Washington Capitals Swim Night November 2

Cheer on the Caps in their 50th season and show your team spirit in the pool with a team logo swim cap! For more information and tickets, please visit:
https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/capsswimnight2425

Swimmers and Divers Day at Washington Spirit, Sept 15

Information for Individual All Star Meet

We are now just days away from closing out the 2024 NVSL swim season with the Individual All Star Meet hosted by Pinecrest Swim and Tennis Club. What a season it has been! Here are some reminders for the meet with information and attachments linked below.

PINECREST INFORMATION

The Pinecrest folder for Individual All Stars on the NVSL website (CLICK HERE TO ACCESS) contains lots of helpful information to prepare you, your coaches and your families for the meet. We will continue to accept scratches; please email your division coordinator and nvsltechnology@gmail.com. We recently added the PC CONCESSIONS MENU for Saturday -- please check it out and support our hosts by purchasing a breakfast burrito, cheeseburger, drink, snack or treat!

POOL FAMILIARIZATION FRIDAY

Pool Familiarization will take place at Pinecrest on Friday from 7:00 to 11:00am. Please come by, take a look, pick up your team order, and pay for your happy ads. t's very helpful to get these team orders paid for and picked up prior to the meet on Saturday, thank you in advance for sending someone from your team. 

There will be swimming allowed in the pool at Pinecrest for Pool Familiarization. Swimmers will have the opportunity to swim some laps, become familiar with the walls and take some starts. Please note that Pinecrest features a shallow depth at the start. In order to swim on Friday, swimmers will need to arrive as a team and a coach will have to check in with an NVSL representative. Teams will be given one 15 to 20 minute time slot to access the pool. There are no reserved time slots; please check in upon arrival. This is not to be used a team practice.

TEAM AREAS

Team areas may NOT be set up in the Pinecrest field EARLIER THAN 7 AM Saturday morning. Tents and set up crews can be dropped off at the designated “Swimmer Drop-off Area” on Pinecrest Road adjacent to the PC Pool property.  Due to the limited space in the Team Area, we ask all teams to bring one 10 ft x 10 ft tent per 8 swimmers. For teams with 2 or less swimmers, they can use the “Single Swimmer Area.” All team areas will be assigned in advance and you will be escorted by a marshal to your assigned area upon arrival on Saturday.

PARKING AND SWIMMER DROP OFF

Parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood and Fox Mill Elementary School. Please review the parking map on the NVSL website, which is found by clicking here: PARKING AND SWIMMER DROP OFF MAP. Be respectful of Pinecrest's neighbors; obey all parking signs and do not block driveways. Do NOT park in the Truist Bank or Heritage Fellowship church parking lots across Fox Mill Road. Vehicles will be towed at the owners' expense.

There will be one-way traffic on Pinecrest Rd from Viking Dr / Magna Carta Rd (please refer to the MAP). Plan to drop off your swimmer in front of the pool and field on Pinecrest Rd and return to the neighborhood by making a right on Fox Mill Rd then a right on John Milton Dr.

SINGLE EVENT VIEWING

Viewing for this meet is single-event only; once your swimmer completes their race, you will exit the pool area to allow other families the same opportunity. Marshals will assist with single event viewing and we appreciate your cooperation with their instructions. There is very limited standing room only viewing on the side of the pool. Chairs are not allowed inside the pool fence.

Thank you for your help in making this a smooth meet.

VOLUNTEERS

Thank you to the many teams across the league who have offered volunteers and supplies for the meet; thank you for your contributions. Volunteers will receive a separate communication later today (Thursday) with additional details. Please note reserved parking is limited and it may not be possible to give parking passes to all meet volunteers.

LIVESTREAM

We will livestream the meet via the Machine Aquatics' YouTube page: CLICK HERE TO ACCESS. This is a great option for extended and out-of-town family members and anyone else who wants to cheer on your swimmers. 

AWARDS, PICTURES AND RESULTS

Immediately following their events, swimmers will receive their awards and have a group photo taken. Results will be posted on the pool grounds and to Meet Mobile. Following the meet, the results will be posted to the NVSL website.

---HOST APPRECIATION---

We are so grateful to the Pinecrest Swim and Tennis Club board, members, Piranhas swim team, and community for accepting the responsibility for hosting the 2024 Individual All Star Meet. It's a challenge to reimagine your deck and property for the hundreds of swimmers, coaches, family members and team tents that will fill the grounds on Saturday. We ask that all meet attendees be gracious and respectful guests for our hosts and volunteers.

Thank you to Rich, Billy, Bryan, John and the PC All Star committee for your work through the winter, spring and summer to make this meet a fun and successful conclusion to the 2024 season for the entire League.

Chris Campbell and Amy Downey

Outstanding Sportsmanship by the 2024 Sportsmanship Award Winners

Congratulations, 2024 NVSL Division Champions

NVSL Record set at Divisionals

Congratulations to Hadley Petronello of Stratford for setting a new League record in the 13-14 Girls 50M Backstroke at Stratford on Saturday! She swam a time of 29.38, which breaks the old record of 29.42 set by Charis Roundtree of Virginia Run on July 16, 2022.

One League Record in Week Five of Dual Meets

Congratulations once again to Kennedy Masten of Hamlet for breaking her own record in the 11-12 Girls 50M Backstroke at Hamlet on Saturday! She swam a time of 29.96, lowering her own record set earlier this season at 30.02.

One NVSL Record Set at All Star Relay Carnival

We saw one new NVSL record set at All Star Relay Carnival! Congratulations to Keegan Donnelly, Winston Morgan, Jackson Smith, and Emmett Hackenberg (all 8 years old) of Rolling Hills for setting a new League Relay Carnival record in the 8 and Under Boys 100M Medley Relay at Rutherford! They swam a time of 1:17.89, which breaks the old record of 1:18.29  set by Atticus Henry, Henry Weeks, Nathan Lee, and Tyson Wager of McLean, set on July 12, 2023.

Congratulations to our Top 6 Finishers at All Star Relay Carnival!

Pursuant to NVSL Rule 1(n), we completed enough events to compile the points and tally the score of the 2024 NVSL All Star Relay Carnival. First, congratulations to all the competitors in this year's meet! Whether you were able to swim your events or not, you and your relay teammates have so much to celebrate and be proud of in your achievement in making All Star Relays! Your relay was one of the fastest in all of our league's 102 teams and you did it as a team.

There's no greater indication of the intensity of tonight's competition than the fact that we have a TIE for first place. Congratulations to CHESTERBROOK and TUCKAHOE for your tie for first place! Chesterbrook and Tuckahoe each scored 438 points.

Congratulations to third place finisher, OVERLEE, with 366 points! Congratulations to fourth place finisher, OLD KEENE MILL, with 222 points. Congratulations to fifth place finisher, DONALDSON RUN, with 210 points. And congratulations to sixth place finisher, HIGHLANDS SWIM, with 208 points!

For the events that we were not able to complete, no points were added to the total score but awards will be given based on your meet seeding. We will have more information about the distibution of awards soon.

Thank you for an exciting night of relay swimming! To the teams who were not able to swim, we are sorry that the weather brought some unwelcomed excitement to meet, but again, please don't let it diminish your accomplishment. Congratulations to all our relay swimmers! 

Information for All Star Relay Carnival on Wednesday

We look forward to seeing swimmers, coaches, team reps and families from across the NVSL at Wednesday's All Star Relay Carnival - enjoy the Championship and All-Star part of our season! Take in the competitiveness, fun, and spirit of the NVSL! It's time to RACE!

We cannot hold the All Star meets without a host pool. Rutherford enthusiastically stepped up as our host for All-Star Relays when the League was searching for the next place to plant the All-Star flag during the off-season. We appreciate the effort, diligence, and attention to detail that Jim Mclaughlin and all members of the Rutherford Host Committee have demonstrated to enable the League to continue the tradition of this fun, exciting meet. Please follow all instructions for the meet and thank you for being extremely gracious guest to our amazing hosts. 

Please review the meet materials posted to the NVSL website, including pool and area maps, and guides for team reps, coaches and spectators: CLICK HERE TO ACCESS

Tent Drop-Off/Team Areas

Tent drop-off and team area set up begins at 12PM tomorrow. Please note that no one is permitted to enter Rutherford Park or Rutherford Area Swim Club property until 12PM. Team tents and a set up crew should be dropped off at the intersection of Kristen Lane and Marley Rd. Note, there is no parking or idling on Kristen Lane. Please drop your tent off and keep moving. There will be marshals on Kristen Lane and the field at Rutherford Park to make certain this is an orderly process. We expect everyone to listen to and be respectful of their directions. Teams in Divisions 1, 2 and 3 should find their pre-assigned team area.

Parking

Parking is limited. Please review the parking map on the NVSL website, which is found by clicking here: Parking and Swimming Drop off Map. Be respectful of Rutherford's neighbors; obey all parking signs and do not block driveways.  

We strongly encourage carpooling or asking a team parent to drive shuttles for your swimmers and parents. Rutherford recommends a couple other drop off points to help aid the flow of traffic and swimmers to the meet: Recommended Walking Routes.

Concessions

Light concessions will open at the concession stand in the Rutherford parking lot at 12pm and the grills will open at 2pm. A great way to say thank you to our hosts is to support their concessions and buy a burger, drink, treat, or any menu item! 

Wristbands

Each team will receive two wristbands, which is similar to prior All Star meets. One wristband is for the team rep and one is for the coach. There are no additional wristbands allotted per team. Additional coaches and reps can use single-event viewing or the general spectator area to watch the races. Once your team is done competing, please do not share your wristbands with others. Out of fairness, we do not want multiple coaches from one team in the coaches' area while other teams abide by the one coach per team request. If we notice multiple coaches per team in the coaches area, those team's coaches will be asked to leave the area. We expect everyone's full cooperation. 

Awards

It is vitally important that teams pick up their awards prior to leaving Rutherford. We have a very hard-working awards team and they cannot haul extra awards back to their houses after the meet. Please designate a rep, coach or team parent to pick up your team's awards.

Livestream

We will livestream ASR via the Machine Aquatics' YouTube page: CLICK HERE TO ACCESS. This is a great option for extended and out-of-town family members and anyone else who wants to cheer on your swimmers.

Volunteers

Thank you to the many teams across the league who have supplied volunteers and items necessary to run the meet. The NVSL and Rutherford thank you for your contributions. Please note, volunteers for most positions need to arrive no later than 2:45PM. 

Weather Notes

July is treating us to some hot and humid weather. There is also the typical threat of evening storms. In the event of inclement weather, please obey all instructions from the meet managers, officials and pool staff. This may include the need to clear the deck, vacate the property and return to vehicles. Do not leave! We will want to get back to the action as soon as we can. Updates will be posted on NVSL social media channels and the website. Here are some tips to prepare for the meet on Wednesday:

-- Hydrate early! Get in your 8 glasses of water starting now.

-- When setting up your team area, please obey the outline and requests from marshals. 

-- Please make sure swimmers have shoes to wear to clerk of course (and claim at the end of their race).

-- Bring coolers for the team area with ice, drinks and cooling towels for swimmers, coaches and attendees. Rutherford concessions will also be well-stocked and ready to meet your hydration needs!

-- Wear a hat and sun-protective clothing.

-- Please ask vulnerable family members to remain at home. Record the race or provide the livestream link, then share the excitement from the comfort of air conditioning later in the evening.

Records Falling in Week Four Meets

Congratulations to Jillian Ferrari of Wakefield Chapel for breaking the NVSL record in the 15-18 Girls 50Y Freestyle at Kent Gardens! She swam a time of 24.03, which breaks the old record of 24.59 set by Tracey Rankin of Riverside Gardens on July 10, 1993.

And congratulations again to Jillian Ferrari of Wakefield Chapel for setting a new League record in the 15-18 Girls 50Y Breaststroke at Kent Gardens! She swam a time of 30.31, breaking the old record of 31.16 set by Lauren Cornet of Great Falls on July 10, 1999. 

Congratulations to Andrew Pelaez (9), Daniel Klett (10), Victor Rodriguez (10), and Oliver Waisberg (10) of Tuckahoe for setting a new League record in the 9-10 Boys 100M Medley Relay at Tuckahoe! They swam a time of 1:07.59, which breaks the old record of 1:08.44 set by Ollie Bernasek, Nick Spicer, Adi Kambhampaty, and Andrew Bernstein of Chesterbrook on July 9, 2012. 

Relay Carnival Recap

Last Wednesday evening as storm clouds rolled in the area, swimmers all over Northern Virginia gathered at 17 host pools anxiously awaiting NVSL’s most anticipated event of the summer: the Divisional Relay Carnival. With the bad weather successfully staved off, the relay carnival night went on as expected. Relays of swimmers dressed up in unison and in creative outfits as they marched into the host pools ready to race. Loud cheers and excitement filled the pool decks. The evening produced a ton of fast swimming.

By the end of the evening, the NVSL crowned winners in each of the 17 divisions. Three divisions, Division 5, 6, and 14, reported ties for second place. Congratulations to all the relay carnival winners with a special mention to Tuckahoe (last relay carnival win was 2011) and Broyhill Crest (1994), who had not taken home the Relay Carnival champion trophy in over a decade! And we recognize Ravensworth (2015), Greenbriar (2016), Rutherford (2016), Hiddenbrook (2017), Fairfax (2017), and Somerset Olde Creek (2017), who had not won a relay carnival championship in over 7 years!

As for awesome relay performances, we congratulate the Tuckahoe 9 - 10 boys who broke both the 100 free and 100 medley relay NVSL records, which were originally set in 2010. Also of note was a TEAM record in Division 1 where a decades-old record (from 1982!!) was broken by Old Keene Mills’ 9-10 boys in the 100 meter medley relay. 

Congratulations to all NVSL swimmers and good luck to the relays who will swim in the All Star Relay Carnival on July 10th.

The NVSL wants to extend a special thank you to all of our host pools. Thank you for all of your efforts and work to make this night special!!

Two NVSL Records Set at Divisional Relay Carnival

Congratulations to Andrew Pelaez (9), Daniel Klett (10), Max Waisberg (10), and Oli Waisberg (10) of Tuckahoe for setting a new League Relay Carnival record in the 9-10 Boys 100M Medley Relay at Overlee! They swam a time of 1:06.87, which breaks the old record of 1:07.43 set by Grant DeWitt, Duncan Green, Thomas Outlaw, and Jaya Kambhampaty of Chesterbrook, set on July 14, 2010.

And congratulations once again to Max Waisberg (10), Oli Waisberg (10), Daniel Klett (10), and Andrew Pelaez (9), of Tuckahoe for setting a new League Relay Carnival record in the 9-10 Boys 100M Freestyle Relay at Overlee! They swam a time of 1:00.06, which breaks the old record of 1:00.92 set by Jaya Kambhampaty, Sam Gollob, Grant DeWitt, and Michael Bennett of Chesterbrook, set on July 21, 2010.

Congratulations, 2024 NVSL Scholarship Recipients!

Divisional Relay Carnivals Tomorrow!

Relay Carnival is almost here! The 17 Relay Carnivals to be held across NVSL tomorrow night will feature lots of team spirit, sportsmanship, fast swims and fun! Thank you to our host pools and volunteers and best of luck to our relay swimmers.

NVSL Yards Record Breaking Swims in Week Two!

Five record breaking times were swam in Week Two meets and four new league records were set! 

Congratulations to Beck Hastings of Highland Park for setting a new League record in the 15-18 Boys 50Y Butterfly at Holmes Run Acres! He swam a time of 23.00, which breaks the old record of 23.23 set by Colin Stephenson of Fox Hunt on July 19, 2012.

Congratulations to Logan Hillman of Mantua for setting a new League record in the 11-12 Boys 50Y Freestyle at Kent Gardens! He swam a time of 24.13, breaking the old record of 24.15 set by Max Cruz of Holmes Run Acres on July 19, 2014.

Congratulations again to Logan Hillman (12), along with his teammates, Eli White (10), Cal Kollet (14), and Alex Eriksen (17) of Mantua for setting a new League record in the 18&Under Boys Mixed Age 200Y Freestyle Relay at Kent Gardens! They swam a time of 1:43.31, which breaks the old record of 1:43.80 set by Patrice Sawicki, Grant Smith, Jon Ballard, and Gibby Smith of Tuckahoe all the way back in 1978, wow! 

Congratulations to Gloria Kuang of Kent Gardens for breaking her own League record in the 15-18 Girls 50Y Backstroke at Kent Gardens! She swam a time of 26.78, which breaks her old record of 26.98 set on July 8, 2023.

And finally, congratulations to Sophie Fredericks of Kent Gardens for setting a new League record in the 15-18 Girls 50Y Backstroke at Kent Gardens! She swam a time of 26.38, breaking Gloria Kuang's 2023 record of 26.98 and besting her 26.78 swim. 

Confirm Your Saturday Meet's Start Time with Your Team Rep

If you are uncertain about what time your meet is starting on Saturday, please confirm the time with your team rep. Due to forecasted high temperatures, many meets across the league are starting early at 8:00 or 8:30 am. Some meets may start at the regular time of 9:00 am. The NVSL has provided universal approval of the earlier start time in light of the forecast.

Swimmers, coaches, volunteers and spectators, please hydrate and take care of yourselves in the hot weather. With a cold drink, some sunscreen, maybe a hat or some shade, we can all enjoy great racing and cheer for the athletes as we head into our Week Two meets on Saturday morning!  

League Record Set in Week One

Congratulations to Kennedy Masten of Hamlet for setting a new League record in the 11-12 Girls 50M Backstroke at Hamlet today! She swam a time of 30.02, which breaks the old record of 30.06 set by Janet Hu of Mosby Woods on June 28, 2008.

Let's Swim!

After a long winter and spring of planning and laying the foundation for the 2024 season, we are so excited to be swimming again in our first Dual Meets tomorrow! Nervous new swimmers and seasoned seniors, athletes from ages 5 to 18, will all take their marks and hit the water as we advance the NVSL's mission for another summer: "A love for the sport, advanced aquatic skills, teamwork, and the principles of good sportsmanship." 

We extend our sincere thanks to the hundreds of league volunteers - committee chairs and members, team reps, data coordinators and more - who have worked many hours behind the scenes so that our swimmers, coaches and families can enjoy the best that summer swimming has to offer. Over 900 volunteers attended our officiating clinics - wow! Thank you for the vital role that you will play this season in ensuring that our meets are safe, fair and fun for the athletes. 

