to sign the release found here.  A mandatory parent meeting for families registered for the fall competitive swim team will be held before practice on the lawn outside the Rec Center on Wednesday, September 2 at 5:30 p.m.  We will discuss the safety protocols in detail and assign equipment at that time. 

If all goes well for our competitive swim practice, we plan to begin our fall pre-competitive session in mid September on T, Th from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m.  If your child or family has participated in the group before, you will be forwarded an email inviting you to register on a first-come-first-serve basis.  If any of the limited spots remain after our existing families register, an additional post will be made to the blog inviting new swimmers to participate.  Please watch for an email from the Board (jhstingrayboard@gmail.com) with more information and an invitation to register.  The pre-competitive swimmers will be subject to the same safety protocols as our competitive swimmers, and a mandatory parent meeting will be arranged prior to the start of practice. 

At this time, no final decisions have been made regarding what competitive events the JH Stingrays will attend or host this fall.  Wyoming Swimming has placed our Fall-in-the-Hole meet on the swim calendar for November 14-15.  However, at this time, the Teton County Recreation Center guidelines do not allow spectators, which poses challenges particularly for our younger swimmers.  We may host the event without spectators, or opt for intrasquad meets that can be held during practice time or following the High School girls swim meets.  Dual or tri-meets with Pinedale and Kemmerer may also be an option.  We will keep you posted as the situation develops. 

We cannot stress enough how grateful we are to our members and families who have supported us through this challenging time.  If you have any questions as we move forward, or input on any of the health and safety measures in place, please contact the Board at jhstingrayboard@gmail.com.  We look forward to talking with you.

JH Stingrays Board

Monday, August 3, 2020

Old Bill's - We appreciate your support!

JH Stingrays swim families and supporters,

This year’s Old Bill’s giving season kicked off on August 1.  The Old Bill’s fundraising event has always been an important part of the JH Stingrays budget.  It gives our organization the shot the arm it needs to pay coaches, pay Teton County Rec Center lane fees that are ever increasing, reimburse coaches for travel to meets, and keep the team’s gear and equipment updated.  These funds are also used to offset practice fees for qualifying families and keep the practice fees reasonable for the rest of our swimmers. 

This year’s fundraising event is more important than ever.  Since COVID-19, we have been unable to hold practice and have not charged any practice fees.  Our coaches, however, remain active preparing for a return to practice and planning other fun alternative events, like our “Swim-the-Snake” summer fitness challenge.  When we are able to return to the pool, we anticipate that we may be limited too in the number of swimmers allowed to practice, which means less income to offset increasing costs. 

The JH Stingrays will emerge from these trying times stronger than ever with the support of friends like you.  Please consider the JH Stingrays during this Old Bill’s giving season!  If you would like to donate, please click here.

Goooooooooooooooooo Stingrays!

JH Stingrays Board

Friday, March 13, 2020

Congratulations to our Wyoming Winter Championship Swimmers!


The JH Stingrays attended the Wyoming Winter State Championship meet in Laramie from March 6-8.  Our swimmers made an impressive showing with every one achieving at least one personal best time, and many dropping significant time.  Several of our swimmers were on the podium and two club records were broken. 



Here are some highlights:

·         Annabel Balsa (Girls 8 and under) 
o   6th in the 100 Free with a time of 1:32.63
o   6th in the 50 Free with a time of 41.97
o   8th in the 25 back with a time of 22.15
·         Emma Gersack (Girls 9-10) 
o   5th in the 50 Breast with a time of 44.66
o   6th in the 100 back with a time of 1:29.17
o   7th in the 200 Free with a time of 2:55.62
o   8th in the 100 IM with a time of 1:29.26
·         Cooper Haling (Boys 8 and under)
o   6th in the 25 Fly with a time of 24.44
·         Harper Karn (Girls 9-10)
o   8th in the 100 Back with a time of 1:29.81
o   8th in the 50 Back with a time of 41.81
·         Amaya Olivieri (Girls 11-12) 
o   3rd in the 50 Fly with a time of 29.20
o   3rd in the 50 Free with a time of 27.17
o   3rd in the 50 Back with a time of 31.04
o   4th in the 100 IM with a time of 1:11.46
o   4th in the 100 Fly with a time of 1:13.24
o   5th in the 100 Back with a time of 1:08.66
o   6th in the 200 Free with a time of 2:23.44
o   7th in the 100 Free with a time of 1:00.54
·         Isa Ramella (Girls 9-10)
o   3rd in the 100 Breast with a time of 1:32.81
o   4th in the 50 Breast with a time of 41.71
o   5th in the 50 Fly with a time of 38.08
o   7th in the 100 Back with a time of 1:29.32
·         Warren Reimer (Boys 9-10)
o   2nd in the 50 Breast with a time of 42.60
o   3rd in the 100 Breast with a time of 1:36.09
o   6th in the 50 Back with a time of 37.47
·         Vega Sanchez (Girls 13-14) 
o   4th in the 50 Free with a time of 25.83
o   6th in the 100 Free with a time of 57.44,
o   6th in the 100 Back with a time of 1:08.24
o   7th in the 200 Back with a time of 2:29.89
·         Vienna Sanchez (Girls 9-10)
o   6th in the 50 Back with a time of 40.66
·         Garrett Tattersall (Boys 9-10)
o   4th in the 100 IM with a time of 1:27.28
o   7th in the 100 Breast with a time of 1:44.39
o   8th in the 50 Breast with a time of 46.27
·         Maren Tattersall (Girls 11-12)
o   8th in the 50 Back with a time of 33.15
o   8th in the 100 IM with a time of 1:15.23
o   8th in the 200 Free with a time of 2:26.89
·         Norah Wilson (Girls 11-12)
o   6th in the 100 Breast with a time of 1:23.94

