Parents, it is time to "save the date" for our mid-season invitational, Summer Thunder, which will be held at Klein High School  June 4 beginning at 11:30 a.m. and June 5 beginning at 3:45 p.m. 

FAQ regarding Invitationals:

What is an INVITATIONAL swim meet and how does my swimmer participate?

Invitationals are really fun, extracurricular meets that are not part of our regular competitive season, but are open to any swimmer who qualifies! Don't be intimidated... some of the qualifying times are VERY achievable.

Should my swimmer participate in Summer Thunder? 

Consider several things, first of all, cutoff times.  12 and Under swimmers must meet qualifying times listed on page 3 of the Invitation. You may still qualify at the next 2 meets. **13 and over swimmers do not need qualifying times.

https://www.teamunify.com/szgspack/UserFiles/File/2017%20Summer%20Thunder%20Announcement.pdf).  

Beyond cutoff times, Summer Thunder is a great idea if:
1.  You can't make some of our dual meets due to multiple activities, and your swimmer needs extra opportunities to make official times for Divisionals.  (Swimmers must have an official (non-time trial) time in order to swim in that event at Divisionals either in an individual event OR relay.)

2.  Your swimmer is close to an end-of-season invitational cut, and you want an additional opportunity to swim that event.

3.  You swimmer needs more competition...in other words, they are at the top of their age group on our team and those we compete against, and would like a challenge.

4.  Your swimmer wants to experience what a year-round (USS) meet feels like.  Summer Thunder is run much like a year-round meet.  There are no age group tents.  Swimmers need to get to their heat and lane on time with just a little help from their friends.
5. Your swimmer just "can't get enough" of summer league swimming!  

How many events should you enter?  Consider the following:
1.  If you want to compete for an age group high point award, enter every event offered.
2.  If you want to get a particular end-of-season cut, enter a few, specific races, with a little time before key swims.
3.  If you do not swim year-round, and perhaps even some of those that do, consider a less-than-maximum number of races (10 and unders have 7 events offered on Sat alone).  For 11 and ups, the third day of competition in a row (dual meet Sat, 100s events Sun), Mon events can be grueling.  Guard against discouragement and burn-out.

4.  While they do give trophies to high point teams, this is not a major concern for us.  I prefer each swimmer to have a great day (or two) of swimming.

 

Are there fees associated with Summer Thunder?

Yes, individual events are $5 per event.  The Stingrays pay for relay events. Those entering individual events should expect to stay for relays. (Payment information coming)

 

If I volunteer does it count towards my 6 shifts for dual meets and divisionals?

​No, it does not count towards 6. However, parents with swimmers should expect to be timers for one shift of the meet.

 

How do I find out more about INVITATIONALS?

Parents (especially new parents!) stop by the Invitationals Information table Saturday at the MNW meet to learn more about Invitational Meets , how your swimmer qualifies, how to sign up for a meet, and how these meets run slightly different from our regular dual meets.  The Invitationals Information table will be located close to relay and volunteer check in.

 

TIME, DATE & SET UP:

Sunday, June 4th, will be for all 10 and Under events and the 11 & Up 100 Free and 100 IM. Warm-ups start at 11:30 a.m. and the meet will start at 1:00 p.m.

Monday, June 5th will be for the remaining 11 and up events. Warm-ups start at 3:45 p.m. and the meet will start at 5:00 p.m.

Although there are no tents at Invitationals, in the past the Stingrays have all sat together and helped each other out.  Its an indoor set up with a nice cool A/C!

We’re looking forward to a great Stingray showing at Summer Thunder!!!