Tomorrow morning, when a cheeseburger sounds like the absolute best thing to eat at 9:30 in the morning, when the music is playing loud, when the crowd is cheering, when the referee's whistle quiets the pool, and when the swimmers compete and then shake hands, you will know that you are in the perfect place to spend a Saturday in Northern Virginia.  No better place to be than at one of our amazing 102 NVSL pools for a swim meet! Best of luck to all our swimmers across the league -- swim fast, have fun!

Hy-tek - Team Manager UPDATE needed

It has come to our attention that Team Manager needs a critical update. This update will have to be done manually as the "Check for Updates" button in the software is unresponsive. If you open Team Manager and do not see Release 8.0Ga, you must do this update. Currently it will not allow you to set the System Age-up Date beyond 01/01/24. You need to set your age-up date to 6/1/24. Please share this with your data people ASAP!

Directions to install the update can be found HERE.

Any questions, please reach out to NVSL Technology (NVSLtechnology@gmail.com).

NVSL Training Clinics Continue in June

Thank you to everyone who has already attended a training clinic this spring! The turnout has been great and it was awesome to see so many dedicated parent volunteers take time this weekend to attend NVSLU. Thank you! We also loved seeing the coaches on Saturday morning at Shouse Village for the Coaching Clinic. 
Traininng continues this spring both online and in-person.

For OFFICIALS clinics, IN-PERSON, New and Recertifying Stroke and Turn Judges --
Sun, Jun 9 S&T Clinics 8-10AM

• Zoom on June 4, 7-9 PM (Zoom LINK)
• Zoom on June 6, 7-9 PM (Zoom LINK)

Data Training Part 1 provided an overview of the entire data process, including helpful screen shots and lots of tips and was held in person and online over the weekend. Data Training Part 2 will provide an on-screen run-through of the data process for an A meet. This is primarily aimed at data coordinators. Attendees should have a copy of the NVSL A Meet procedures handy so they can follow along and take notes.

Please contact NVSLtechnology@gmail.com with your questions.

Information for NVSLU on Sat June 1

NVSL Coaching Tips and Tools Clinic - This Saturday 6/1

The NVSL Coaching Clinic will be held on Sat June 1, 8-11am at Shouse Village Pool with limited capacity. We will be premiering a new section geared specifically to teaching the youngest mini learn-to-swim swimmers. Additionally, we will continue our focus on coaching 8&unders and older swimmers through progressions on strokes, starts, and turns with a specific concentration on how to fix stroke issues and deficiencies. Our clinics are geared towards equipping our younger coaches with tips and tools though seasoned coaches often find new ideas as well! 

Please use the Google form to sign up if you are committed to attending. https://forms.gle/ZYMYwumgaxmQf9zx7

Registration for Virtual Clinics - 6/5 & 6/11

NVSL Officials with 5 or more years of experience, are welcome to register for the upcoming virtual clinics by clicking on the links below.

***Officials should have first certified in 2019 or earlier for the positions in which they want to be (re)certified.*** 

Referee/Starter Recertification Clinic - Wednesday, June 5th

Registration - Ref/Starter Recert 6/5

Stroke and Turn Recertification Virtual Clinic - Tuesday, June 11th

Registration - S&T Recert 6/11 

Have questions? Please contact NVSLOfficials@gmail.com. 

2024 Data Trainings

Whether you are a new data coordinator or are a team rep (or anyone else!) who would like to understand the data process, we have sessions for you! Our data training this year is divided into two parts. You can choose the one that is right for you or attend both.

Data Training Part 1 provides an overview of the entire data process, including helpful screen shots and lots of tips. It is suitable for both new data coordinators and anyone else who would like to understand the data process for A meets. Data Training Part 2 provides an on-screen run-through of the data process for an A meet. This is primarily aimed at data coordinators. Attendees should have a copy of the NVSL A Meet procedures handy so they can follow along and take notes.

Schedule

Data Training Part 1

• In person at NVSLU (June 1), 8-10 AM, Fairfax Cnty Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA

• Zoom on June 2, 7-9 PM (Zoom LINK)

Data Training Part 2

• Zoom on June 4, 7-9 PM (Zoom LINK)
• Zoom on June 6, 7-9 PM (Zoom LINK)

NVSL Logo Merchandise Sales by SuitUp in Fairfax

The NVSL has partnered with SuitUp in Fairfax to sell our white logo official’s shirts, hats, whistles and other merchandise.  The NVSL online store is located on the SuitUp website, https://shopumall.com/collections/nvsl and is currently open for sales.  You have the option to pick up items in the store or have them shipped to you for a fee. Online and in-store sales can be made throughout the summer and will continue year-round. 

SuitUp is located at:
University Mall
10627 Braddock Rd
Fairfax VA 22032  View Map  

***SuitUp will have logo merchandise available for sale on-site at NVSLU on June 1.

There will be no logo merchandise sales at the other official’s clinics.

 ***NVSL Logo Merchandise will also be sold at All-Star Relay Carnival and Individual All-Star Meets.

White NVSL logo merchandise can be worn by all deck officials - referee, starter, S&T, timer, table worker, clerk of course and marshal.

New this year are men's short and men and women’s long-sleeved wicking tees with UV protection.

https://shopumall.com/collections/nvsl

Upcoming Clinic Dates and Locations

2024 Divisional Seeding

NVSL Seeding Meeting on Sunday, 2024 Summer Kicking Off!

Team Reps,

We are looking forward to seeing you at Key Middle School on Sunday, March 3 for the NVSL's Annual Seeding Meeting. Your role is critically important to the League and your team's families, so thanks for offering your time to ensure that the season runs smoothly. Team Reps are the engine that makes the NVSL go!

The Seeding Meeting is a great opportunity to kick-off the 2024 season with loads of information for you and your teams, to take advantage of the opportunity to meet the vendors that support our League and teams (suits, spirit wear, pictures, awards, team software, etc.), and hear the latest about all aspects of the NVSL as we prep for another great summer of fun competition.  

The meeting starts at 2p, with the League's annual "business" meeting that includes committee reports, rule change proposal voting, and other important updates from League officials. The meeting is capped off with the team seeding announcement. After the seeding has been revealed, we will break into our new divisions so that each Team Rep can meet with their Division Coordinator and receive the division schedule for the 2024 season which has been assembled based on the feedback from the survey recently completed by the Team Reps.

IMPORTANT: Ahead of the meeting, we will hold our New Team Rep Meeting at 12p. It is important for all new Team Reps to attend this meeting as we address the steps that help ensure a smooth season, answer your questions, and provide advice. We have an unusually high number of new Team Reps this season, and this meeting will help provide insight on how the League works and how you can best support your teams.  

The New Team Rep training presentation we will use and other helpful reference info was emailed this morning (Thursday). Plan to stop by the registration desk as you arrive to pick up your Team folder, which we will use during the New Team Rep meeting and the full business meeting at 2p.

At 1pm, after the New Team Rep training session, you are encouraged to walk around and speak with the vendors to ask questions, place orders, get ideas, etc. Vendors in attendance all help sponsor the League, so please consider working with these businesses.

RULES PROPOSALS: In order for our Teams to be aware of the Rule proposals in advance, please CLICK HERE to find a document with the proposals. At the meeting, we will go through each rule proposal by having the person proposing the rule change give a max 3-minute description/rationale for the proposal after which we will open the floor for questions from the Team Reps. After the discussion on each proposal, each team (one vote per team) will have the opportunity to vote for, against, or abstain on each proposal. Given the more administrative nature of this year's Rules Proposals, we plan to conduct a voice vote. Please take the time ahead of the meeting to review the proposals.   

Excitement for the summer season is building! See you soon!

Best regards,

Chris

Chris Campbell

President

The NVSL 2023 Season is in the books!

As we head into Fall with the memories of an exciting summer of NVSL Swim and Dive, we want to thank everyone for the hours of dedicated service to our League that help create those memories for over 17,000 young athletes across Northern Virginia. Summer swim in the NVSL has a special "it" factor, and offers so much to our athletes and their families, coaches, and volunteers. For all of us that have been involved in the NVSL for many years, and for the new families just figuring what the joyful chaos of summer swim is, the fun and competition from May to August each year keep us coming back!

Special thanks to our League's Committee Chairpersons, Division Coordinators, Officials, and Board members, without whom the meets would not run so smoothly. This group works hard all year to ensure that the League's planning and events are top-notch. This year was no exception!

We appreciate our 2023 All-Star hosts, Hamlet and Orange Hunt, for their commitment to these special meets, and look forward to finding our new hosts for the 2024 season. If your team is asked to host a Relay Carnival or Divisionals in 2024, please consider saying "yes"! The meet calendar for the 2024 season is posted on mynvsl.com.

The League will continue to look for ways to create an outstanding experience for swimmers, coaches, officials, and thousands of families. As we move into 2024, watch for updates that will help you plan for the new year. We want the NVSL to continue to set the standard for summer league swim and dive.

We'll see Team Reps at the End of Season meeting on Sunday, September 24 at 6p at the Mason District Government Center.

Have a great "off-season" and look forward to another great NVSL summer in 2024!

Best regards,

Chris Campbell

NVSL President

Information for Individual All Star Meet

We look forward to closing out an incredible 2023 NVSL swim season on Saturday with the Individual All Star Meet hosted by Orange Hunt Swim and Tennis Club. To prepare for the last couple days of the season, please review the information below.

POOL FAMILIARIZATION FRIDAY

Pool Familiarization will take place at Orange Hunt on Friday from 7:30 to 10:30am. Please come by, take a look, pick up your team order, pay for your happy ads, say hi but once again, there will be no swimming in the pool. It's very helpful to get these team orders paid for and picked up prior to the meet on Saturday, thank you in advance for sending someone from your team. 

TEAM AREAS

Team areas may NOT be set up in the Orange Hunt (OH) Pool parking lot EARLIER THAN 7 AM Saturday morning. Tents and set up crews can be dropped off at the designated “Swimmer Drop-off Area” on Reynard Drive and Bridle Wood Drive which will provide access to the OH Pool property.  Due to the limited space in the Team Area, we ask all teams to bring one 10 ft x 10 ft tent per 8 swimmers. For teams with 3 or less swimmers, they can use the “Single Swimmer Area.” It is highly encouraged for all teams and swimmers to bring chairs, blankets, etc.

Additionally, the NVSL is assigning team areas for Division 1 pools and those teams with the most participants to avoid the rush of choosing a spot and setting up tents.

SINGLE EVENT VIEWING

Viewing is single-event only; it is asked that once your swimmer completed their race, you exit the pool area to allow other families the same opportunity. There is additional standing room only viewing on the far side of the pool. Chairs are not allowed inside the pool fence.

Thank you for your help in making this a smooth meet.

PLAN FOR HOT WEATHER ON SATURDAY

July is gearing up to deliver its best (worst?!) weather on Saturday with temps in the high 80s and over 90 degrees for much of the meet. NVSL and OH are planning accordingly and we encourage you to do the same. There will be an ample supply of cold waters and cold washcloths for all meet volunteers, with volunteers circulating regularly to distribute. OH will have plenty of cold drinks for sale at concessions (credit card payments available but cash is encouraged). First aid has already briefed and is preparing to address heat-related illnesses. Here's how you can help on Saturday:

-- Hydrate early! Get in your 8 glasses of water starting on Thursday and continue through Saturday. Get plenty of rest on Thurs and Fri.

-- Please bring a tarp in addition to a tent for your team area.

-- When setting up your team area, please obey the outline and requests from marshals. It is important to keep walkways open and a lane clear for emergency vehicles.

-- Please make sure swimmers have shoes to wear to clerk of course (and claim at the end of their race).

-- Bring coolers with ice, drinks and cooling towels for swimmers, coaches and attendees. Wear a hat and sun-protective clothing.

-- Please ask vulnerable family members to remain at home. Record the race and share the excitement from the comfort of air conditioning later in the day.

LIVE STREAM UPDATE, RESULTS TO POST ON MEET MOBILE

NVSL will not be offering a live stream for Saturday's Individual All Star meet. We apologize for the inconvenience. Given connectivity and equipment challenges, we will not pursue a live stream that will likely experience significant issues on Saturday. Thank you for your understanding. Results will be posted on Meet Mobile and on the NVSL website at the conclusion of the meet.

VOLUNTEERS

Thank you to the many teams across the league who are supplying volunteers and items necessary to run the meet. The NVSL and Orange Hunt thank you for your contributions. Volunteers will receive a separate communication with additional details.

** HOST APPRECIATION **

We cannot host the All Star meets without a host pool. Orange Hunt stepped up to host Individual All Stars last year with support from Highlands and Donaldson Run in 2022 and Cottontail in 2023. Help us show them our appreciation for their efforts by complying with all instructions for the meet and being extremely gracious guests. 

Chris Campbell and Amy Downey
NVSL President and NVSL VP, Swimming

1 New Record Set in Week 5

One NVSL Record was set on 7/15/23 at Tuckahoe. 
Congratulations to the new record holders!! 
Boys 15-18 200 Meter Medley Relay new time of 1:43.20 by Nolan Dunkel, Isaac Bell, JT Ewing, and Hunter Zipperer of Tuckahoe.
  Old record of 1:44.71 was set by Nolan Dunkel, Isaac M Bell, James T Ewing, and Emanuel L Rouvelas of Tuckahoe at Chesterbrook on 7.16.22

CONGRATULATIONS NVSL 2023 Division Sportsmanship Award Recipients!

2023 NVSL Scholarship Recipients

Each year the NVSL awards scholarships to graduating high school swimmers/divers to be used at the school of their choice to help defray a portion of their continuing education expenses. The league considers team commitment and leadership, school and community involvement, and a submitted essay as criteria for selection. 

• Presidents' Scholarship - Created in honor of the volunteers who served as league presidents of NVSL.
• Community Service Scholarship - Created in honor of George MacDuff and daughter Melinda. George served as the league records chairperson for many years.
• Spirit Scholarship - Created in honor of Olivia Aull to recognize spirited swimmers and divers from within the NVSL family.
• Sportsmanship Scholarship - Created in honor of Joan Olson, long-time director of the NVSL and chairperson of the Seeding Committee, who was a passionate advocate for sportsmanship.
• Excellence in Technique Scholarship - Created in honor of Lou Sharp, founder of the Competition Swim Clinic, who guided generations of NVSL swimmers in stroke technique and love for swimming

Colorado Pricing for 2023

Colorado Time Systems provided updated pricing for NVSL teams for 2023. They have experienced supply chain and shipping issues so if your team is in need of products from Colorado Time Systems, please plan to order soon to have your items in time for 2024. If your tripod is from 2014 or older, it will not fit the new systems so you will need to factor in a new tripod to your order. 

For more information, please see the offerings and pricing sheet from Colorado:
https://www.mynvsl.com/file/36174/Colorado_Pricing_2023_pdf

An Outstanding All Star Relay Carnival at Hamlet and FIVE (!) League Records

We had a perfectly hot and sunny July afternoon for the 2023 NVSL All Star Relay Carnival hosted beautifully by the Hamlet Swim and Tennis Club. Featuring over 1,000 swimmers representing 70 different teams from across the league, the swimmers brought the excitement to the pool with fast swims, demonstrating their competitive spirit, teamwork and sportsmanship. Congratulations to all the swimmers, coaches and their families for their achievement! Congratulations to: Old Keene Mill, 6th place overall; Crosspointe, 5th place; Donaldson Run, 4th place; Overlee, 3rd place; Chesterbrook, 2nd place; and our first place finisher, Tuckahoe, with 644 total points.

THANK YOU to Hamlet for serving as our hosts and THANK YOU to the many, many volunteers from Hamlet, NVSL and volunteers from our teams who dedicated their time to making the meet a success for so many athletes to enjoy.

Now let's talk about some fast swims, some RECORD SETTING swims on Wednesday night:

5 NVSL Relay Carnival Records were set 7/12/23 at the All Star Relay Carnival at Hamlet Pool.

Boys 8&U 100 Meter Medley Relay with a new time of 1:18.29 set by Atticus Henry, Henry Weeks, Nathan Lee, and Tyson Wager of McLean, breaking their Division Relay Carnival Record of 1:18.90.
Boys 8&U 100 Meter Freestyle Relay with a new time of 1:08.07 also set by Nathan Lee, Henry Weeks, Tyson Wager and Atticus Henry of McLean, breaking their Division Relay Carnival Record of 1:08.52. 

Girls 13-14 200 Meter Medley Relay with a new time of 2:03.87 set by Sadie Buckley, Lyla Devlin, Cally Codding, and Olivia Roca of Fairfax breaking the old record of 2:04.41 set by VAC on 7/20/2016.

Boys 15-18 200 Meter Medley Relay with a new time of 1:43.31 set by Nolan Dunkel, Isaac Bell, JT Ewing, Hunter Zipperer of Tuckahoe breaking the old record of 1:44.67 set by FMW on 7/18/2018.

Boys 15-18 200 Meter Freestyle Relay with a new time of 1:34.30 set by Hunter Zipperer, JT Ewing, Nolan Dunkel, Hugo Haggard of Tuckahoe breaking the old record of 1:34.94 set by FMW on 7/12/2017.

Tomorrow's All Star Relay Carnival at Hamlet

We are one day away from one of the biggest meets of the summer: the NVSL All Star Relay Carnival returning to Hamlet Swim and Tennis Club. We love the relays for the team work, team spirit and sportsmanship that they foster. We can't wait to see the field at Spring Hill ES fill up with team colors, swimmers, coaches, and families and for the pool at Hamlet to get loud with cheering.

Tent Drop-Off/Team Areas
Tent drop-off and team area set up begins at 12PM tomorrow. Please note that no one is permitted to enter Spring Hill Elementary School's lot or Hamlet Swim and Tennis Club property until 12PM. Team tents and a set up crew should be dropped off at Spring Hill ES. Note, there is no parking or idling in the school lot. Please drop your tent off and keep moving. There will be marshals in the school lot and the field to make certain this is an orderly process. We expect everyone to listen to and be respectful of their directions. Teams in Divisions 1, 2 and 3 should find their pre-assigned team area.

