Captain's Log
Thanks to everyone for a very smooth meet on Saturday. The swimmers and parents have gotten this swim meet thing down to a well-oiled machine now!
Our swimmers swam very well and narrowly defeated the Sharks, a divisional opponent. There were many time improvements, new Invitational Qualifiers. and several records broken! See below for details.
Next week we go on the road for the last time this season, to visit the Tidal Waves of Block House Creek. See below for meet details.
Just a reminder, whether you are participating in the meet or not, you still need to register on line to let us know. Thanks!
Coach's Corner
I went home feeling extremely proud of our team after another awesome Saturday ! As a whole we swam our best and dropped time in every event. We had a few new invitational qualifiers, several heat winners and numerous time improvements. We have two official dual meets left before the Divisional swim meet. Swimmers, I encourage you to try an event you haven’t done yet this season. You never know which events might end up being your favorite. :-)
A couple reminders for swimmers and parents alike:
·We are so proud of our swimmers and want you to be identified as a member of our team. Therefore, swimmers, we ask that you not wear a logo cap other than Wells Branch Armada. If you do we will ask you to turn it inside out or switch caps.
·Swimmers, candy and soft drinks are not an option for you during the meet. In order to do your best you need to fill your body with healthy food for energy. Water, fruit/veggies, crackers, sandwiches, yogurt, nuts, cereal, etc. are terrific choices. Please save the treats for after your events.
This week we are excited about having swim-a-thon Tuesday night. This is a great time for our team to have fun, swim and hang out together. :-) The coaches will take into consideration the extra swim time that night when we put together our workouts for this week. We know that several swimmers are very close to qualifying for the invitational and this week we will be doing at least two days of stroke stations. The swimmers will have the choice of choosing strokes they really want to work on. These stations will include starts, turns and finishes.
Thank you to the board and the parents for supporting our team and making the meets possible. I know there is so much that goes on behind the scenes to make the season successful and I thank you for all you do.
Have a great week!
Coach Gina
Volunteer Spot
Wasn't the meet today great? Pleasant weather and short... What more could we ask for?
I just want to remind everyone that if you've signed up to volunteer and it turns out that your child(ren) is(are) not swimming, please let me know you won't be at the meet to cover the job you signed up to do. It's easier to fill your spot if I have advance notice.
Many thanks for all you do for our team!
Tidal Waves Meet (June 22) - Away
Be sure to enter by noon Monday - June 17 using our OME system.
Our fifth dual meet is away versus the Tidal Waves of Block House Creek in Leander. This is our last meet away at another pool and is a great chance for the swimmers to practice swimming at another pool prior to the end of season meets.
Relays are chosen by the coaches and we try to have as many swimmers as possible participate. Please recognize that if a swimmers signs up for a meet and then does not participate on Saturday, it may result in our having to scratch that relay team from the meet.
Please arrive on time. Late arrival could result in your swimmer being scratched from their relay.
Scratch: Once we close the meet online, email paul.wadehra@gmail.com, or text to 512-659-1373 if you have to scratch.
Key Information
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Tent Set-up During the Meet Clean Up
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WBA Board Selection Committee
The Wells
Branch Armada Board has positions that need to be filled for the 2014 swim season. Anyone willing to put in the time and effort may run for the Board. In an effort to maintain a good balance of interests and strengths among Board members, an independent committee will make recommendations for 2014; however, positions are open and anyone may run.
The Board Selection Committee will consist of one non-returning Board member and two other parents that do not serve on the Board. No person that serves on the Board Selection Committee is eligible to recommend themselves or a family member for the 2014 Board. If you would like to serve on the
committee, please email board@wbarmada.org or contact Beth Gavin at gavinfamily99@yahoo.com.
WBA Scholarships
The Wells Branch Armada offers up to three annual scholarships to swimmers who apply in their "age-out" year.
A scholarship committee will review applications. No senior parent will serve on the committee and we would like non-board members to volunteer. If you would like to serve on the committee, please email board@wbarmada.org
For information, please contact Mindy Lewis at mindy@wbarmada.org.Swim-A-Thon - Volunteers Needed
The Swim-a-Thon is this coming Tuesday, June 18, from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at the Willow Bend pool. We could sure use your help to make things run smoothly. Below is a list of positions that need to be filled.
