Summer Thunder Information

There have been quite a few questions about the Invitational Meet information at the pool.  I have asked for more information about the Invitationals and Summer Thunder seems to be an easier meet for both the swimmers and our Waves coaches to attend.  Hopefully this email will answer your questions.

What is Summer Thunder?

Summer Thunder is a mid-season invitational meet, this means that swimmers must have a qualifying time in order to be "invited" to the meet. Summer Thunder takes place on Sunday, June 8th for all 10 & Under events, the 11 and over 100 Free and the 11 & Over 100 IM (warm ups at 11:30 a.m. and the Meet starts at 1:00 p.m.) and Monday, June 9th for the remaining 11 & Over events (warm ups at 3:45 pm and the Meet starts at 5:00 p.m.).  The Meet is at Klein High School.

How do I get my swimmer qualified, How do I sign up? Is there a fee?

There are 2 things you need to do to sign up for Summer Thunder and yes, there is a fee.

1. Sign up on the Waves website using the swimmer icon like you would do for any meet. Click on the swimmer icon, then select a swimmer, add entry, select events and SAVE!!!  At Summer Thunder, there is no limit to the number of events a swimmer can enter.  Also, if a swimmer qualifies in 3 events, then they are eligible to swim whatever other events they'd like even if they don't have qualifying times in that event.  You don't have to do this, but you can if you'd like.

2. Next, you must fill out a form at the pool for payment.  I will have a large envelope that says Summer Thunder on it at the pool next to the binders and the ribbon box.  Summer Thunder does cost money to enter.  It is $5.00/Individual event and $3.00/relay event.  So for example, if you are swimming 3 individual events and a relay then you would pay $18.00.  Checks need to be made out to The Woodlands Township.

What is the deadline to sign up?

The final deadline to sign up is at the end of the meet on Saturday, May 31st.  By the end of the meet on the 31st you will have had to enter your swimmer on the website and submitted payment in order to be entered.  If we don't get your check or credit card number, your swimmer will not be entered. If your swimmer has already qualified and you know you want to go, don't wait until the last minute  - sign up now!

How will I know if my swimmer will be on a relay?

We will try to make as many relays as possible and relays will be seeded according to times.  However, sometimes the numbers just don't work out and someone who wanted to be on a relay might not get on one.  We will do the best we can to accommodate all swimmers.  Swimmers are allowed to swim in a maximum of 2 relays (medley and free).

Will the Coaches be there?

Yes, We will have a Waves coach there to help with warm ups, write numbers on their arms, give pep talks before they swim and high fives after. Age group parents will not be at Invitationals so it is up to each individual parent to make sure their swimmer gets to the ready bench in time for their events.

Where can I get more information?

To find out more go to http://www.packswimming.org. Go to the tab that says Events/Meets, then click on Summer Thunder.  All the information you need is there.

What are Ponderosa, All Stars and Trinity?

Ponderosa, All Starts and Trinity (Gold & Silver) are post-season invitationals that take place June 28 & June 29th.  Look for PI, AS, GOLD and SILVER next to the results at this week's meet and future meets to see if your swimmer qualifies for these.  We will have them on the website soon.  However, because we have a lot of time before these meets, we will discuss them in a later email.  The Sign Up procedures will be similar to Summer Thunder.  

Some final thoughts:

Invitationals are a lot of fun! Like Summer Thunder, they usually take place at indoor pools with indoor setup where there are touchpad's and electronic scoreboards with the swimmer's name displayed. Qualifying for a mid or post season invitational is a big accomplishment and something swimmers should feel proud of. Swimming in an invitational meet can be a very motivating experience for a swimmer.  If your swimmer has qualified, I hope that you consider going.

Thanks for taking the time to read all of this.  Before emailing questions, please take a moment to read the meet invitation on the pack swimming website, most of your answers will be there.