Parking
Parking is limited. Please review the parking map on the NVSL website, which is found by clicking here: Parking and Swimming Drop off Map. Be respectful of Hamlet's neighbors; obey all parking signs and do not block driveways. We strongly encourage carpooling or asking a team parent to drive shuttles for your swimmers and parents. Extended family and other team members not participating in the meet can watch the livestream on the NVSL Facebook page.
**Volunteers receiving a parking spot will receive a separate communication with those details. Please note volunteer parking is limited.**

Wristbands
Each team will receive two wristbands, which is similar to prior All Star meets. One wristband is for the team rep and one is for the coach. There are no additional wristbands allotted per team. Additional coaches and reps can use single-event viewing or the general spectator area to watch the races. Once your team is done competing, please do not share your wristbands with others. Out of fairness, we do not want multiple coaches from one team in the coaches' area while other teams abide by the one coach per team request. If we notice multiple coaches per team in the coaches area, those team's coaches will be asked to leave the area. We expect everyone's full cooperation. 

Awards
It is vitally important that teams pick up their awards prior to leaving Hamlet. We have a very hard-working awards team and they cannot haul extra awards back to their houses after the meet. Please designate a rep, coach or team parent to pick up your team's awards.

Facebook Livestream
We will livestream ASR via our Facebook page. This is a great option for extended and out-of-town family members and anyone else who wants to cheer on your swimmers. 
https://www.facebook.com/swimNVSL 

Volunteers
Thank you to the many teams across the league who have supplied volunteers and items necessary to run the meet. The NVSL and Hamlet thank you for your contributions. Please note, Volunteers for most positions need to arrive no later than 2:30PM. Volunteers will receive a separate communication with additional details. 

***Host Appreciation***
We cannot host the All Star meets without a host pool. Hamlet waited out Covid-related cancellations and fulfilled their commitment to hosting two outstanding All Star Relay Carnivals. Help us show them our appreciation for their efforts by complying with all instructions for the meet and being extremely gracious guests. 

We're excited for swimmers from across the league to compete in tomorrow's All Star Relay Carnival, to have fun, demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship, achieve best times, new team records and maybe an NVSL record, and to celebrate all that we love about the relays!

Chris Campbell and Amy Downey
NVSL President and Vice President, Swimming

4 New Records Set in Week 4

4 NVSL Records all set 7/8/2023 at Kent Gardens Pool.

Congratulations to the new record holders!! 

Girls 15-18  50 YARD Backstroke new time of 26.93 by Gloria Kuang of Kent Gardens.

  Old record 27.28 by Darby Galbraith of Vienna Aquatic CLub on 6/19/2021 at KG

Girls 15-18  50 YARDS Butterfly new time of 25.50 by Sophie Fredericks of Kent Gardens. 

   Old record 25.93 by Sophie Scadron of Sideburn Run on 7/3/2021 at KG

Boys 13-14 100 YARD Medley Relay new time of 49.44 by Mark Edwards, Jason Manning, Jayden Nam, and Ian Kang of Fair Oaks.

   Old record 50.50 by Jon Ballard, Casey Lockard, Grant Smith, and Jeff Clever of Tuckahoe in 1979

Boys 11-12  100 YARD Medley Relay new time of 57.04 by Marcus Scannapieco, Kingsley Chow, Aaron Kuang, and  Declan Nguyen of Kent Gardens.

   Old record 58.40 by Roger Russell, Roger Williams, Jim Dickson, and Steve Mason of Vienna Woods swum at Tuckahoe on 8/3/1963.  ( This was the oldest NVSL Record.)

Meet Supply Orders

We can still accept and fill orders for meet supplies -- B meets, ribbons, etc. Please FIRST complete the order form: https://www.mynvsl.com/file/35782/Ribbon_and_Meet_Supply_Order_Form_for_2023_pdf and send it to NVSLsupplies@gmail.com.  

Thank you! 

Relay Carnival Wrap Up

The atmosphere of each of the 17 host pools was electrifying on Wednesday evening as the NVSL kicked off one of its most anticipated events: the Divisional relay carnivals. Relays of swimmers dressed up in bright colors and marched into the pools ready to race. Loud cheers and excitement emanated throughout the pool areas. The ensuing evening of fast swimming proved to be entertaining for all spectators.

When all was said and done, the NVSL crowned winners in each of the 17 divisions, including the two co-winners in division 10, Waynewood and Fox Hunt. Division 10 also recorded another tie for third place!! Congratulations to all the relay carnival winners with a special mention to Long Branch, Vienna Aquatic, and Waynewood, who had not taken home the Relay Carnival champion trophy in over a decade!

We congratulate the McLean 8 & under boys who broke both the 100 free and 100 medley relay NVSL records and in the process, also broke a TEAM record from 1992 in the 100 free relay. Also of note were TEAM records in Division 8 and Division 11 where decades-old records were broken by Rolling Hills’ 9-10 girls in the 100 free relay and by Highland Park’s 13-14 boys in the 200 medley relay.  The Fox Hunt pool was lightning fast as three more old records were broken: Truro’s 13-14 girls medley and free relays broke TEAM records from 1986 and 1985 and Holmes Run’s 11-12 boys free relay broke a TEAM record from 1974.

Congratulations to all NVSL swimmers and good luck to the relays who will swim in the All Star Relay Carnival on July 12^th.

The NVSL wants to extend a special thank you to all of our host pools; we had a few teams who hosted this event for the first time ever or for the first time in decades. Thank you for all of your efforts and work to make this night special!!

New League Record Set in Week 3

Congratulations to Nathan Lee, Henry Weeks, Tyson Wager, Atticus Henry of McLean for once again setting a new League record in the Boys 8 & Freestyle Relay at Tuckahoe today. They swam a 1:07.95, which breaks the Sat Meet Record they set last week of 1:08.66 on June 24, 2023.

Soccer and Swim Night at Audi Field now July 29

In order to secure a larger number of tickets for the swimming community, the Soccer and Swim Night hosted by the DC United at Audi Field is moved to July 29. Cheer on the United and celebrate your NVSL season with teammates! For more information and a flyer to share with your team, visit https://www.mynvsl.com/file/36117/Soccer_and_Swim_Night_pdf.

Two New NVSL Relay Carnival Records!

The McLean 8 & Under boys, Nathan Lee, Henry Weeks, Tyson Wager, Atticus Henry, set both the Medley and Freestyle Relay Carnival Records. The McLean 8&U Boys 100 m. Medley Relay swam a 1:18.90 breaking the old record of 1:19.73 set by Tuckahoe on 7/17/2013. The McLean 8&U Boys 100m. Freestyle Relay swam a 1:08.52 breaking the old record of 1:08.72 set by Sleepy Hollow Bath on 7/15/1992.

Good Luck, Relays, and Tech Suit Guidelines

Relay Carnival is here! The 17 Relay Carnivals to be held across NVSL tonight will feature lots of team spirit, sportsmanship, fast swims and fun! Thank you to our host pools and volunteers and best of luck to our relay swimmers.

Some swimmers chose to "suit up" for this meet so please review the suit rules and requirements on page 86 of the 2023 NVSL Handbook, adopted from USA Swimming Rule 102.8. 

Swim Day at Nationals Park - July 7!

The Washington Nationals are hosting a Swim Day at Nats Park on Friday July 7. Grab your teammates, get a Nats cherry blossom logo cap, meet Elizabeth Beisel, 3-time Olympian and 2-time Olympic medalist, then cheer for the Nats! Please visit https://www.mlb.com/nationals/tickets/specials/swim for more info and to purchase tickets. There's a flyer you can share with your team in the Team Rep folder of the Documents tab: https://www.mynvsl.com/file/36113/Nationals_Swim_Day_July_7_pdf

New League Record Set in Week 2

Congratulations to Nathan Lee, Henry Weeks, Tyson Wager, Atticus Henry of McLean for setting a new League record in the Boys 8 & Freestyle Relay at McLean today. They swam a 1:08.66, which breaks the old record of 1:09.10 set by Overlee on July 18, 2015.

Ready to start the 2023 NVSL Season!

On the eve of our first NVSL meet of the 2023 season, we want to thank all of you for the commitment of your time and talents in support of the League's 102 teams and 17,500 athletes. Your efforts help create incredible memories for families across Northern Virginia, and the League could not be as strong as it is without all the volunteers who make it run.

As you head out to the meets tomorrow, keep in mind the impact you have on the kids participating in these events. Let's all cheer loudly and show great sportsmanship as we dive into another summer of competition and fun. We look forward to hearing the beep of the starting systems, the feel of wet feet, and the energy from the team cheers.

You've all put in significant work to get our teams to this point. Time to enjoy the thrills of a summer Saturday across the NVSL! 

Let's race!

Best regards,

Chris Campbell

NVSL President

2023 Rules Changes Recap and Clarifications

The following is a recap of rule changes for the 2023 NVSL season. Most of the changes were made to adopt recent changes to USA Swimming Rules and one rule change is unique to the NVSL

Rule changes made to be compliant with USA Swimming Technical Rules

Breaststroke

• Stroke – Arm movements no longer have to be in the same horizonal plane but they still must be simultaneous and not alternating. (USA Swimming rule 101.2.2)
• Kick – Leg movements no longer have to be in the same horizontal plane but they sill must be simultaneous with no alternating, scissor or butterfly kick; with the exception of what is allowed at the start on/off each turn. (USA Swimming rule 101.2.3)

Backstroke

• Stroke – Once some part of the swimmer's head has passed the 5-meter mark immediately prior to reaching the finish, the swimmer may be completely submerged prior to the touch. (USA Swimming rule 101.4.2)
• FURTHER CLARIFICATION: “What about if a swimmer who has passed the 5 meter mark and submerged then comes to the surface and submerges again, prior to the finish?” This would not result in a DQ———once the swimmer has passed the 5 meter mark the concept of re-submerging is no longer applicable, so the swimmer can come to the surface and submerge as many times as they like in the final 5 meters.

Starter

• On the Starter’s command “take your marks,” the swimmers shall immediately assume their starting position, in the forward start, with at least one foot at the front of the starting platform or the deck. Swimmers starting in the water must have at least one hand in contact with the wall or starting platform. When all swimmers are stationary, the Starter shall give the starting signal.(101.2C)

False Starts

• Any swimmer starting before the starting signal is given may be disqualified if the Referee independently observes and confirms the Starter’s observation” (101.1.3A)

Not all of these are found in the 2023 USA Swimming rule book as they came out after printing. Regardless they are still rules and shall be enforced. They can be found on the USA Swimming website and in the NVSL Handbook.

New NVSL Rule Change for 2023

• The Starter is required to announce the distance and stroke of each event prior to the start of the race (12.b.(2))
• This shall be done regardless of what the announcer may or may not be announcing.
• FURTHER CLARIFICATION: It seems that some folks left the clinics this year thinking the Starter is now required to announce the distance and event twice——that is not the case. After the Referee blows the 5 whistles the Announcer will announce the distance and event along with the swimmers names. The Referee will then blow a long, single whistle and turn the event over to the starter. The Starter will then announce the distance and event, once, prior to starting the event. 

Should you have any questions regarding these rule changes please reach out to NVSLofficials@gmail.com.

Upcoming Virtual Hy-Tek Clinics

Are you ready to learn about Team Manager and Meet Manager? There will be two more opportunities this summer to attend a Hy-Tek clinic. A zoom link will be sent when you sign-up. Please save this information.

FRI June 2 6pm - 9pm Preregister

FRI June 9 6pm - 9pm Preregister

Any questions - please contact NVSLTechnology@gmail.com

NVSL COACHING TIPS & TOOLS CLINIC

Last opportunity for 2023! Sign up for this great opportunity to learn new practice and training teachiques!  This is designed with young coaches in mind, though seasoned coaches can find new tips and tools as well.  These clinics are open to jr. coaches as well as seasoned coaches.   
Saturday June 3, 8am – 11am @ Shouse Village 

Click here to signup if you are committed to coming.

Questions? Email nvslcoachclinic@gmail.com

NVSL Logo Merchandise Available for Purchase at NVSLU and Officials Clinics

 NVSL logo white official's shirts and hats, whistles and other merchandise will be sold at NVSLU, May 20, and at various Officials Clinics  (see list of dates/locations here). 

Merchandise can be pre-ordered by June 2 using the order form and picked up at one of the clinic locations on Sunday, June 4 from 8:30-10:30 am (locations listed on order form).

White officials shirts and hats can be worn by all deck officials - referee, starter, stroke and turn, timer, table worker and clerk of course.

New this year is a wicking visor.

Credit card, check (payable to NVSL) or cash accepted. 
See 2023 Merchandise Flyer and Order Form for details.

NVSLU - This Saturday, May 20th @ the Fairfax County Govt. Center

The NVSL season kicks off this Saturday, May 20th, at NVSL University, and we want to remind all team parents and officials to attend. NVSLU will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center, which is located at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. There will be a welcome table in the lobby and greeters to direct you to the right space for your clinic

IMPORTANT: Please note that only water is permitted inside the Government Center. Please do not bring coffee and other beverages. You will not be allowed to take them into the clinics.

The full schedule of clinics for NVSLU is as follows:

• NEW Referee Only** @ 8AM 

• NEW Starter Only** @ 8AM 

• Ref/Starter Recertification @ 8AM 

• Stroke and Turn (New and Recert) @ 10:30AM 

**Please note that the New Referee and New Starter clinics are only for those new to the position and cannot be used to recertify.

• Chief Timer Clinic @ 8:30AM 

• Hy-Tek @ 8AM 

• Table Admin @ 10:30AM 

Important Reminders

· There are many in-person clinics offered and no advanced registration is required.

· Participants should prepare for 2-hour clinics and need to arrive on time and stay for the duration of the clinic in order to receive credit. If you arrive later than five minutes after the start of the clinic, you will not receive credit.

· Officials who wish to certify as Starters, Referees or Stroke and Turn Judges MUST attend a clinic every other year. This means that if you last attended a clinic in 2021 or earlier, you must attend a clinic this year. 

· Not sure whether your certifications are up to date? Check here:  NVSL Clinic Attendance Report

****In addition to the clinics offered, there will be NVSL merchandise for sale****

We can't wait to see you on Saturday!

Upcoming NVSL Officials Clinics Schedule and Information

We appreciate all of the pools who expressed interest in hosting a clinic and we did our best to find pools in different parts of the League to accommodate as many people as possible. The full clinic schedule can be found in the Team Rep folder on the NVSL website and linked here: 2023 Officials Clinic Schedule

Clinic Attendance
Most clinics will be held in person. You do not need to pre-register for the in-person clinics. Please review the clinic attendance data for your team to determine who needs to certify this year: NVSL Clinic Attendance Report

Virtual Recertification Clinic Registration
In order to attend the virtual recertification clinics, you must be certified in the position for a minimum of 5 years and registration is required. To register for the virtual clinics, please sign up below. Once you sign up for the clinic, you'll receive the Zoom information in the confirmation message.

Virtual Stroke & Turn Recertification Clinic - May 17th @ 7PM: S&T Recert Clinic 5/17

Virtual Referee/Starter Recertification Clinic - June 7th @ 7PM: Ref-Starter Recert Clinic 6/7

Virtual Stroke & Turn Recertification Clinic - June 13th @ 7PM: S&T Recert Clinic 6/13

**Please be sure to arrive at all clinics, in-person or virtual, on time and stay for the duration. Most clinics will last 2 hours. 

Two virtual Hy-Tek training clinics are scheduled for June 2 and 9, both at 6pm. A future post will contain links to sign up for those sessions.

See you on the pool deck soon!

NVSL Coaching Clinics

The NVSL Coaching Clinics are designed with young coaches in mind, though seasoned coaches can find new tips and tools as well.

This year we will be holding condensed 3 hour versions of our coaching clinic for NVSL coaches - held outside rain or shine (cancelled for thunderstorms).
     5/20 at Mclean Pool, 1pm - 4pm
     6/3 at Shouse Village Pool, 8am - 11am
Due to limited capacity for these in person clinics, please only sign up if you are committed to showing up. Please sign up via this link https://forms.gle/XG8MREjjbBiaADE87

If you have any questions please send emails to NVSLcoachclinic@gmail.com

Colorado Starting Systems

The League has spoken with Colorado Starting Systems regarding the opportunity for our teams to purchase new systems for those in need. It does not look likely that new purchases will be possible for this season due to an order backlog caused by the scarcity of chips for Colorado's production process.  Please get your orders in for 2024 early (i.e., by this Fall). The supply chain issues are improving, so hopefully this will not be an issue for next summer.

To help NVSL teams with their starting systems this summer, Colorado is offering a refurbishment package for current systems.  Colorado has an excellent maintenance program that many teams have found effective in the past.  

To arrange service, please call Colorado directly at 970-667-1000, ext 3 to speak to Phil Woods to

make arrangements to ship your device. The refurbishment cost is $360 plus shipping.

If you have any questions, please reach out to NVSL Director Betsy Stevenson at 703-517-7279.

2023 Divisional Seeding

Results of Vote on 2023 Proposed Rule Changes

At the 2023 NVSL Team Rep Seeding and Rules Meeting this afternoon at West Springfield High School, the Team Representatives considered three potential changes to the league rules. The results of the votes are as follows:

Proposal #1 - Add a new definition of “League” and “League Competition” to the Glossary and amend Rules 19.a., 19.b., and 19.d.  The motion passed with 101 votes for, and one vote against. 

Proposal #2 - Amend Rule 12.b.(2) to require the Starter to announce the distance and stroke of each event prior to the start of an event  The motion passed with 102 votes for and zero votes against. 

Proposal #3 - Amend Rules 1.b., 14.b., add a new 14.c., and amend 14.d. to create a new system through which sportsmanship issues may be protested.  The motion was defeated with six votes for, 91 votes against, and 5 abstentions. 

For a motion to pass, two thirds of the Team Representatives present and voting must approve the motion.

NVSL Seeding Meeting Agenda and Info - SEE YOU SUNDAY!

NVSL Team Representatives,

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at West Springfield HS on Sunday, March 19 for a return of the NVSL's in-person Annual Seeding Meeting. Your role is critically important to the League and your team's families, so thanks for offering your time to ensure that the season runs smoothly. Team Reps are the engine that makes the NVSL go!

The Seeding Meeting is a great opportunity to kick-off the 2023 season with loads of information for you and your teams, to take advantage of the opportunity to meet the vendors that support our League and teams (suits, spirit wear, pictures, awards, team software, etc.), and hear the latest about all aspects of the NVSL as we prep for another great summer of fun competition.  