Popcorn machine (concessions) (need one person per shift)
Sno-Cone machine (concessions) (need one person per shift)
Concessions – hot dogs, etc. (need 2 people per shift)
Set up 5:00-6:00 (need 4 people)
Clean-up 8:30-9:00 (need 4 people)
We’re planning to have three shifts so everyone has ample opportunity to enjoy the festivities. The shifts are as follows:
First shift - 5:30-6:40
Second shift - 6:40-7:50
Third shift - 7:50-9:00
Please let Jeannie Boylan know how you’re interested in helping and which shift you’d prefer. Once the schedule is finalized, Jeannie will send it out.
Swim-A-Thon - Party Time is 6:00-8:30 pm, Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Our annual Swim-A-Thon & Silent Auction will be held from 6 to 8:30 pm, Tuesday, June 18. This is our primary fundraiser and a huge party for our swimmers and families!
Swimmers received donation envelopes in their family folders last week. We ask that each swimmer collect pledges per length of the pool or flat donations. This fundraiser keeps us from having to raise registration prices significantly. Each family has committed to get donations of at least $50.
During the Swim-A-Thon, swimmers will be swimming laps and parents will bring chairs and sit by the pool to count your swimmer's laps. Only team members are allowed in the pool. Each team member will be entered in drawings for great door prizes - and there is one for everyone!. We will also have special prizes you can purchase raffle tickets for.
We will offer free food and drinks for all family members. Sno-cones, popcorn, and hot dogs...No charge for any of this!
Parents are encouraged to visit our Silent Auction tables. We have restaurant certificates, tickets to local attractions, and items donated by local businesses - great for gifts or just to treat yourself!See you at the pool Tuesday evening!
NWSC National Anthem Competition
The Northwest Swim Circuit is hosting a National Anthem competition. The winner will be chosen to sing the National Anthem at The University of Texas Swim Center at our Invitational Meet on Sunday, July 7, 2013.
Contestants must be a swim team member of the
Northwest Swim Circuit and must submit a recorded audition. Solo
performances only, no duets or groups.
All entries must be received by Tuesday, July 2, 2013.
For entry details, please view the NWSC website http://nwsc-swimming.org/national_anthem.html
Fast Fishy Winners
Each week the WBA honors the swimmers in each age group that record the largest time improvement. In swimming, the goal is to try to beat yourself each week by recording a personal best.
These swimmers will receive a special "Fast Fishy" cap from the coaches.
Girls | 6&U | 7-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 | 13-14 | 15-17 |
Name | Mya Marquez | Maia Munoz | Isabella Bashara | Hannah Huang | Laura Vargas | Hannah Lehman |
Improvement | -13.39 | -12.35 | -14.50 | -18.10 | -3.74 | -3.28 |
Boys | 6&U | 7-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 | 13-14 | 15-17 |
Name | Jackson Nydegger | Samarveer Panag | Joshua Huang | Varun Saravanabavan | Omeed Tehrani | Nathan Thompson |
Improvement | -17.48 | -24.69 | -7.33 | -3.99 | -6.18 | -6.05 |
Note: Fast Fishy is based on current year times only.