Warren Reimer earned a new club record in the 10&Under 50 Breast (42.60) and
Amaya Olivieri earned a new club record in the 11-12 50 Fly (29.20).

The full results can be viewed here.  Thanks so much to all our families who made the trip, the coaches for their guidance, and the swimmers who worked so hard.  Congratulations to all!




Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Olympian Rebecca Soni visits the Stingrays!

During the past week, the competitive group swimmers were excited to work with Rebecca Soni, six-time Olympic medalist (3 gold, 3 silver) and former world record holder in the 200-meter breast stroke.  Rebecca was generous with her time and talents, sharing her inspirational story with the swimmers and working with them in the pool.  JH Stingrays were delighted to host Rebecca and hope to see her again!  Thanks to Coach Cindy, the JH Stingrays Board, and all the other parent and community support that made Rebecca's visit possible!


JH Stingrays Beginner Competitive Group




JH Stingrays Intermediate/Advanced Competitive Groups


Friday, February 7, 2020

SWEETHEART MEET BLEACHER PREDICAMENT

Weeks ago we requested to use the JES bleachers for our meet so we would have additional seating.
JES agreed to allow us to use their bleachers for our swim meet. 

However, we were just informed that the JES bleachers are at the HS and they have no way to get them here for the meet.

Therefore, any JHSR swimmer or parent who plans on sitting during the meet MUST bring their own folding/camp chair.

There will not even be enough seating for the visitors. 

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Pre-Competitive Spring Session - registration opens February 18

Pre-Competitive Session 3 (Spring) registration will be available for all new families on Tuesday, February 18 at 6:00 p.m. MT.  A registration link will be posted to the home page as well as under the "Parent Guide to Team and Meet Registration" tab at that time.

The Pre-Competitive Spring session runs from April 7 to June 4.  Practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:45-5:30 p.m.

A mandatory swim test and parent meeting for all swimmers new to Stingrays will be held at the Rec Center lap pool (date and time TBD).  You will be contacted directly by email with this information.  The purpose of the swim test will be for lane placement, not to see how well swimmers swim. Lane placement will depend on ability and endurance. Please report to Coach Cindy at the starter end, near the Lifeguard's room. Bring a water bottle, wear swim goggles, and long hair must be tied back, or in a swim cap.  You must have all registration completed online in order to participate.

Space for the Spring Session is limited. You will be expected to complete the entire Session, and to participate in any local swim meet or competition (TBD), if only for one event, or to cheer on your team mates. Parent volunteer participation is mandatory for any swim event as well.  For a more detailed description of pre-competitive group expectations, please visit the blogspot tab here.

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Sweetheart in the Tetons -- February 8-9

The JH Stingrays will host the Sweetheart in the Tetons swim meet on Saturday and Sunday, February 8-9.  Detailed meet sanction information is available here.

On Saturday, doors open at 2:15 p.m. and warm-ups for JH Stingrays begin at 2:30.  The meet will begin at 3:40 p.m.
  • If you have signed up to time, please meet near the starting blocks at 3:30 p.m.
  • Swimmers should set up behind the bleachers under the red waterslide and remain in that area between events so that coaches can find them.
  • Spectators please bring folding chairs as the bleachers near the locker rooms are reserved for out-of-town guests.
  • Your folding chairs can be left at the pool over night.
On Sunday, doors open at 8:00 a.m. and warm-ups for JH Stingrays begin at 8:15.  The meet will start at 9:30 a.m.  
  • If you signed up to time on Sunday, please meet near the starting blocks at 9:20 a.m.
  • All JH Stingray families must stay after the meet to help clean up.
Thanks for your support!

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooo Stingrays!

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

All Practice Times Change to 5:30 p.m. Beginning Monday, January 27

This is a reminder that all practice times will move to 5:30 p.m. beginning on Monday, January 27 to accommodate the JH Middle School girls swim practice.