Please utilize Entrance 5 at West Springfield HS. Check in at the Welcome Table and pick up your team's folder which includes important information and forms needed to get your season up and running. We'll review the contents at the 2p meeting. You can review the meeting agenda by CLICKING HERE.

At 1pm, after the New Team Rep training session, Team Reps are encouraged to walk around and speak with the vendors to ask questions, place orders, get ideas, etc. Vendors in attendance all help sponsor the League, so please consider working with these businesses.

The meeting starts at 2p, with the League's annual "business" meeting that includes committee reports, rule change proposal voting, and other important updates from League officials. Please note that one proposal has been withdrawn; the updated rule change proposals can be found by CLICKING HERE. The meeting is capped off with the team seeding announcement. After the seeding has been revealed, we will break into our new divisions so that each Team Rep can meet with their Division Coordinator and receive the division schedule for the 2023 season which has been assembled based on the feedback from the survey recently completed by the Team Reps.

See you on Sunday!

Rule Proposals

On behalf of the NVSL Executive Board 

Rule Proposals Link

Hello NVSL Team Representatives!

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at West Springfield HS on Sunday, March 19 for a return of the NVSL's in-person Annual Seeding Meeting.  Your role is critically important to the League and your team's families, so thanks for offering your time to ensure that the season runs smoothly.  Team Reps are the engine that makes the NVSL go!

The Seeding Meeting is a great opportunity to kick-off the 2023 season with loads of information for you and your teams, to take advantage of the opportunity to meet the vendors that support our League and teams (suits, spirit wear, pictures, awards, team software, etc.), and hear the latest about all aspects of the NVSL as we prep for another great summer of fun competition.  

The meeting starts at 2p, with the League's annual "business" meeting that includes committee reports, rule change proposal voting, and other important updates from League officials.  The meeting is capped off with the team seeding announcement.  After the seeding has been revealed, we will break into our new divisions so that each Team Rep can meet with their Division Coordinator and receive the division schedule for the 2023 season which has been assembled based on the feedback from the survey recently completed by the Team Reps.

IMPORTANT:  Ahead of the meeting, we will hold our New Team Rep Meeting at 12p.  It is important for all new Team Reps to attend this meeting as we address the steps that help ensure a smooth season, answer your questions, and provide advice.  We have an unusually high number of new Team Reps this season, and this meeting will help provide insight on how the League works and how you can best support your teams.  

Watch for another email later this week with the New Team Rep training presentation we will use and other helpful reference info.  Plan to stop by the registration desk as you arrive to pick up your Team folder, which we will use during the New Team Rep meeting and the full business meeting at 2p.

At 1pm, after the New Team Rep training session, you are encouraged to walk around and speak with the vendors to ask questions, place orders, get ideas, etc.  Vendors in attendance all help sponsor the League, so please consider working with these businesses.

ATTACHED:  In order for our Teams to be aware of the Rule proposals in advance, attached please find a document with the proposals.  At the meeting, we will go through each rule proposal by having the person proposing the rule change give a max 3-minute description/rationale for the proposal after which we will open the floor for questions from the Team Reps.  After the discussion on each proposal, each team (one vote per team) will have the opportunity to vote for, against, or abstain on each proposal through a written ballot that will be provided in the Team Rep folder you will receive as you arrive at the meeting.  Please take the time ahead of the meeting to review the proposals.  

More info to come over the next two weeks leading up to March 19th.  

Excitement for the summer season is building!  See you soon!

Best regards,

Chris Campbell

President

Northern Virginia Swimming League

asknvsl@gmail.com

Capitals Hockey October 15th - Promo for Swim Teams and Indiv

Hello Swim Families,

The Capitals are excited to host all of you for the upcoming game on October 15^th vs the Montreal Canadiens! There are two options for you to come out and support not only the Caps, but your swim team as well.

One would be to purchase individual tickets for the game through the following link: https://fevo.me/swimcaps In order to receive a Caps cap with your ticket, it must be purchased through the link, normal ticket purchases off of a 3^rd party site will not include a cap.

The other option is to purchase 10+ tickets as a team. Not only do these tickets come with a Caps cap, they will be at a discount compared to the individual tickets along with a jumbotron shout out for your team. If you are interested in purchasing tickets as a group, please fill out the following form: http://pages.washingtoncaps.com/swimnightinterest

A Successful Conclusion to the 2022 Season; Looking Ahead to 2023

The Individual All Star (IAS) meet was held at Orange Hunt Swim Club on Saturday, July 30th. The weather was perfect for fast swimming and one more NVSL record was set.

Congratulations 2022 Division Sportsmanship Winners!

We would like to recognize our 2022 NVSL Division Sportsmanship Award Winners. NVSL Division Sportsmanship Awards are presented annually at the Divisional meets to one team in each division that best exemplifies the principles of good sportsmanship as embodied in the NVSL Standards of Conduct.  All six teams in a division vote for the award with each team casting three ballots: one based on the vote of the Team Representative, a second based on the vote of their coaches, and a third based on a vote of the 13 & over team members. 

Congratulations to the following teams:

Division 1                     Overlee

Division 2                     Little Rocky Run

Division 3                     Vienna Woods

Division 4                     Vienna Aquatic Club

Division 5                     Mount Vernon Park

Division 6                     Lakeview

Division 7                     Canterbury Woods

Division 8                     Greenbriar

Division 9                     Highland Park

Division 10                   Fairfax Club Estates       

Division 11                   Mosby Woods

Division 12                   Daventry

Division 13                   Fox Mill Estates

Division 14                   Lake Braddock

Division 15                   Herndon

Division 16                   Burke Station

Division 17                   Newington Forest    

Congratulations to our Individual All Stars!!

Congratulations to all NVSL swimmers who competed in Divisionals yesterday. The weather was HOT, but there were still so many fast swims throughout the League. We would like to recognize our 2022 NVSL Individual All Stars, who are the top-18 in their respective events based on Divisional meet results. Individual All Stars (IAS) will be held on Saturday, July 30th at Orange Hunt. For all details, please click here: https://mynvsl.com/documents?folder_id=34871.

Three NVSL Records Set in Final Week of Dual Meets

There were many fast swims throughout the League during the final dual meets of the season. Three new NVSL meters records were set. These are the first NVSL meters records set since 2019! Congratulations to Charis, and the Tuckahoe relay teams (Nolan, Isaac, JT, and Emanuel; Kyle, Grant, Hunter and JT) on their records!! 

E18  Girls 13-14  50 Meter  Backstroke  29.42  by Charis Roundtree of Virginia Run.  (Charis “swam up” in the 15-18 Girls Backstroke during the meet.) 

      Old record was 29.75  set by Janet Hu of Mosby Woods on 7/17/2010 and equaled on 8/4/2018 by Alexandra Dicks of Hunter Mill.    

E49  Boys 15-18  200 Meter  Medley Relay  1:44.71  by Nolan Dunkel, Isaac Bell, JT Ewing and Emanuel Rouvelas of Tuckahoe.

       Old record was 1:44.84 set by Ryan Soh, Tyler Lentine, Thomas Outlaw, and Ryan Mathis of Chesterbrook on 7/6/2019.

E51  Boys 15-18  200 Meter  Mixed Age  Free Relay  1:49.25  by Kyle Koay, Grant Nielsen, Hunter Zipperer and JT Ewing of Tuckahoe.

        Old record was 1:49.40 set by Ryan Bradshaw, Alex, Andrews, Johnny Bradshaw and David DiMeglio of Hamlet on 7/14/2018.

Final Dual Meets - Congratulations Division Champs!

The grand finale of the 2022 NVSL dual meets did not disappoint as many division titles were decided with electrifying, close meets. 

The division title is shared in three divisions. In D5, Hiddenbrook tied with Little Hunting Park; in D8, Fairfax and Hunter Mill tied for the title; and in D10, there was a three-way tie between Camelot, Sully Station, and Walden Glen!

Among the highlights:

Enthusiasm permeated the air as North Springfield faced off against Springfield to decide the D17 title. On Springfield's path to victory, a pool record from 1968 was broken, they won the meet and the division AND went 5-0 for the first time since 2006!  

Other thrilling outcomes today included the following Division Champions who had not taken home the division championship trophy in over a decade: Commonwealth in D16 (last trophy was 2005), Mansion House in D13 (last trophy was 2007), Cardinal Hill in D4 (last trophy was 2009), and McLean in D2 (last trophy was 2010). 

Congratulations to all Division Champions, to all Divisional Relay Champions, and to all NVSL swimmers who gave the fans another memorable summer for the record books! We look forward to more fast swimming and close competition at the Individual Divisional Championships this weekend.

2022 NVSL Division Champs

Division 1                                Chesterbrook

Division 2                                McLean

Division 3                                Old Keene Mill

Division 4                                Cardinal Hill

Division 5                                Hiddenbrook and Little Hunting Park

Division 6                                Sleepy Hollow Recreation Association

Division 7                                Lakevale Estates

Division 8                                Hunter Mill and Fairfax

Division 9                                Poplar Heights

Division 10                              Camelot, Walden Glen and Sully Station

Division 11                              Parklawn

Division 12                              Fox Hunt

Division 13                              Mansion House

Division 14                              Fox Mill Woods

Division 15                              Kings Ridge

Division 16                              Commonwealth

Division 17                              Springfield

2022 NVSL Scholarship Recipients

Each year the NVSL awards scholarships to graduating high school swimmers/divers to be used at the school of their choice to help defray a portion of their continuing education expenses. The league considers team commitment and leadership, school and community involvement, and a submitted essay as criteria for selection. 

About the NVSL Scholarships:

• Presidents' Scholarship - Created in honor of the volunteers who have served as NVSL President.
• Community Service Scholarship - Created in honor of George MacDuff and daughter Melinda. George served as the league's Records Chairperson for many years. 
• Sportsmanship Scholarship - Created in honor of Joan Olson, a long-time Director of the NVSL and Chairperson of the Seeding Committee, who was a passionate advocate for sportsmanship. 
• Spirit Scholarship - Created in honor of Olivia Aull to recognize spirited swimmers and divers from within the NVSL family.
• Excellence in Technique Scholarship - Created in honor of Lou Sharp, founder of the Competition Swim Clinic, who guided generations of NVSL swimmers in stroke technique and love for swimming. 

We are pleased to announce our five scholarship recipients:

Two More NVSL Records Set in Week 4

The fast swimming continued in Week 4 despite the rainy weather. Congratulations to Olive Dunn (HRA) and Graham Evers (FO)!

The Girls 9-10 50 YARD Free record was set by Olive Dunn of Holmes Run Acres with a time of 27.24. The old record was 28.26 set by Tracy Rankin of Riverside Gardens in 1987 and equaled by Leslie Swinley of Hunter Mill on July 11, 1998.

The Boys 15-18 50 YARD Free record was set by Graham Evers of Fair Oaks with a time of 21.09. The old record was 21.48 set by Tommy Hallock of Fox Mill Woods on Juy 16, 2016.

Week 3 - Five New League Records Set!

FIVE New Yard League records were set on Saturday, July 2nd!

Three NVSL Records Set in Week #2!

Three more NVSL yards records were set in Week #2 of dual meets. 

The Boys 11-12 50 YARD Backstroke record was set by Max Thompson of Shouse Village with a time of 28.04

The previous record, set on July 23, 2005, was 28.36 by Freddy Crawford of Lee Graham.

The Boys 11-12 50 YARD Butterfly record was set by Max Thompson of Shouse Village with a time of 26.17

The previous record, set on July 19, 2014, was 26.31 by Max Cruz of Holmes Run Acres.

The Girls 9-10 25 YARD Butterfly record was set by Olive Dunn of Holmes Run Acres with a time of 13.91.

The previous record, set on July 14, 2018, was 13.98 by Sophie Fredericks of Kent Gardens.

Congratulations to Max and Olive and their teams!

Four NVSL Records Set in Dual Meet #1

Follow the NVSL on Social Media

Remaining Officials Clinics (6/12-6/15)

Interested in becoming an official? Please join us for one of the remaining clinics:

Sunday, June 12^th - 9:30AM

• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ Brookfield
• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ Hunt Valley
• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ Holmes Run

Sunday, June 12^th 9:30AM

• New Referee @ Long Branch
• New Starter @ Long Branch

Tuesday, June 14^th (VIRTUAL)

• Referee/Starter Recertification (7PM)

Wednesday, June 15^th – 7PM

• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinics @ Stratford
• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinics @ Vienna Woods

NVSL University (6/4) Details

We look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow, June 4th, at NVSL University. Below are some important details.

  June 4^th – NVSL University at Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax)

8:00 AM - Referee/Starter Clinic (Auditorium) 

8:00 AM - Chief Timer Training (South Atrium)

10:00 AM - New Starter Clinic (Auditorium) 

10:00 AM - New Referee Clinic (Auditorium) 

Notes:  

• No drinks other than water at NVSLU - drink your coffee and eat breakfast before you come!
• Advanced registration is NOT required.
• NVSL Logo Merchandise will be available for sale.
• Please DO NOT be late for the clinics or attendance will not count. 
• Officials Clinic Attendance data is on the website. https://www.mynvsl.com/file/35301/Attendance_Data_for_2022___2022__4__pdf.  Updates will be ongoing as clinics occur.

Additional Hy-Tek Clinic Scheduled

We are pleased to offer an additional opportunity for virtual Hy-Tek training on Thursday, June 9th at 7PM. Please register here: Virtual Hy-Tek Training 6.9.22. The Zoom link will be sent 24-48 hours prior to the clinic. 

Thank you!

NVSL Logo Merchandise Available for Purchase at NVSLU and Officials Clinics

NVSL logo white official’s shirts and hats, whistles and other merchandise will be for sale at NVSLU and at our Officials Clinics (see list of dates/locations here). 

Merchandise can be pre-ordered using the order form and picked up at one of the clinic locations on Sunday, June 12 from 9:30-11:00 am (locations listed on the order form).

White officials shirts and hats can be worn by all deck officials – referee, starter, S&T, timer, table worker and clerk of course.

New this year are a wicking baseball cap and a brimmed hat (UPF 30+ protection/water repellent).

Credit card, check (payable to NVSL) or cash accepted at onsite clinics. 

                              See 2022 ORDER FORM for details.

New Clinics Added to the Schedule

IAS Host Announcement

After considerable outreach to all NVSL teams to find a host for our meet, the NVSL is pleased to announce that Orange Hunt has answered the call and agreed to host the NVSL Individual All-Star meet this year and in 2023!  Thanks so much to Allison and Laurie at OH for their interest and energy to make this happen.  All the swimmers and families of the NVSL appreciate you!  We are thrilled to add you as our All-Star host along with Hamlet, our host for All-Star Relays this summer.

A big part of making this possible is the supportive offers from several teams to provide planning, organization, and VOLUNTEERS for the meet.  Without this support, Orange Hunt and the other teams that “raised their hand” to be considered would not have done so.  The power of a large volunteer corps makes it easier for potential hosts to seriously consider and say yes to providing their facility, and the league believes this is the way that future All-Star meets will be successful.  Special shout-out goes to Donaldson Run and Highlands for their joint offer to plan, organize, and run concessions at our host pool!

As in the past, we will be reaching out to all our divisions and teams as we plan for both our All-Star meets (Relays – Wednesday, July 13th and Individual – Saturday, July 30th) to provide help with officiating, timing, marshaling, etc.  We are sure Hamlet will appreciate the volunteer support as well!

See you on deck soon!

2022 Officials Clinic Schedule

Officials Certification - FAQs

NVSL 2022 Season Division Lineup

2022 NVSL Seeding Meeting

We look forward to kicking off the 2022 NVSL season with our annual seeding meeting next Sunday, March 20th at 2PM. We are so excited to be preparing for a regular season that includes our full schedule of meets**. 

Please join us on Sunday, March 20th at 2PM for a virtual meeting.  

Team Reps: Please check your email for the Zoom link and see the schedule below.

IMPORTANT TO ADDRESS BEFORE THE MEETING:

• Forward Email!If you have passed on your Team Rep duties, please forward this message to your new TR(s) call and let them know you have sent it, and let us know via email as well - askNVSL@gmail.com and jensayasnvsl@gmail.com.

• New Team Reps: Let us know you are the new team rep!
• Email askNVSL@gmail.com. We will send you information to help!
• Attend the New Team Rep Meeting @ 12:30PM on Sunday, March 20th via Zoom (Please check your email for the Zoom link and see two documents for review attached).

All Team Reps -

• Check if your team data person is willing to be the Division Data person. (If you know they are interested in being the Division Data Coordinator, please have their name, email and phone # available.)
• Are you still in the need of a coach?  Post a job advertisement on the NVSL website. Just send the ad (Word format) that you want posted to askNVSL@gmail.com and it will be added to the NVSL website.  Please send a message when it has been filled so that it can be removed.

Questions?  Please ask! We are here to help!   askNVSL@gmail.com

SEEDING MEETING SCHEDULE:

• 12:30 - 1:30pm     New Team Rep Clinic (Please see Zoom link above)
• 2:00 - 4:30pm        General Session (Please see Zoom link above)

                                                      -       Information Updates

-       Rule Modification Proposals discussion and voting

-       Seeding distribution and break-out sessions (Virtual breakout rooms will be used for the division meetings)

**Individual All Star Meet

We do not yet have a host for the Individual All Star meet to be held on Saturday, July 30th. We need to identify a host pool ASAP in order to begin planning for the meet. Hosting is a significant responsibility and the entire League needs to work together to support the host pool. If your pool might be interested in hosting, please reach out to askNVSL@gmail.com. If your pool cannot host, we need you to commit to sending a large number of volunteers. We cannot hold this meet unless we have a host and volunteer commitments very soon. 

Please don't forget to update new contact information and send any changes to askNVSL@gmail.com as soon as possible. Looking forward to seeing everyone soon!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

While we are still digging out from this week's winter storm, it is nice to think about warmer days ahead. We are busy planning for the 2022 NVSL season and we would like to announce that the annual Seeding Meeting will be held on Sunday, March 20th. Given the unpredictability of conditions due to COVID, we plan to hold the meeting via Zoom. More details will follow in late February/early March. 

Team Reps - please take a few minutes to review your team contacts and let us know if we need to make any updates. We want to be sure to add new team reps to the email distribution list as well. If you want to post a coach wanted ad, please email askNVSL@gmail.com.