Gold Medal Winners
Single Winners | Double Winners | Triple Winners |
Alex Shamblin | Caleb Jahnke | Courtney Black |
Amy Taffinder | Christine Gozdalski | Demi Waworuntu |
Andrew Taffinder | Faith Larimore | Jacob Tolfa |
Bella Herold | Joshua Trunick | |
Christina Liew | Justin Good | |
Coe Scruggs | Kayla Good | |
Jenna Stabler | Vincent Liew | |
Keegan Gavin | ||
Logan O'Reilly | ||
Mason Freeman | ||
Miranda Wadehra | ||
Reza Jamalabad | ||
Zack Casper | ||
Zina Sator |
Gold Medal Medley Relays
Boys 7-8 | Justin Good, Beck Wadehra, Colton Bennett, Joshua Stabler |
Boys 9-10 | Keegan Gavin, Vincent Liew, Jake Tolfa, Ephraim Freeman |
Girls 11-12 | Kayla Good, Christina Liew, Demi Waworuntu, Vicki Trunick |
Boys 11-12 | Austine Do, Ethan Wu, Caleb Jahnke, Andrew Taffinder |
Girls 13-14 | Courtney Black, Miranda Wadehra, Alex Shamblin, Heather Wu |
Girls 15-17 | Alix Gavin, Zina Sator, Christine Gozdalski, Delaney Quinn |
Boys 15-17 | Logan O'Reilly, Kyle Hammack, Coe Scruggs, Zack Casper |
Gold Medal Freestyle Relays
Boys 9-10 | Jake Tolfa, Ephraim Freeman, Vincent Liew, Keegan Gavin |
Girls 11-12 | Kayla Good, Vicki Trunick, Ashley McQuoid, Demi Waworuntu |
Boys 11-12 | Andrew Taffinder, Ethan Wu, Austine Do, Caleb Jahnke |
Girls 13-14 | Alex Shamblin, Miranda Wadehra, Amy Taffinder, Courtney Black |
Girls 15-17 | Delaney Quinn, Alix Gavin, Zina Sator, Christine Gozdalski |
Boys 15-17 | Logan O'Reilly, Coe Scruggs, Robby Hale, Zack Casper |
Invitational Meet Qualifiers
The Northwest Swim Circuit holds a Championship Meet at the end of the season for qualifying swimmers. Congratulations to our swimmers who have already qualified in the following events. (Each swimmer will only be able to swim in 3 events at the meet.)
Name | Age Grp | Short Free | IM | Back | Breast | Long Free | Fly |
Bella Herold | 6-U | X | |||||
Reza Jamalabad | 6-U | X | |||||
Abbey Hrovatin | 7-8 |
X | |||||
Daeni Scott | 7-8 | X | X | ||||
Colton Bennett | 7-8 |
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X | ||||
Justin Good | 7-8 | X | X | X | X | ||
Beck Wadehra | 7-8 | X | |||||
Isabella Bashara | 9-10 | X | |||||
Jennifer Kane | 9-10 | X | X | ||||
Ephraim Freeman | 9-10 | X | X | ||||
Keegan Gavin | 9-10 | X | X | X | X | ||
Vincent Liew | 9-10 | X | X | X | X | ||
Jacob Tolfa | 9-10 | X | X | X | X | ||
Darren Waworuntu | 9-10 | X | |||||
Kayla Good | 11-12 | X | X | X | X | X | |
Christina Liew | 11-12 | X | X | ||||
Victoria Trunick | 11-12 | X | X | X | |||
Demi Waworuntu | 11-12 | X | X | X | X | X | |
Caleb Jahnke | 11-12 | X | X | X | X | ||
Ethan Wu | 11-12 | X | |||||
Courtney Black | 13-14 | X | X | X | X | X | |
Alex Shamblin | 13-14 | X | X |
X | X | X | |
Miranda Wadehra | 13-14 | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Heather Wu | 13-14 | X | X | X | |||
Mason Freeman | 13-14 | X | X | X | X | X | |
Hardy Prosper | 13-14 | X | X | ||||
Joshua Trunick | 13-14 | X | X | X | X | X | |
Alix Gavin | 15-17 | X | X | X | X | ||
Christine Gozdalski | 15-17 | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Delaney Quinn | 15-17 | X | X | X | X | X | |
Zina Sator | 15-17 | X | |||||
Zack Casper | 15-17 | X | X | X | X | ||
Robby Hale | 15-17 | X | |||||
Kyle Hammack | 15-17 | X | |||||
Logan O'Reilly | 15-17 | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Coe Scruggs | 15-17 | X | X | X | X |
Armada Record Breakers
Four individual team records and two relay team records were broken Saturday:
Name | Event | Old Record | New Record |
Justin Good | Boys 7-8 25 Breast | 21.33 Set in 1996 by Adam Mayer |
21.08 |
Jake Tolfa | Boys 9-10 25 Free | 13.98 Set in 2013 by Jake Tolfa |
13.94 |
Vincent Liew | Boys 9-10 25 Back | 17.36 Set in 1993 by Andre Arrieta |
17.25 |
Jake Tolfa | Boys 9-10 25 Fly | 15.61 Set in 2013 by Vincent Liew |
15.46 |
The Girls 15-17 Medley Relay consisting of Alix Gavin, Zina Sator, Christine Gozdalski, and Delaney Quinn broke a record set in 2007.
Way to go Armada!
See all team records.
WBA Team Awards Night - Sunday, July 7 - Raffle
Our annual award's night will be held at the Wells Branch Recreation Center on Sunday, July 7.