Thank you for everything you do for the League!

End of Season Meetings; 2022 Season Schedule

CONGRATULATIONS NVSL 2021 Division Sportsmanship Award Recipients!

Final Details - Individual All Stars

Congratulations to our Individual All Star Qualifiers!

Congratulations to all the swimmers who competed in the Divisional Championships! After a long, two-year wait, the NVSL will host the Individual All Star meet on Saturday, July 31st at Springboard. We would like to congratulate the swimmers who qualified to swim at All Stars. All of the information about the meet can be found here: https://mynvsl.com/documents?folder_id=34871. Please be sure to submit your Happy Ads by 5PM on Tuesday, July 27th. Team merchandise orders must be submitted by 11PM on Tuesday. July 27th in order to guarantee availability of items.

NVSL 2021 SCHOLARHSIP RECIPIENTS

Each year the NVSL awards scholarships to graduating high school swimmers/divers to be used at the school of their choice to help defray a portion of their continuing education expenses. The league considers team commitment and leadership, school and community involvement, and a submitted essay as criteria for selection. 

About the NVSL Scholarships: 

• Community Service Scholarship created in honor of George MacDuff and daughter Melinda. George served as the league's Records Chairman for many years. 
• Spirit Scholarship created in honor of Olivia Aull to recognize spirited swimmers and divers from within the NVSL community. 
• Sportsmanship Scholarship created in honor of Joan Olson a long time volunteer who served as an NVSL Director and Seeding Committee Chair, and a dedicated advocate for sportsmanship. 
• Excellence in Technique Scholarship created in honor of Lou Sharp by a grant from his estate. He was the founder of the Competition Swim Clinic, guiding generations of NVSL swimmers in stroke technique and love for swimming. 
• President’s Scholarship created in honor of the volunteers who have served the youth of Northern Virginia and in particular those who have served as President of the NVSL.

We are pleased to announce our five scholarship recipients:

New NVSL Record set in the girls 15-18 200-meter medley relay

On Saturday, July 17th, two 15-18 girls 200-meter medley relay teams broke the NVSL record of 2:00.90 set by Overlee in 2019. Tuckahoe's relay team consisting of Alexis Bonfield, Catherine Hughes, Lily Flint, and Caroline Flint swam 1:59.18. Allison Martin, Bridget Morris-Larkin, Skye Sunderhauf, and Megan Craven of Highlands Swim set a new NVSL record swimming a 1:58.61.

 Congratulations to both relay teams!

Congratulations to our All Star Relays!

Two Teams, One Community

New League Record Set in Week 3

Congratulations to Sophie Scadron of Sideburn Run for setting a new League record in the Girls 15-18 50 YARD Butterfly at Kent Gardens today. Sophie swam a 25.93, which breaks the 36-year old record of 26.25 set by Forest Hollow’s Mary Quinn on July 6, 1985.

Congratulations to the NVSL's Newest Record Holders!

The NVSL congratulates our new League record holders!

On Saturday, June 19th, three records were broken and two records were set at the meet between Kent Gardens and Vienna Aquatic Club.

• In the 13-14 Girls 50 YARD Backstroke, the old record of 28.60 set by Mary Quinn in 1983 was BROKEN by Annika Rieger (VAC) swimming a 28.52 and a NEW RECORD was set by SOPHIE FREDERICKS (KG) swimming a 27.94 
• In the 15-18 Girls 50 YARD Backstroke, DARBY GALBRAITH (VAC) set a NEW RECORD by swimming a 27.28. Darby's swim broke the the old record of 27.34 set by Elise Mozeleski in 2018.

On Saturday, June 26th, Oakton's 15-18 Girls 200 YARD Medley Relay team composed of CATHERINE LIM, ANNABEL LEE, LEENA KNEPPER, and LINDSEY KOTARSKI, set a New Record of 1:54.15. The previous record of 1:56.15 was set in 2004 by Donaldson Run’s 15-18 Girls 200 Yard Medley Relay Team of Kathy Hinkle, Kristen Beales, Katie Radloff, and Ellen Boryan. 

The Wait is Over! The NVSL's 65th Season Begins June 19th

This weekend we begin the NVSL's 65th season and we will kick off the celebration with the first NVSL dual meets in nearly two years. The wait was not easy, but so many different people pulled together to make this season possible. We send our sincere thanks to the Team Reps, Division Coordinators, Officials, Coaches, Parents, Volunteers and Swimmers for their hard work and perseverance under very difficult circumstances. We all have waited so long to hear…”Take your mark”.  

LET’S GO!!!!

Enjoy every whistle, splash, and close race tomorrow. 

-The NVSL Board

NVSL Merchandise Pop-Up Sales 6/16 & 6/18

Interested? Please see ORDER FORM for details.

Questions?  Please email Carrie O'Hara oharas1@cox.net.

Last Chance Hy-Tek Clinic 6/16

By popular demand, we've scheduled one final Hy-Tek Training Clinic on Wednesday, June 16th at 7PM. Please register here: https://forms.gle/hoKzz4o1vat6RXsv5 and you will receive the Zoom link in the confirmation message.

Additional Hy-Tek Clinic Scheduled

There is an additional opportunity for Hy-Tek training on Thursday, June 10th @ 7PM. Please register here: https://forms.gle/U1AsKbXqaFYg99jm9. You will receive the Zoom link with your registration confirmation. 

NVSL Logo Merchandise Available for Purchase  

NVSL logo white official’s shirts and hats, whistles and other merchandise are available for purchase. 

Preorder by mailing your ORDER FORM and check by June 1. 

Preorder pick-up and on-site sales (credit card, check and cash) will be held:

    -    Saturday, June 5, 9 am to 12 noon at Lee Graham

    -    Sunday, June 6, 9 am to 11:30 am at Springboard

    -    Sunday, June 13, 9 am to 12pm at Rolling Hills

                              See ORDER FORM for details.

Coaching Clinics

HERE IS THE LINK FOR YOUR COACHES WHO ARE COMMITTED TO COMING TO SIGN UP  

Hy-Tek Clinic Registration

We are pleased to offer two upcoming Hy-Tek clinics. The clinics are designed for team data coordinators. Clinics are virtual and will last approximately two hours. Advance registration is required. To register, please use this Google form: Hy-Tek Clinic Registration Form. Zoom information will be sent 48 hours in advance of the clinic.

NVSL Officials Clinics

NVSL Releases Seeding for 2021 Season

The NVSL released the line up of teams into Divisions at its annual seeding meeting this afternoon. Here is the list for 2021:

2021 NVSL (Virtual) Seeding Meeting, March 14th

The warmer weather is a sign that we are moving closer to the 2021 summer swim season.

The 2021 NVSL Seeding Meeting for Team Reps, Division Coordinators, Committee Chairs, and the Executive Board will be held Sunday, March 14th via Zoom.

**The links for the New Team Reps Clinic and Seeding Meeting will be sent by email by 3/12**

New Team Reps Clinic @ 12:30PM
Seeding Meeting Begins @ 1:45PM

Team Reps, Division Coordinators, Committee Chairs, and Executive Board: If you have not received an email about the upcoming meeting please contact asknvsl@gmail.com.

2021 Season Update

Happy 2021 to our NVSL teams, families and sponsors. Many of you have reached out to us over the past several weeks to ask about the status of the upcoming season. We are moving forward with plans for a season. The board is meeting regularly, the seeding committee is hard at work, and we will welcome our team reps to the annual seeding meeting on March 14th.

 This is a fluid situation and we are closely monitoring the state and local health guidelines that govern youth sports. These guidelines will help us determine the type of season we are able to have. Our newly formed Return to Competition committee, which is made up of team reps, coaches, division coordinators and board members, will meet regularly throughout the spring to determine how we can hold meets safely this summer. We ask for your patience while we work on the details. We will share more information about the season in the weeks ahead and as guidelines change and decisions are made.

Please reach out to us if you have pertinent information about your team, thoughts you want to share, or especially if you are a new team rep with questions and we will connect you with someone who will try to help you. 

Thank you for your ongoing support of the NVSL.

-The NVSL Executive Board

Thankful

This year the NVSL is especially thankful for our community of swimmers, divers, volunteers and sponsors who contribute so much to our success. This is a very challenging time for all of us, but we are looking forward to better days ahead. We wish you and your families a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

NVSL 2020 Scholarships Presented!

JUSTIN BRADY - Fair Oaks - Excellence in Technique Scholarship
  

MADI FLINN - Commonwealth/OKM - President's Scholarship
  

MADELINE ICE - Lee Graham - Sportsmanship Scholarship


RYLIE KIEFABER - Little Rocky Run - Community Service Scholarship


CARRIE MORRISON - Orange Hunt/Hunt Valley - Spirit Scholarship

2020 NVSL Scholarship Recipients

Each year the NVSL awards scholarships to graduating high school swimmers/divers to be used at the school of their choice to help defray a portion of their continuing education expenses. The league considers team commitment and leadership, school and community involvement, and a submitted essay as criteria for selection. The essay asks these stand out senior members of our community, "What Life Lessons Swimming/Diving in the NVSL has Taught Me".

We are pleased to announce our five scholarship recipients: (link to document)

Community Service Scholarship - Rylie Kiefaber

Rylie is a 13-year member of the Little Rocky Run Stingrays. She has qualified to both Individual All- Stars and All-Star Relays several times and has broken team records in backstroke and relays. In addition to swimming for the Stingrays, Rylie coached the Little Stingers. She also swam for Machine Aquatics and was captain of her Chantilly High School swim team. Rylie’s other high school activities included soccer, field hockey, and student government. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society, and taught Spanish to elementary and middle school students. When Rylie was in 7th grade, she organized a food drive, starting with her swim team and expanding it a few years later to include all NVSL swim teams. Through this effort, she collected over 1,000 pounds of food donations for the local community. Rylie will attend Miami University in the fall to study kinesiology and sports management, and will participate on their Division I varsity swim team.

“These lessons the NVSL taught me are invaluable and with the cancelation of my senior season came one more lesson. Don’t ever take anything for granted, enjoy every single moment. My senior season might have been taken away but not the lifetime of memories.”

President’s Scholarship - Madi Flinn

Madi Flinn has been an NVSL swimmer for 13 years and an NVSL diver for 12 years. She started off on the Old Keene Mill team, and later swam and dove for Commonwealth Swim Club. She has won many high point awards in diving and has qualified to Diving All-Stars every year since 2010. She has also made it to All-Stars in swimming and has coached her younger teammates at both her pools. At Lake Braddock High School, Madi was captain of the varsity swim and dive team. She also took leadership roles in causes benefiting students with disabilities, including the Special Olympics, the Bruin Buddies club, and the iCanBike club. Madi was active in her church as well, teaching Sunday school to 2-4 year-olds. Madi plans to study criminology at Christopher Newport University as an honors student in their Presidential Leadership program.

“One of the most important aspects of diving is the mental aspect. You can have all the ability in the world, but if your mentality is wrong, your ability is inconsequential. Every coach I had tried to teach me this lesson, but it never really clicked until I became a coach myself.”

Spirit Scholarship - Carrie Morrison

Carrie has swum in the NVSL for 13 years, first for the Hunt Valley Stingrays and later for the Orange Hunt Sharks. She has broken records, won events in both Individual All-Stars and All- Star relays, and has received many high point awards. She was awarded the highest honor on her Orange Hunt team, the Jerry Driscoll Award for dedication, spirit and character. At West Springfield High School, Carrie captained both the varsity swim team and the varsity softball teams. She was also the captain of her travel softball team for two years. Carrie was a member of the National Honor Society and the History Honor Society, as well as being active in student government and many clubs. She completed 45 hours of service at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum as an intern there. She will attend the University of Virginia in the fall.

“I am forever grateful for the 13 years of memories, friendships, and lessons that the NVSL has given me. I am most grateful for the person it has shaped me to be. With that, I leave these final remarks: ‘Sharks, eat ‘em! Chomp chomp chomp chomp chomp…’”

Sportsmanship Scholarship - Madeline Ice

A 15-year veteran of the Lee Graham swim team, Madeline competed in multiple All-Star meets and was twice awarded Lee Graham’s coveted Coaches’ Award for her overall contribution to the team. She has coached the team’s winter program and performed the national anthem at meets. At George C. Marshall High School, Madeline captained her varsity swim team and was chosen MVP in her senior year. Madeline, also a varsity track athlete, received Marshall’s Tri-Varsity Award. In addition, she is a member of the National Honor Society and the Tri-Music Honor Society. Outside school, she gives back to her community as a religious education assistant catechist at St. James Catholic School. Madeline will attend the University of Mary Washington, majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing, and minoring in linguistics. And of course, she will swim for their varsity team.

“In my almost 18 years, I learned that life is unpredictable. Whether it is a bone tumor or a pandemic, there are so many things that seem to upend life in an instant. But we can, and will, adapt. Be open to change and be flexible. Never quit, and find new ways to do what you love, to spread joy.”

Excellence in Technique Scholarship - Justin Brady

Justin has swum for the Fair Oaks Sharks for 9 years. He is head coach of the junior program there and also coaches their winter program. He has received the Coach’s Award, Most Improved Award, and several Second High Point Awards during his time as a Shark. He has helped break multiple relay records and qualified to All-Star Relays three times. Justin also swam for the USA Swim Mason Makos and was captain of his Chantilly High School varsity swim team. Justin attributes much of his swimming success to his technique work with Coach Lou Sharp, who inspired this scholarship. In addition to swimming, Justin is an Eagle Scout, and designed and planned construction of an outdoor elementary school classroom for his Eagle Scout project. He was also active in the Young Men’s Service League, Ragnar Relay team, Chantilly Writing Center, Chantilly Chamber Orchestra (violin), and freshman mentoring. Justin plans to study computer science at the University of Virginia School of Engineering.

“Every swimmer has a bad race, but we are always taught to keep our heads up and bounce back from our failure. The resilience I learned from swimming reaches beyond the pool, though. The COVID-19 pandemic that cancelled the 2020 season was a big disappointment for me and many other swimmers. I found ways to stay connected with my team despite the challenge of social distancing. The resilience paid off as now teams are back in the water and able to practice again.”

About the NVSL Scholarships: 

• Community Service Scholarship created in honor of George MacDuff and daughter Melinda. George served as the league's Records Chairman for many years. 
• Spirit Scholarship created in honor of Olivia Aull to recognize spirited swimmers and divers from within the NVSL community. 
• Sportsmanship Scholarship created in honor of Joan Olson a long time volunteer who served as an NVSL Director and Seeding Committee Chair, and a dedicated advocate for sportsmanship. 
• Excellence in Technique Scholarship created in honor of Lou Sharp by a grant from his estate. He was the founder of the Competition Swim Clinic, guiding generations of NVSL swimmers in stroke technique and love for swimming. 
• President’s Scholarship created in honor of the volunteers who have served the youth of Northern Virginia and in particular those who have served as President of the NVSL.

Graduating Senior Scholarship Deadline June 26 2020 - 6pm

Reminder! The NVSL graduating senior scholarship applications are due on 6/26/2020 by 6pm. The essay topic is "What Life Lessons Swimming/Diving in the NVSL has Taught Me"
Here is the link to the application package:  https://www.mynvsl.com/file/31527/2020_NVSL_Scholarship_information_and_Application_pdf

NVSL Season Announcement

Dear NVSL Swimmers, Divers, Families, Volunteers and Sponsors,

Planning for the 2020 season began even as the 2019 season came to a close. We eagerly looked forward to commemorating our 65^th anniversary as a league of more than 17,000 incredible swimmers and divers. As we know, the spread of the COVID-19 virus resulted in significant changes in our plans and daily lives. Despite our best efforts to gather as much information about the implications of COVID-19 to confidently hold a potential season, we have reached the difficult decision that the 2020 season must be canceled. We feel profound sadness knowing the disappointment this will cause, but the decision was made to prioritize the safety of our participants, supporters, and communities.

Over the last eight weeks, both the Executive Board and the full League Board met more than a dozen times to monitor the ongoing developments related to COVID-19. We gathered input from public health officials, as well as elected and appointed representatives from all levels of government. Most importantly, we sought input from all 102 teams through the 17 Division Coordinators. The common thread in the feedback, along with the disappointment of missing a special summer tradition, was the commitment to health and safety. The Board greatly appreciates the constructive conversations that advanced the discussion on the status of the 2020 season. We took into account as much information as we could to determine whether the League could operate in a safe and healthy way that did not put overwhelming logistical and organizational pressure on the League’s teams. 

We expect that teams will have many questions, and we will work quickly to answer where possible. At this moment, we can assure you of the following:

-       Senior swimmers and divers will have the opportunity to apply for 2020 NVSL scholarships.

-       Team dues will be fully refunded.

We are looking ahead and already planning how to make the 2021 season the best one yet.

Sincerely,

The NVSL Executive Board

Coronavirus and Your Swim Team – Rallying Together Through Uncertain Times

Coronavirus and Your Swim Team

Swim teams are a central part of many neighborhoods, connecting a large cross section of families throughout the community. This puts swim teams in a unique position to offer encouragement and hope to families who may be stressed by the uncertainty and isolation of COVID-19. 

Swim teams are used to rallying people together (the above photo is a great example), but obviously you can’t rally your people that way right now! During this difficult time we encourage you to use some of the resources provided by your SwimTopia website to mobilize and connect your communities.

Be a Conduit for Communication in Your Communities

Summer swim team has always been all about fun times with friends, community bonds, and traditions. Even during this time of “social distancing” and isolation, your team can come up with creative ways to maintain those bonds with “virtual” social time. 

Rally around an NVSL Swim/Dive family!

Dear NVSL Family,

One of our families, who swim at Sully Station 2 and dive at Sideburn Run, lost their house and belongings to a fire late Saturday night. They are starting to pick up the pieces, but it is especially difficult in the midst of the COVID crisis. 

Chris Campbell, one of our NVSL Directors and also co-Team Rep for Sully Station 2, is close to them and passed on the following information. 

It was touching as a swim parent to read this story Chris passed along as well...

"while helping the Stalforts out by going through their devastated house, two of their three girls asked to see if we could find their swim/dive medals in the mess.  We found a couple Divisionals medals for one and an NVSL All-Star medal and VHSL State Dive medal for another.  Of all the stuff that they could have asked for hours after their house was destroyed, these items came to mind first (and a stuffed animal!).  The request (and the success of the resulting search) was certainly not lost on this guy…"

Thanks again for your thoughts, prayers, and help for one of our NVSL community families, the Stalforts.

COVID-19

While all of us navigate life under the threat of the COVID-19 virus, our League has received a number of inquiries about the upcoming NVSL swim and dive season.   We kindly request that you allow us time to make an informed determination as we explore various scenarios, which may result in a cancelled season, an abbreviated season, a delayed season or a full season as scheduled.

We are closely monitoring everything that we can, including federal, state and local government guidance and prohibitions, other swim leagues and organization guidance, local and non-local, and our member pool decisions. We have always stressed safety in the NVSL, and our priority will continue to be the health and safety of those involved in our community.

We wish you the very best and hope that you and your loved ones remain healthy.

- The NVSL Executive Board

NVSL Releases Seeding for 2020 Season

The NVSL released the line up of teams into Divisions at its annual seeding meeting this afternoon. Here is the list for 2020

Results of Vote on Proposed Rule Changes

At the 2020 NVSL Team Rep Seeding and Rules Meeting this afternoon at West Springfield High School, the team representatives considered four potential changes to the league rules. The results of the voting are as follows:
Item #1 - Clarification of the relay start rule by requiring a mark on the pool deck no further than 32 inches from the edge of the pool. The motion was defeated with 10 votes for, 88 votes against, and two abstaining.
Item #2 - Clarification of the relay start rule by specifying at most one forward step by the starting swimmer. The motion was defeated with 27 votes for, 69 votes against, and four abstaining.
Item #3 - Allow the combining of boys and girls relay events. The motion was defeated with 62 votes for, 35 votes against, and three abstaining. For a motion to pass, two-thirds of the Team Representatives present and voting must approve the motion. 
Item #4 - Administrative change to combine the existing rules regarding Division Individual Championships (Divisionals) into a single rule. The motion passed with 98 votes for, zero votes against, and two abstaining.

2020 Team Rep Seeding Meeting - Sun Feb 23

Close your eyes... see the sun, feel the warmth, hear the sounds of swimmers cheering by the pool deck... This will be the 65th year of the NVSL!!! Hooray!! Let the excitement begin!

Team Reps, Division Coordinators, Committee Chairs, and Executive Board: If you have not received an email about the upcoming meeting please contact asknvsl@gmail.com.

The 2020 NVSL Seeding Meeting for Team Reps, Division Coordinators, Committee Chairs, and Executive Board will be held Sunday, February 23rd at West Springfield High School.

Agenda

• 11:45 - 1:55 pm    Sponsors of the NVSL Showcase (Entrance and Hallway)
• 12:00 - 1:00 pm    New Team Rep Training (Cafeteria)
• 2:00 - 3:00 pm    General Session (Cafeteria) - committee updates, approve 2020 budget, rules change proposals vote, seeding distributed
• 3:00 - 4:30 pm      Division Coordinators meet with their teams - share contact information, establish dual meet schedule, pick hosts for Relay Carnival and Divisionals

Giving Thanks!

Saskia Jansen Honored at Annual Hollin Hills Bluefish Awards Ceremony 

Saskia Jansen, the beloved Hollin Hills Bluefish swim team representative, ended her long career as a volunteer for the NVSL at the end of the swim team season. 
Saskia's involvement in the NVSL spans nearly 5 decades as team rep, coach and team member. She also held positions as pool manager and lifeguard.

Final Records for 2019!

On Saturday at Individual All Stars at Springboard Pool, we had our final two records of the 2019 season!

Elizabeth Bryan of Ilda Community (IC) broke both the 9-10 50m Breast and 10-Under 100m IM records in stunning fashion. In her first event, Elizabeth broke Jacquee Clabeaux's (G) 2010 breast record of 37.50, swimming an unreal time of 36.38. That swim would have been good enough to finish 4th in the 11-12 girls event, 8th in the 13-14 girls event, and 16th in the 15-18 girls event, as well as win the 9-10 boys event by 4.50s and finish 6th in the 11-12 boys event! Like I said...unreal!

Towards the end of the day, Bryan was back in the Individual Medley, where she broke Courtney Watts' (Then HS, now CH) 2016 record of 1:13.20 with a new all time best of 1:12.55. This performance would have been good enough to finish in the top 18 in every age group as well, so expect to see Elizabeth Bryan near the top of leaderboards for a long time!

Congratulations Elizabeth on two great swims to cap off your 2019 season.

2019 NVSL All Stars and Swim Ninja Livestream

With the final event of the 2019 NVSL Summer Season tomorrow morning we would like to thank everyone for making it such a fun and exciting summer! 

Tomorrow morning we will be at Springboard for NVSL Individual All Stars to watch the top 18 performers in each individual event compete for the top spot. It will be a great morning of racing and we hope you can join us!

If you are unable to make it to the meet, be sure to go check out the Swim Ninja livestream of the meet -- go to SwimNinja.com or click here to see every race from the day!

NVSL 2019 Division Sportsmanship Awards!

NVSL Division Sportsmanship Awards were awarded at all Divisionals meets on Saturday. 
The teams receiving the coveted awards are the following:

The award is presented annually to one team in each division that best exemplifies the principles of good sportsmanship as embodied in the NVSL Standards of Conduct.  The divisions' teams vote for the award with each team casting three ballots: one based on the vote of the Team Representative, a second based on the vote of their coaches, and a third based on a vote of the 13 & over team members. 

Congratulations to our 2019 Sportsmanship Award recipients.

Two League Records set at Divisionals!

At the Division 4 Individual Championship meet at Cardinal Hill on Saturday, we saw two league records fall.

The first record came in the 15-18 Girls 50m Breaststroke, with Anna Keating of Vienna Aquatic Club (VAC) swimming a 31.37, breaking Jacquee Clabeaux's (Greenbriar) 2016 record of 31.62. See the race below:


In the second to last event of the day, Anthony Grimm of Fair Oaks broke the 15-18 Boys 100m IM record set at 54.85 by Andrew Seliskar (ML) in 2014. Grimm, despite hitting the lane line in backstroke, came just under record time at 54.83, showing that you should never give up on a race, even when it feels less than perfect--see the race below:

 Anthony Grimm now holds the record for all five 15-18 individual events, setting them this summer as a 16-year-old! This is Anna Keating's first NVSL record. Congratulations Anna and Anthony on these great performances!

2019 NVSL Scholarship Recipients

Each year the NVSL awards scholarships to graduating high school swimmers/divers to be used at the school of their choice to help defray a portion of their continuing education expenses. The league considers team commitment and leadership, school and community involvement, and a submitted essay as criteria for selection. The essay asks these stand out senior members of our community, "what life lessons swimming/diving in the NVSL taught me?"

Our five scholarship recipients were announced this past week at NVSL All Star Relays--this year, we are pleased to announce the following recipients:

Four League Records in the Final Week of the Regular Season

In the final week of the regular season we had four new league records set across the NVSL, in both meters and yards, as well as individual and relay events.

The first two records of the day came from Anthony Grimm of Fair Oaks. With only one individual 15-18 boys meters record without his name attached to it, Anthony got after it. Swimming in one of the faster pools in the NVSL in Fair Oak's week 5 dual meet at Cardinal Hill, Grimm broke Paul O'Hara's 2014 50m freestyle record of 22.60, posting a 22.45!

10 events later, Grimm took his own 50m backstroke record to a new historic mark--having become only the second person to ever swim the event under 25 seconds, Anthony posted a 23.82, improving his earlier mark of 24.01! Anthony now holds all four 15-18 Boys dual meet individual records (Free, Back, Breast, Fly)! Congratulations on a busy season.

Across the league, Rolling Valley traveled to Holmes Run Acres, one of two remaining yards pools, for a division 14 matchup. In event 29, Andrew Hale of Rolling Valley (RV) broke the 15-18 boys 50 yard breastroke record with a time of 26.88. The record was previously held by Greg Clever of Tuckahoe, set in 1984, with a time of 27.61, which Hale smashed with his performance this morning!

To round it out, the Overlee 15-18 Girls 200m Medley Relay of Mary Kate Reicherter, Kayle Park, Kate Bailey, and Alexis Lee completed an incredible season--having broken the relay carnival record last week, and winning 1st at All Stars this past week, the Overlee ladies took down the dual meet record in the event with a time of 2:00.90. The record was previously held by Orange Hunt, set in 2015 with a time of 2:01.09.

Congratulations to our new league record holders on finishing off the regular season on a high note!

Two New NVSL Yards Relay Records

This past weekend we had two new yards relay records broken at the Sideburn Run vs Kent Gardens meet held in McLean. Similar to last week at the Chesterbrook-Tuckahoe meet, the two records were in consecutive events--the 13-14 girls and 15-18 boys medleys!

The Sideburn Run 13-14 girls 100y medley relay swam 54.75, breaking the old record of 55.03 by Lee Graham in 2004. Congratulations to the relay team of Anna Littleton, Amelia Simonsen, Sophie Scadron, and Jackie Dobrydney!

In the very next race, the Sideburn Run 15-18 boys 200y medley relay team of Matthew Ferrari, Luke Shivik, Joey Dobrydney, and Matt Mitros broke the 2016 Oakton record of 1:41.31, going 1:40.78! See the race below:



Congratulations Sideburn Run relays on these great accomplishments!

2019 Around the NVSL: Week 4

With Divisional Relay Carnival in the mix, Week 4 had a ton of action around the league. We saw so much excitement from all our teams during their meets and pep rallies and are excited to share a few highlights from the week--to see the full post click here!

Walden Glen and Crosspointe take no days off when it comes to bringing that spirit


The competition was fierce Wednesday, but there has to be a winner--check out a few teams taking in the joy of a divisional relay carnival victory


Of course, with it being week 4, there was a lot of important racing action - here was a critical race from the Overlee-Tuckahoe meet in the 15-18 girls 50m Back, with the Flying fish picking up 1st and 3rd from Mary Kate Reicherter and Alexis Lee with Natalie English giving 3 points to Tuckahoe


Despite the competition, sometimes you just have to dance it out--Donaldson Run and Vienna Woods took a quick break from the action to see which team had the better moves



We have loved every minute of the 2019 summer and look forward to even more fun and energy this week with week 5 and All Star Relays -- keep sending us your team's updates to be featured right here next week! As always, send your videos to Social@swimninja.com and tag @swimNVSL and @SwimNinja on social media!

Anthony Grimm: Back at it Again!

On Saturday, Anthony Grimm got back to rewriting the NVSL record board with two more major milestones. In Fair Oaks' week 4 dual meet with Oakton, Grimm first broke his own 15-18 50m breaststroke record he set two weeks ago, becoming the first person to ever swim under 28 seconds in the event with an incredible 27.57. This is the third time this record has been broken this summer after standing for 20 years. See the video of the race below:




To follow up this performance, Grimm then went out and broke Andrew Seliskar's 2014 15-18 Boys 50m Butterfly record of 23.90, posting a time of 23.63. See the video below:


Congratulations Anthony on two more terrific performances--We hope to hear from you again soon!

Three Relay Records in 4 Days...All in One Place!

Over the past few days, we have had three NVSL Relay records broken at Overlee. The first two occurred Wednesday night at the Division 1 Relay Carnival, and the third was this morning during the Overlee-Tuckahoe week 4 dual meet.

The first record was set by the Overlee 15-18 girls 200m Medley Relay. Mary Kate Reicherter, Kayle Park, Kate Bailey, and Alexis Lee broke the 2017 record of 1:59.68 set by Overlee, going 1:59.14! Reicherter and Park swam the front end of that relay two years ago. See the video below:



Later in the evening, the Chesterbrook 13-14 girls were back at it--after having broken the 100m Medley the weekend before, Patricia Leonard, Ellie Leonard, Cate Sheridan, and Caroline Burgeson took down the 2018 league record of 1:53.00 set by Overlee, going .02s better with a 1:52.98! See the video below:

Then today, Tuckahoe's 13-14 boys 100m Medley Relay broke the dual meet NVSL record swimming a 53.50--the record was previously held by Wakefield Chapel, set in 2016. Congratulations to JT Ewing, Emanuel Rovelas, Nolan Dunkel, and Stefan Jafari on a great accomplishment! 

2019 Around the NVSL: Week 3

With week 3 in the books, we can hardly believe we are halfway through the NVSL season already. This past week there were Independence Day celebrations all over the league that carried on into the weekend, with some great America themed pep rallies and meets! See everything here!

We love all the videos and pictures everyone has been sending in and tagging us in on social media -- with a crazy final 2 weeks of the regular season, keep showing us what your team is up to!

Here were a few highlights from the weekend:

We already showed you the two league records that were set by some older swimmers in the league, but how about these little guys racing hard in the first event of the day -- two of the fastest 8-under boys freestylers, Cadell Moy-Jacobs (Lakeview) and Phoenix Wentland (Sleepy Hollow Rec) went head to head in this thriller:


Walden Glen fed off those patriotic feelings to get fired up during their Pep rally before a big meet--we love walking into different pools and seeing the driveway chalked up! What does your team do on Fridays?


In a display of international appreciation, Springboard showed some love for our Northern neighbors on Canada Day!



There are two types of coaches in the NVSL...Coach Evan and Coach Kevin from Dowden Terrace had different approaches to their America themed meet!


The next few weeks are a crazy time for everyone--make sure to enjoy every minute of it and have fun with relay carnival this week! 
As always, send in those race videos and other longer content to social@swimninja.com and be sure to tag @swimNVSL and @SwimNinja and use our hashtags #NVSL #SwimNinja to be featured right here next week!

First Two Relay Records of 2019

Only a few days before all 102 NVSL teams compete in their Divisional Relay Carnival we saw the first two NVSL Relay records of 2019 get broken. In back to back events, the Chesterbrook 13-14 girls 100m Medley relay and 15-18 boys 200m Medley relay set new league bests in their dual meet at Tuckahoe.

The 13-14 girls relay of Cate Sheridan, Ellie Leonard, Patricia Leonard, and Caroline Burgeson broke the McLean mark of 57.57 set in 2017, going 57.33! See the race video below:


Immediately after the Tigershark girls' historic performance, the 15-18 boys had their moment to shine. The relay of Ryan Mathis, Tyler Lentine, Ryan Soh, and Thomas Outlaw went 1:44.84, breaking the Fox Mill Woods 2018 record time of 1:45.01. See the video below:



Note: The NVSL keeps separate records for Saturday performances (Dual Meets, Divisionals, All-Stars) and Relay Carnival (Divisionals and All-Stars). The 13-14 girls will swim a 200m medley relay on Wednesday, giving them a new goal to shoot for. The 15-18 boys are less than 2 tenths of a second off the Relay Carnival record held by Fox Mill Woods!

Congratulations Chesterbrook on these incredible team accomplishments and good luck chasing those Relay Carnival records!

2019 Around the NVSL: Week 2

We saw a number of very exciting things around the league over the past week as it became evident that summer swim season is finally in full force! Here were some of the highlights--see all submissions and social media posts by clicking here!

Two More League Records for Grimm!

Anthony Grimm of Fair Oaks added two more league records to his collection with a pair of great individual swims this morning in the Sharks home meet against VAC.

In event 19, Anthony broke Phillip Hu's 2013 15-18 Boys 50m Backstroke record with a time of 24.01 - the previous mark was 24.85.

10 races later, Grimm was back in action in the 15-18 Boys 50m Breaststroke. After Paul Kinsella knocked down the record last week, Anthony improved on the previous all-time best of 28.75 with his own 28.07.

Grimm now owns 5 NVSL records - congratulations on this achievement and keep going for more!

Three More pieces of History

Three new league records have been officially certified by the NVSL from this past Saturday's meet between Lee-Graham and Kent Gardens.

At the halfway point in the individual events, Adam Janicki of Lee Graham broke the 15-18 Boys 50 yard backstroke record previously set by Tommy Hallock in 2016. On his 17th birthday, Janicki took a full second off the previous league best of 24.67, going an impressive 23.65. 

Four events later, Andy Li (Kent Gardens) had a record-shattering performance in the 9-10 Boys 50 yard breaststroke. Li took down one of the oldest records on the book--Mark Hagen's 37.20 swim from 1976--posting a blazing fast 34.69. Li now owns two individual NVSL yards records (8-u 25 breast, 9-10 50 breast) and two individual meters records (8-u 25 breast, 8-u 25 fly). See a video of this performance below:


Towards the end of the meet, Li was joined by three of his teammates in breaking another 40-year-old record--Alexander Cafer, Blake Nguyen, and James Davis were in action for the 9-10 Boys 100 yard medley relay. The Kent Gardens boys swam their relay in an NVSL record time of 1:04.33, breaking the previous 1979 record of 1:06.00 set in 1979 by Overlee. See the video for this race below:



Congratulations boys on these remarkable performances! Thank you for the video submissions as well!

2019 Around the NVSL: Week 1

In the first week of official NVSL action, there was so much energy and excitement around the league it was breathtaking. All week long, Swim Ninja and the NVSL received photos and videos and were tagged in social media posts from practice, team activities, pep rallies, pre-meet rituals, and of course, race videos.

In addition to league and team record-breaking swims, we saw our teams display what makes the NVSL such a great summer experience through sportsmanship, and camaraderie. We are fortunate to have had so many submissions and the full post can be seen by clicking here! 

Here are a few highlights we received this week!



Oakton @ VAC 8-Under Girls 25m Breast


Walden Glen cheering before the start of relays


A dance party broke out between both teams after the Burke Station, Rolling Forest meet

As always, tag @swimNVSL and @SwimNinja and use #nvsl and #swimninja when posting to social media
For videos and larger submissions, email Social@swimninja.com

Great job everyone and we look forward to seeing more of your pictures and videos in Week 2!

Roundtree Does it Again!

In yesterday's Division 4 matchup between Fair Oaks and Virginia Run, it only took four races for history to be made!

Charis Roundtree of Virginia Run broke the NVSL record for 9-10 Girls 50m Freestyle with a time of 29.43. The record was previously held by Courtney Watts when she swam a 29.58 while swimming for Highlands in 2016.

With this performance, Roundtree picks up her second league record, having broken the 8-Under 25m Freestyle mark in 2017. Additionally, Charis becomes only the 3rd 9-10 girl, and 4th 10-under, to ever swim under the 30-second mark in freestyle, joining Watts, Johnny Bradshaw (Hamlet - 2014), and Isabella Rongione (McLean - 2010).