Each swimmer on the team will be recognized with an award. Additionally, swimmers will be recognized for perfect attendance at meets, the age group high-point winners, record breakers, coach's choice and most improved in each age group.
We will be selling raffle
tickets at the beginning of the ceremony and will have the final drawing at the
conclusion of the night.
- Basket 1 : Night on the Town
- Basket 2: Colt McCoy signed UT Football
Please contact Mary Hale with questions.
WBA Swim Shop
Swim Shop - open during home swim meets
- Team swim bags - $12
- WBA Embroidered Resort Towels - $20
- WBA Printed Resort Towels - $15
- 2013 WBA Shirts - $15 (only a few left)
- 2012 WBA Shirts - $5 (only a few left)
- Team Silicone caps - $10
- Team Vinyl caps - $4
- Assorted TYR and Speedo Goggles – prices vary
Practice Schedule
Morning practices are in full swim!
We may make changes to this schedule after practice starts if we have too many swimmers in the pool at one time. Our goal is to make each practice as even as possible so the swimmers have the best experience possible.
If you have any questions please contact Marcynda Verdicchio.
Practice Schedule: June 5 - July 5 -- Monday-FridayPractice 1: | Ages 12 & Up | 7:15 - 8:45 AM |
Practice 2: | Ages 6 and Under | 8:45 - 9:30 AM |
Practice 3: | Ages 7-8 | 9:30 - 10:30 AM |
Practice 4: | Ages 9-11 | 10:30 - 11:30 AM |
Rain/Bad Weather:
In case of weather changes, please have a back-up plan for your swimmer (bike riders, walkers, etc). Everyone must be out of the water during a thunderstorm and if lightning is seen. Swim practice may continue if it is only raining and the coaches feel practice will be beneficial. If in doubt, you can call the pool and ask the lifeguard if swim practice is on. If the weather changes quickly, and the swimmers must get out of the pool, a coach will remain with them until everyone is picked up. The telephone number to the pool office is 512-310-1833.
Swim Meet Tips and Checklist
Here are a few important tips to make your swim meet experience successful:
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Be on time. At the beginning of the meet the coaches will make changes to relay events if there are swimmers that are absent or missing. It is important that swimmers check-in with their pit parent to avoid being scratched from any relay event. |
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Bring nutritious snacks. The swim meets begin very early in the morning and last until noon or later. Please pack healthy snacks for your swimmers to eat such as, fresh fruit, bagels, crackers, water, sports drinks etc. We make an attempt to offer healthy items at the concession stand. |
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Pack appropriate supplies.Towels, sunscreen, goggles, etc - See checklist below... |
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Swimmers should stay in their pit areas The Pit Parents are responsible for watching the swimmers in the pit area and getting them to the ready bench when it is time for their event. If your child is going somewhere with you, please let the pit parents know. |
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MARK EVERYTHING! Please write your child's name on ALL belongings. At the meet, you will be dozens of identical t-shirts, caps, goggles - plus similar towels, flip flips, sunscreen. Don't forget to mark any electronic games - they get mixed up! |
Checklist:
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2 towels | ![]() |
water or sport's drinks |
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blanket to sit on in pit area | ![]() |
nutritious snacks |
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warm clothes for after warm-up in early a.m. | ![]() |
Quiet activities to keep them occupied in the pit area between races |
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Swim cap | ![]() |
sunblock |
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goggles | ![]() |
Parents: Bring a chair, wear a hat, apply sunblock! |
Online Meet Entry (OME)
For every swim meet on our schedule, EVERY family MUST login to our website and register your swimmer for the meet. If your swimmer is not able to swim across the pool or you will be out-of-town and cannot participate, you should still login and and complete the form.
Please login to https://wellsbranch.swimtopia.com/swim_meets. You should see the name(s) of your swimmer(s) and the events for their age group(s).
You will be able to tell us if your swimmer(s) will not attend the meet or if they will not be available to swim either the early or the late relays for that meet.
We need each registered swimmer to fill out this form for each meet.
Massage + Yoga offering 50% off for Armada Families
Massage+Yoga, located at the intersection of Bratton and Merrilltown,
is offering 50% off massages for Armada families through July. Please schedule online at www.massageplusyoga.com. Use promotion 'armada'