Congratulations Charis and keep going after those records!

*note*: In order for a league record to become official, the timer card must be received by the Chair of the NVSL Records committee to be certified, per NVSL Rule

One for the Record Books

In today's Division 1 contest between Overlee and Highlands, one of the NVSL's most famous records went down!

Paul Kinsella of Overlee broke Ed Moses' 1998 15-18 Boys 50m Breaststroke record, going 28.75s. The previous record mark was 28.81s. 

Paul was swimming in his only meet of 2019, and possibly his last for the Flying Fish as he heads off this week to the United States Naval Academy for Plebe Summer--Kinsella will swim for Navy.

After swimming for Old Keene Mill, Ed Moses went on to swim for the University of Virginia and competed for Team USA at the 2000 Olympic games in Sydney, Australia. In Sydney, Moses would win silver in the 100m Breast and gold in the 4x100 Medley Relay. After the Olympics, Ed Moses held world records in the 50m and 100m Breast, as well as the 50m, 100m, and 200m short course records as well.

Congratulations Paul and good luck at Navy!


Thank you for the user submission!

2019 Around the NVSL: Time Trials

The NVSL and Swim Ninja have joined forces to bring you the best of what the NVSL has to offer on a weekly basis! This publicity initiative was launched to bring our NVSL community closer together by showcasing our teams, athletes, coaches, and fans through our love of summer swimming.

Each week we will feature selected submitted content and social media posts, so get in on the action and start sending in your pool's highlights!

What can I submit to help publicize my team?

Show us race videos, your team cheering and showing their spirit or anything your athletes, coaches, and community might be doing around the pool this summer!

How do I submit

You can post on social media (facebook, twitter, instagram) and tag @swimninja or @swimNVSL and/or use #swimninja and #NVSL. If you have videos or a lot to show us, upload it to a google drive and share it with social@swimninja.com or post it to youtube and enable embedding–just drop us a note and we will be sure to include it in the weekly roundup!

This week around the NVSL...
We received 1 vlog, 8 videos, and 20 pictures from 16 teams' Time Trial meets. See it all by clicking here

Here are some of the top submissions from this week!


Captain Tuckahoe and the seniors get the Tigers fired up




The High Point Hippos started off 2019 with some energy



The Sully Station Stingrays had a little fun with fly 

NVSL Releases Seeding for 2019 Season

The NVSL released the line up of teams into Divisions at its annual seeding meeting this afternoon. Here is the list for 2019

2019 Seeding Meeting

Team Reps, Division Coordinators, Committee Chairs, and Executive Board.

The 2019 NVSL Seeding Meeting will be held Sunday, February 24th at Falls Church High School. At the seeding meeting the league will announce the division structure for the upcoming season.

Agenda

• 12:00 - 1:00 pm    New Team Rep Training (Side Cafeteria)
• 12:00 - 1:55 pm    Vendor showcase (Main Cafeteria and Hallway)
• 2:00 - 3:00 pm      General Session (Side Cafeteria) - committee updates, approve 2019 budget, rules change vote, seeding distributed
• 3:00 - 4:00 pm      Division Coordinators meet with their teams (Various Classrooms) - share contact information, establish dual meet schedule, pick hosts for Relay Carnival and Divisionals
  
  
  

Sportsmanship Awards

The award is presented annually to one team in each division that best exemplifies the principles of good sportsmanship as embodied in the NVSL Standards of Conduct.  The divisions' teams vote for the award with each team casting three ballots: one vote from the Team Representative, a second from coaches, and a third based on a vote of the 13 & over team members.   NVSL Division Sporstmanship Awards were awarded at all Divisionals meets.  The teams receiving this award are the following:

Division:
         1 -- Langley             2 -- Vienna Aquatic Club    3 -- Mount Vernon Park    4 -- Virginia Run
         5 -- Pinecrest           6 -- Mantua                     7 -- Mosby Woods            8 -- Cottontail
         9 -- Mansion House  10 -- Great Falls              11 -- South Run               12 -- Shouse Village
        13 -- Springboard     14 -- Woodley                 15 -- Hollin Hills               16 -- Broyhill Crest
        17 -- Pinewood Lake

Congratulations to our 2018 Sportsmanship Award recipients!

Stars Align for Three Virgos at Little Rocky Run

At a muggy and damp Little Rocky Run yesterday, amid the crowd and under the gaze of the immortal Bob York, three All Stars reached record holder status.

In the 11-12 Freestyle, Michael Mullen of Old Keene Mill stunned the crowd in an upset over the current record-holder, Donovan Kovalsky, finishing with a blazing kick and touching in 26.18.  Donovan had just lowered the mark to 26.20 the week before.

Then in the 13-14 Girls Back, Hunter Mill’s Alexandra Dicks tied 18-time All American Janet Hu’s 29.75.  Janet’s record was set in 2010 while she was at Mosby Woods.

The last record was set in the Boys 9-10 Breast, when Brandon Lesser of Daventry lowered his own mark of 37.28, touching in 37.26.

Records Tumble on Divisional Saturday

Across the county today, swimmers took advantage of the pleasant weather to set seven new NVSL records.

At the Division 3 meet at Hunt Valley, Donovan Kovalsky of Mount Vernon Park took down Cyrus Hashemi's 11 year old 11-12 Free record of 26.44, hitting the wall in 26.20.

The 8-year-old phenom Andy Li of Kent Gardens went two-for-two at the Division 7 meet hosted by Mosby Woods, setting new marks in both the Breaststroke (19.35) and the Butterfly (16.21).  The previous Breast record was held by Blake Masden (19.77 in 2016) and Andy had the previous fly record of 16.37.

Brandon Lesser of Daventry tied Charlie Greenwood's 37.28 in the Boys 9-10 Breaststroke, exciting the Division 16 crowd at Broyhill Crest.  Charlie set his record at All Stars last year.

At the Division 1 meet at Tuckahoe, Catherine Hughes broke her own 11-12 Breast record, besting her record of 34.63 with a 34.40.  Also breaking a record at that meet was Tuckahoe's Nolan Dunkel in the 11-12 Fly.  He outswam Max Cruz's 28.53, going 28.47.

Rutherford's Aiken Do took down Anthony Grimm's one year-old 13-14 Breast record of 30.63 by touching in 30.41.  He did it at the Division 8 meet at Waynewood.

   
   Donovan Kovalsky of MVP                  Nolan Dunkel & Catherine Hughes of Tuckahoe

All Stars Shine at Lincolnia Park

In the bright July sunlight yesterday, NVSL scholarship winners, swimmers and spectators reveled at the All Star Relays at Lincolnia Park.  The host pool provided a welcoming environment for an estimated 4,000 people. 

On the deck just before the meet, NVSL athletes Hannah Karlin (Overlee), Mia Oppler (Walden Glen and Rolling Hills), Ian Peverall (Hollin Meadows), Hannah Rollins (Lee Graham) and Martin Salamone (Village West) were presented with the league's 2018 scholarships.  Those 5 were selected from 52 applications!

On the grass, dozens of colorful team and vendor canopies created a fun environment for everyone, including live video streaming on a big screen.  A Channel 7 News crew roamed the area.

And in the water, three league records were broken, starting with the first two events.  In the Girls Mixed Age 200m Freestyle Relay, the Cardinal Hill team of Courtney Watts, Emma Watts, Maggie Shi, and Brynn Curtiswith excited the crowd with a 1:54.89, besting the old record of 1:55.09, set by Highlands Swim in 2016.  Then in the Boys Mixed Age Free, the Hamlet team of Ryan Bradshaw, Alex Andrews, Johnny Bradshaw, and David DiMeglio destroyed their own record of 1:50.08 set just the week before, touching in 1:48.76.  And in the Boys 15-18 200m Medley, Jaya Kambhammpaty, Tommy Hallock, Daniel Gyenis, and Noah Desman of Fox Mill Woods swam just under their own record of 1:44.79 (also set last week), hitting the wall in 1:44.67.

The NVSL would like to thank the multitude of marshals, timers, RTOs, awards folks, clerks of course, stroke & turn judges, starters, referees, and of course, our spirited announcer Bob York for spending four hours on the deck making this meet possible.  The league would also like to give a special thanks to the Lincolnia Park volunteers for all their prep work and dawn-to-dusk support yesterday. 

Making a Splash to Benefit the Warrior Canine Connection

High Point Pool will be thier second annual HiPP-o-thon fundraiser to benefit the  Warrior Canine Connection. The Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) model to help recovering Warriors reconnect with life, their families, their communities, and each other. Supporting the WCC gives the High Point Swim Team an opportunity to work together, help recovering warriors, and teach our swimmers about giving back. The WCC will be present at the event, along with some of their service dogs! 

For more information go to the HPP website.

WHEN: July 19, 7:30 - 10:30 a.m.

All Star Relays TOMORROW

Are you ready for the League's biggest meet of the year?!!!

Sixty-six of the one hundred and two teams will have relays competeing in tomorrows All Star Relays.  Will more team and league records fall?  Will the athletes have the fasted 'leg' they ever swum?  Will they make memories with friends that will last forever?   Answers: YES, YES, and YES !!!

With an expected crowd of about 4500 people - be prepared for the meet by reviewing the Public Guide for 2018 ASR.

Dedication 'In the Woods'

Ben and Andrew Denman-Grimm are stand-out 14 year old twins who had quite a day with their teammates on Saturday at Vienna Woods.  Ben's and Andrew's parent's are currently stationed in Switzerland for a two-year tour of duty.  The Denman-Grimms are long time members of Vienna Woods.  Ben and Andrew, who have been members of the swim team since being 8 and unders, love swimming "In the Woods" so much that they elected to stay in America with friends during the summer swim season.  Wow! Did their dedication pay off.  Ben broke a 9 year old record in the 50 free by going 25.40 and Ben, Andrew, Jack Peterson and Joshua Huang broke a 22 year old 13/14 Medley Relay record by going 56.06.  This smashed the previous mark by 0.88 seconds!  Great swimming boys!

Big Day at Kent Gardens

New League Records ... and they're REALLY fast

Near-perfect weather across the county on Wednesday set the stage for hundreds of team records and a half dozen ultra-fast swims.  Four League "Relay Carnival Records" were broken and by swim standards - they were smashed!  The outstanding swims came in the following events:

• Mixed Age Boys Relay
  • Ryan Bradshaw, Alex Andrews, Johnny Bradshaw, and David DiMeglio of Hamlet finished with a time of 1:50.08 surpassing the previous 2016 record which was also held by Hamlet.  
• Boys 15-18 Medley Relay
  • The Fox Mill Woods team of Jaya Kambhampaty, Tommy Hallock, Daniel Gyenis, and Noah Desmand pummeled their own record that they set just last year.  The new record time is 1:44.79 which disappointed Overlee's team (1:45.89) and Chesterbrook's team (1:45.93) who also swam faster than the old record of 1:46.96.
  • The matchup between these three teams will be one to watch at All Star Relays!
• Girls 13-14 Freestyle Relay
  • Alexis Lee, Emmie Ridgeway, Elyse Hartmann, and Kate Bailey of Overlee finished in 1:53.00, crushing the old record of 1:54.63 set in 2017 by McLean.
• Boys 15-18 Freestyle Relay
  • To add to their stellar night of swimming, the FMW team did it again.  Jaya Kambhampaty, Daniel Gyenis, Noah Desman and Tommy Hallock beat their own 2017 mark of 1:35.80 with a new record swim of a smoldering 1:34.94. 

"Shouts from the Stand"

Michael Moriarty share this article, Shouts from the Stands, the Other Tiger Sharks via Twitter, but for those who have not seen it on the SwimSwam website - it is now accessible here.  Mike Moriarty grew up in Falls Church and competed for High Point Pool from 1968 to 1978.  Since 2000, he has been a member at Chesterbrook and among other roles, he was the Team Rep from 2006 to 2008.

Relay Carnivals !!!

TONIGHT!!  Have fun and swim fast!

The times/results from the seventeen carnivals will be used to determine the teams going to All Star Relays which makes the verification of times on time cards doubly important.  Timers should verify that their correct time is written on the timecard before clearing the watches.  The selection meeting for the All Star Relay Carnival is scheduled for the evening of July 12th and afterward teams will be officially notified of their entries and can then start planning for the following Wednesday.

Information about All Star Relays (hosted by Lincolnia Park) can be found in the All Star folder on our website.  Prepare early and do not delay with your orders.

NVSL Teams Step Up to Help Out A Pool in Need

Back in early April, a "spectacular" fire swept through the Faircrest Community clubhouse in Centreville, injuring no one but damaging its pool's pumps, plumbing and bathrooms, leaving the Herndon league team without a pool for the summer.  Mike Wiedemann, one of the Faircrest Cyclones' team reps, reached out to the NVSL for help, and within hours, both Brookfield and Little Rocky Run stepped up to offer their pools for Cyclones practice throughout the summer.  Mike was so grateful, he sent a letter to the editor of the Connection newspaper, offering his thanks to the Brookfield Breakers for hosting his team for the summer.  See the Cyclones article here:  just-add-water.  Thanks to both Little Rocky Run and Brookfield for displaying their "principles of good sportsmanship" as model members of the NVSL!

Protect Yourself from the Heat

Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Choose lightweight, light-colored, and breathable fabrics, as well as broad-spectrum sunscreen (with protection from both UVA and UVB sun rays) to protect you and your child from the heat and potential sun-related skin damage.  Hats and umbrellas can be used to limit exposure to harmful sun rays.

Drink lots of fluids. Remember to drink plenty of liquids, regardless of your activity level. Fluids should be drunk before, during and after being exposed to extreme heat.

Know how to identify heat-related illnesses.  Learn symptoms and signs of heat-related illnesses/conditions such as heat stroke, exhaustion, cramps, and severe sunburn.  If children show these symptoms, seek medical assistance immediately.

It was a little damp, but we all survived Week One of dual meets!!

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS:  There are FIVE $1500 NVSL scholarships that will be awarded this summer.  Applications are due no later than 6 PM on June 29th.  This year's essay asks “What Life Lessons Swimming/Diving in the NVSL has Taught Me”.  Application is in the Document Center.

THANK YOUs
WOW! - 788 parent-volunteers attended starter, referee, and stroke and turn certification clinics this year (many of them went to two clinics)! Besides the job of Clerk-of-Course, officiating is up there on the difficulty scale and probably number one on the un-appreciated ladder. 
Being a referee or a starter or a stroke and turn judge isn’t fun, but these roles are necessary to ensure all swimmers are treated fairly and abide by the rules.  Those who disagree with our judges are strongly encouraged to join the ranks of officials whose NVSL season starts weeks early, attending clinics, downloading documents, and studying these rules and procedures.
Thank you again to all officials - we couldn’t sit and cheer for our kids without you standing on deck and being neutral.
  
RULES & PROCEDURE REFRESHERS
Timers - At the completion of each event, each Head Lane Timer LEGIBLY writes the stopwatch times on the card, determines the official time, and LEGIBLY writes it on the card.  Each lane timer views the recordings by the Head Lane Time for correctness before clearing his or her watch.
Scratches & Substitutions – 5.b.(3) In individual events, a swimmer with a faster time shall not be entered as a substitute for a swimmer with a slower time achieved in an individual event for the same stroke [2018 A meet times only].  …  This rule shall not prohibit a substitution when either swimmer does not have such a [2018 A Meet] time.  [A ‘no time’ is not a slower time.]
All rule clarification questions should be directed to Pamela Stark-Reed at pesreed@yahoo.com and askNVSL@gmail.com.

Streamlines - NVSL News 6/21/18

NVSL summer swim shifts into high gear this weekend with our first round of dual meets.  Good luck to all teams and swimmers.  Swim Fast. Demonstrate good sportsmanship. HAVE FUN!!  
And here are some reminders:

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS:  There are FIVE $1500 NVSL scholarships that will be awarded this summer.  Applications are due no later than 6 PM on June 29th.  This year's essay asks “What Life Lessons Swimming/Diving in the NVSL has Taught Me”.  Application is in the Document Center.

RULE REFRESHERS
Freestyle - Per the NVSL rules, freestyle may be swum in any manner (on the back, on the front, on the side, doing another stroke, etc.) and this rule includes the 'freestyle' leg of the Individual Medley event and the Medley Relay event. 
False Starts - After a swimmer is disqualified for a false start AND if the race has not begun, it is the rule that the swimmer is not permitted to swim in that event.  No heckling allowed!
All rule clarification questions should be directed to Pamela Stark-Reed at pesreed@yahoo.com and askNVSL@gmail.com.

RAIN & THUNDER
If a storm is in the forecast for Saturday: The meet will go on while it's raining.  Thunder and lightning is not acceptable - go to your cars and wait it out.

COMMUNICATION is the key to avoiding conflict.  Talk it out!

HUGE THANK YOUs
All of the NVSL community would like to sincerely thank all of the pools that graciously hosted the NVSL clinics this year.  Big shout outs go to: Mantua, Lee Graham, Shouse Village, Annandale, Fairfax Club Estates, Virginia Hills, Hunt Valley, & Sully Station.  Thank you for all your support!

FOOD TRUCK at SWIM MEETS
See County of Fairfax Information Letter for regulations.

Streamlines - NVSL News 6/19/18

LAST CHANCE STROKE & TURN CLINICS   (RAIN OR SHINE)
May 20th at Hunt Valley Pool at 7 pm
May 20^th at Sully Station Pool at 7pm
    No cost or registration is required; two hour clinic; DO NOT BE LATE.

ON-LINE S&T RECERTIFICATION CLINIC – June 21st  
June 21st at 7:00 pm   *Stroke and Turn RE-CERTIFICATION - ONLINE - Advance registration required at:  REGISTER HERE    *This clinic is intended for S&T Officials with 5 or more years of experience.

     For clinic and attendance information, contact:
     Dave DiNardo, NVSL Officials Attendance Coordinator
     301-520-6209 or dave.dinardo@gmail.com

   2018 NVSL Clinics - CLINICS
   NVSL Officials Attendance Data - ATTENDANCE
   NVSL Officials Qualification Procedures - QUALIFICATION

Streamlines - NVSL News 6/4/18

Do not fear, the sunshine has been ordered and will arrive soon.

VIRTUAL MEET TOOL
NEVER go to another website again!  The far right tab in our menu bar now has a FUN tool for you to use.  Compete teams from any year and week with one another.  Some meets go back to 2003. 

UPCOMING CLINICS and check the “Upcoming Events” for details
June 9th at 8:00 am   Stroke and Turn at Annandale, Fairfax Club Estates, Lee Graham, and Virginia Hills
June 9th at 8:00 am   Chief Timer and Table Admin at Annandale pool
June 12th at 7:00 pm   New Referee at Lee-Graham

SCHOLARSHIPS
ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS:  There are FIVE $1500 NVSL scholarships that will be awarded this summer.  Applications are due no later than 6 PM on June 29th.  This year's essay asks “What Life Lessons Swimming/Diving in the NVSL has Taught Me”.  Application is in the Document Center.

NVSL HANDBOOKS
Get your NVSL Handbook from your Team Rep.  This year, USA Swimming has given us permission to include the stroke rules in our book.  Now EVERYONE will know the rules!

WINTER SWIM
FCPA wants to thank you for another successful winter swimming season.  Even before our first dual meet, it is already time to begin thinking about the 2018/19 winter swim season.  All bids are due by 8am on Thursday, July 5, 2018.  Joshua Smith is the FCPA Pool Contract Coordinator and can be reached for questions at  Joshua.Smith2@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @swimNVSL
Tweet us photos and interesting news.

Streamlines - NVSL News 5/21/18

NEW REFEREE CLINIC
May 31st at Lee Graham Pool at 7 pm
    No cost or registration is required; two hour clinic; DO NOT BE LATE.

NVSL UNIVERSITY
 CERTIFICATION CLINICS 
 June 2nd – NVSL University at Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax)
    New Referee Clinic - 8:00 AM
    Referee/Starter Clinic - 8:00 AM
    New Starter Clinic - 8:00 AM
    Stroke and Turn Clinic - 10:30 AM
 
  No cost or registration is required
  No food or drinks are allowed in the auditorium.  (New Starter clinic and Stroke & Turn Clinics)
  DO NOT BE LATE for clinics.
  Clinics are approximately 2 hours.  
  Although not a prerequisite, the NVSL Instructors highly recommend watching the USA Swimming Training videos at https://www.usaswimming.org/officials/officials-training-videos.
  Check officials' attendance and requirements to ensure proper certification.

Streamlines - NVSL News 4/30/18

COACHES CLINIC and COACHING ADS
The first of two Coaches Clinics is scheduled for May 19th at Shouse Village Pool.  This is an outstanding clinic organized by the League and a team of great instructors with many years of coaching experience.  This clinic is highly recommended for new coaches and for coaches new to the NVSL.  Encourage your coaches to sign up at nvslcoachclinic@gmail.com for this great opportunity to learn new practice and training techniques, various ways to deal with situations, and ideas for making this season more fun than last. 

Send the "coach wanted" ad you want posted to askNVSL@gmail.com.  If you have already posted an ad and the job position has been filled, please send a message so that it can removed.

HY-TEK TRAINING – SUNDAY MAY 20th
The Automation Committee will host a second training session for the computer software used in team and meet management on May 20th at Mantua Swim and Tennis Club. The training session will emphasize the practical usage of the software and will also expand the discussion on navigating the NVSL website in order to download necessary files. The session will begin at 3:00 pm with a brief presentation overview followed by practical training. Attendees are encouraged to bring their team computers for a hands-on help session after the training.  Team representatives and new computer operators are encouraged to attend.  No registration required.  

If you (Team Reps only) need a copy of the current Team Manager or Meet Manager software, the League maintains backup copies of the installation software to assist teams in restoring their copies of the software.   Contact either Joe Mattis (jtmattis@cox.net) or Dan Joyce (dojgeg@verizon.net) of the Automation Committee to request backup copies of the needed software. 

CERTIFICATE of INSURANCE
Located on the website in the Team Rep folder. 

UPCOMING TRAINING CLINICS   All clinics are free.  No registration required. 
May 20^th          HyTek Training at Mantua
May 31^st          New Referee Clinic at Lee Graham
June 2^nd           NVSL University at Fairfax County Government Center

Coaching Clinics

Happy Spring! Hope all is going well with your preseason preparations!

We are excited to offer two dates for the NVSL Coaching Clinics this year. Team coaches are encouraged to sign up by emailing nvslcoachclinic@gmail.com. Include coach’s name, team, age group(s) coaching, prior years coaching experience and the date of the clinic. These clinics are open to jr. coaches as well as seasoned coaches.   

Saturday May 19, 8am – noon @ Shouse Village  or  Sunday June 17, 8am – noon @ Lee Graham

More info in COACHING CLINIC SIGN UP . 
If you have any questions, email nvslcoachclinic@gmail.com.

Streamlines - NVSL News 3/12/18

Welcome to the 63rd season of the NVSL.

Our WEBSITE – myNVSL.com:  User ID and password requests (Team Reps only) for the website should be sent to askNVSL@gmail.com or Joe Mattis at jtmattis@cox.net.  “What secrets are opened with a password?” you might be asking.  Well, myNVSL.com offers Team Reps the ability to create a team website (announcements, calendar, documents, contacts, etc.) within the League’s website.  The more common use of a myNVSL account is to download 2017 results (CL2 files) at the start of the season to get some intel on the new teams within your division.
Review the "Join a 2018 NVSL Pool" document.  Email any updates or edits.

CLINICS and OFFICIALS:  We will continue to have the Officials’ Attendance Information online and it will be updated accordingly.  Questions regarding attendance should be directed to Dave DiNardo at 301-520-6209 or dave.dinardo@gmail.com. 

COACHING ADS:  Send the ad (Word format) that you want posted under the "COACHES" tab to askNVSL@gmail.com and it will be added.  If you have already posted an ad and the job position has been filled, please send a message so that it can removed.

TWITTER:  Follow us @swimNVSL

The rule change proposal votes are in.

(Yes-No-Abstain) % in favor
 - YES on medals for Divisionals instead of plaques. (72-30-0) 70.6%
 - NO on False Start modification (50-41-11) 54.9%
 - YES on using best time ladders to seed divisionals instead of A-meet times only (70-31-1) 69.3%
 - NO on changing the dual meet 13/14 100 meter relay to a 200 (56-42-4) 57.1%
 - YES on a deadline to submit a record timecard to the records chair (90-12-0) 88.2%

Remember: Adopting a new rule requires a two-thirds (66.7%) favorable vote of the Team Reps present and voting.  The submitted Rule Change Proposals can be found here.

2018 Season's Division Seeding

Streamlines - 9 November 2017

Happy NVSL off-season and get ready for the cold weather approaching.

Here is a little splash of information and news:
The League calendar is loaded to our website (look left on this page).  The first dual meet is on June 23rd and All Stars on August 4th.
The February Seeding Meeting is scheduled for February 25th at Hayfield Secondary School.
Are you exiting your position as Team Rep?  Let us know and please provide a name and an email of your successor to askNVSL@gmail.com.  Take note that most information will be posted here.
If you need a coaching ad posted on the website, email a Word document to askNVSL@gmail.com and it will be posted for you.

FUN FACTS:
The League proudly boasts 15,991 swimmers for 2017.
1027 official were certified at NVSL clinics. 
In 1978, the Mosby Woods timers arrived at the Saturday dual meet with digital watches instead of the standard mechanical stopwatches.  The issue, “Watches Create Flap Within NVSL Ranks” made the Washington Journal.
$20 was the bill for team dues in 1959. 

Keep swimming and thank you all for volunteering your time and service to the NVSL.

Send questions or suggestions to askNVSL@gmail.com.

Sportsmanship Awards 2017

The award is presented annually to one team in each division that best exemplifies the principles of good sportsmanship as embodied in the NVSL Standards of Conduct.  The divisions' teams vote for the award with each team casting three ballots: one vote from the Team Representative, a second from coaches, and a third based on a vote of the 13 & over team members.   NVSL Division Sporstmanship Awards were awarded at all Divisionals meets.  The teams receiving this award are the following:

Division: 1 -- Tuckahoe           2 -- Hunt Valley            3 -- Dowden Terrace     4 -- Poplar Tree
             5 -- Fair Oaks            6 -- Mosby Woods         7 -- Arlington Forest     8 -- Waynewood
             9 -- Camelot            10 -- Walden Glen         11 -- Rolling Forest      12 -- Kings Ridge
           13 -- Hayfield Farms   14 -- Lake Braddock      15 -- Woodley             16 -- Parklawn
           17 -- Springfield

Congratulations to our 2017 Sportsmanship Award recipients.

Great Fun and One Last Record at Individual All Stars

Sully Station hosted a fabulous end-of-the-season meet today, with great weather, amazing vendors, and entertaining live interviews on a Jumbo-Tron.  The meet was capped with an NVSL-record swim by Donaldson Run's Charlie Greenwood, whose 37.28 set a new mark in the 9-10 Boys 50m Breaststroke, breaking Johnny Bradshaw's 37.36 from 2014.
Congrats to Charlie and the rest of the league's swimmers, parents and coaches, and we can't wait till next year!
All Star photos will be available for download at https://nvslallstars.smugmug.com.  Check with your Team Rep for details.

Suntans Fade but Memories Last Forever

Isn’t this League great?!  I hope it was a summer to remember. 

Congratulations to all swimmers who achieved their goal this summer: team record, personal best, first A-Meet, legal time in the breaststroke, swam a 50 butterfly, showed good sportsmanship, made some new friends, and more.  Huge thanks to the parents, coaches, team reps, officials, meteorologists, and Division Coordinators for making it all work.

Notes:
- If any of you discovered missing awards – stop by Sully Station Pool on Friday from 8 am to noon.
- Team Reps – complete and turn in the Seeding Survey so that next year can be even better.  Also the Meets Worked Spreadsheet.

Good luck to the All Stars athletes participating at the meet at Sully Station on August 5th.  (Keep up with scratches, move-ups and the latest psych sheets here.)

One More Record for Mr. Grimm

Capping an already memorable year, Fair Oaks's Anthony Grimm took down the NVSL Boys 13-14 IM record at the Division 5 Individual Championships yesterday, held at Cardinal Hill.  Already owning the Fly, Back and Breast records, Anthony's 59.15 bettered Peter Makin's 2016 time of 59.50.  Amazing.

NVSL Scholarship Recipients

Wounded Warrior Project

Donations are being accepted through Saturday, July 29.  You can make a donation online @ High Point Swim-a-Thon. 
    

Record Breaking Continues in Week Five

Anthony Grimm of Fair Oaks had a banner day on Saturday at his home pool.  The 13-14 boy broke both his own 50m Butterfly NVSL record (25.88 versus 26.37), but also took down Leo Wang's (Virginia Run) 2014 50m Breaststroke league record of 30.90, touching in 30.63.

Elizabeth Bryan of Ilda now stands alone as the greatest NVSL 8 and under 25m breaststroker, surpassing her own shared record with Amy Rymiszewski of 19.98.  Elizabeth swam 19.61 in her home pool.

Finally, a very unusual race happened in the Boys 13-14 100m Medley when Fox Mill Estates visited Waynewood on Saturday.  Not only did Waynewood win with a team record 59.78, but the Fox Mill Estates boys also took down a team record, going 1:00.53.  Once the times were posted, cheers erupted from all the spectators.  Congratulations to the Waynewood boys (Matthew Morris, Alexander Micheli, Hain Henderson and Aidan Lansburgh) and the Fox Mill Estates boys (Kyle Diederich, Thomas Carney, Joe Zecher and Tommy Allison).

Hot Hot Races at All Star Relays

At Greenbriar on Wednesday, over 1000 swimmers and many more spectators withstood the oppressive heat and witnessed some great races.  

First, in the Girls 15-18 200m Medley Relay, the Overlee team of Mary Kate Reicherter, Kayle Park, Eleanor Ridgeway and Michaela Morrison bettered their record from the previous week, 1:59.68 versus 1:59.78.  They are the first relay to break the two minute mark in this event.


In the following boys 15-18 medley event, an epic, water-churning showdown resulted in the two fastest swims in NVSL history.  Though the Overlee boys set the new record just a week before, they could only muster a 3rd place with a highly respectable 1:47.58, just 0.07 seconds off their record time.  Second place went to Tuckahoe's Peter Byman, Carter Flint, Paul Boyce and Chase Brown in 1:47.35.  But both fabulous teams were outswam by Fox Mill Woods's Jayaprakash Kambhampaty, Adi Kambhampaty, Thomas Hallock and Daniel Gyenis, touching the wall in a phenomenal 1:46.96.

In the second half of the meet, two freestyle relay records were broken.  The Chesterbrook girls' 11-12 team of Maria Alvarado, Cate Sheridan, Patricia Leonard and Caroline Burgeson  took down the record of 54.22 by one one-hundredth of a second.  The old record was held by Overlee's 2016 team.


As the sun mercifully set, the final race again featured the amazing Fox Mill Woods 15-18 boys, who completed their double with a 1:35.80, destroying their old record of 1:37.12, set the week before. 

Reston's Fox Mill Woods Swimmers Break Two NVSL Records

Fox Mill Woods has a current season record of 3-1 and was named the Division 9 Relay Carnival champions last week.

Photo credit: Murthy Kambhampaty

Three More League Records Broken in Week Four

At High Point Pool today, Fair Oak's Anthony Grimm bettered Max Cruz's 13-14 50m Backstroke record with a 26.19, crushing Max's 2015 time of 27.28.  

At Tuckahoe, there was an epic Boys 15-18 200m Medley race.  Tuckahoe's Peter Byman, Carter Flint, Paul Boyce and Chase Brown outswam Overlee's Nick Pasternak, Paul Kinsella, Jonathan Day and Sam Ellisonold, 1:46.02 to 1:46.51.  Both broke Tuckahoe's Week 1 record (1:47.44).  

A few minutes later, the Mixed Age girls from Tuckahoe, Catherine Hughes, Danielle Hughes, Carolina Zubler and Evie Gieseman broke Highlands Swim's 2016 time of 1:57.09, blazing to a new record of 1:55.96.

Wicked Heat Doesn’t Slow Down These Relay Teams

It was a torrid night for the 2017 Division Relay Carnivals across the county and full of exciting races and great sportsmanship! 

Overlee’s team of Mary Kate Reicherter, Kayle Park, Ellie Ridgeway, & Michaela Morrison broke last year’s NVSL Carnival record with a scorching time of 1:59.78 in the 15-18 Girls 200m Medley Relay at their home pool.  (Old record: Overlee's 2:00.14)
                 

At the same D1 carnival, the Girls 13-14 200m Freestyle Relay's sweltering time of 1:54.63 was swum by McLean’s Dora Wu, Natalia Rongione, Olivia Brower, & Skylar Tennant, breaking the old League Carnival record of 1:54.92 (Mosby Woods, 2016).
   Hot on McLean’s tail was Overlee’s relay of Kate Bailey, Alexis Lee, Emilia Ridgeway, & Alice Bruce, touching second in a time of 1:54.77.

As for the 15-18 guys – six teams blistered past the fastest times in League history but only two relays will be named the League Record Holders.

The Boys 15-18 200m Medley Relay's old record was incinerated by four teams.  Overlee’s Nick Pasternak, Paul Kinsella, Jonathan Day, & Sam Ellison took home the top spot with a new record of 1:47.51.
     Also on fire and breaking the old record of 1:48.13 (Highlands Swim, 2008) were:
     Fox Mill Woods: Jaya Kambhampaty, Adi Kambhampaty, Tommy Hallock, & Daniel Gyenis  1:47.56
     Tuckahoe: Peter Byman, Carter Flint, Paul Boyce, & Chase Brown  1:47.77
     Highlands Swim: Anno Kong, Colton Heuple, Ben Charles, & Diego Cruzado  1:48.02

In the last event of the evening, Fox Mill Woods was determined to set the new 15-18 Boys 200m Freestyle Relay. Jaya Kambhampaty, Daniel Gyenis, Adi Kambhampaty, & Tommy Hallock steam past the old to a new record of 1:37.12.
   Also breaking old record (1:37.73, Overlee, 2016) with a 1:37.59 was Tuckahoe’s team of Chase Brown,
   Peter Byman, Paul Boyce, & Carter Flint.

The fastest freestyle relay EVER:
   

Two More NVSL Records Reached in Week Three

At Ilda Community this morning against Long Branch, Elizabeth Bryan tied a 32-year old record in the 8&U Girls 25m Breaststroke, matching Amy Rymiszewski's time of 19.98.

Fair Oak's Anthony Grimm broke Andrew Seliskar's 13-14 Boys 50m Butterfly, touching in 26.37 at Cardinal Hill.  Andrew, now swimming for Cal, had a time of 26.40.

Well done Elizabeth and Anthony!

Yard Pool Record From 1983 Falls

Zoe Dunn of Holmes Run Acres set a new record in the 9-10 girls 50 Yard Backstroke with a time of 32.68 seconds at her team's Divison 14 meet against Ilda.  The old record of 33.90 dates back to 1983, when Ronald Reagan was president during the Cold War, and Sally Ride became the first American woman in space.  Congratulations Zoe - keep those fast swims coming!!

Two League Records, One 32 Years Old, Fall in Week 1

The first week of the 2017 season kicked off with a bang, as Virginia Run’s Charis Roundtree set an astounding new NVSL record of 15.25 in the 8&U 25m Freestyle, swimming a home meet against Vienna Woods.  The old record of 15.48 was set by Amy Rymszewski in 1985.  Amy’s record was one of the two oldest girls’ meter records in the NVSL.  

Across the county at Tuckahoe, the home team 15-18 Boys Medley Relay of Peter Byman, Carter Flint, Paul Boyce, and Chase Brown set a new league record of 1:47.44 in their meet with Wakefield Chapel. The old record of 1:48.16 was set by McLean in 2015.

Last Chance Clinics

June 18th:  Stoke and Turn Clinic at Hunt Valley Pool at 9:30 am.
June 18th:  Referee/Starter Clinic and New Starter Clinic at Mantua Pool at 9:30 am.
June 21st:  Stoke and Turn Clinics at Sully Station Pool and Hunt Valley Pool, both begin at 7 pm.

No cost or registration is required. 
DO NOT BE LATE. 
Clinics are approximately 2 hours.  
Although not a prerequisite, the NVSL Instructors highly recommend watching the USA Swimming Training videos at https://www.usaswimming.org/officials/officials-training-videos.
Check officials' attendance and requirements to ensure proper certification.

2017 SEEDING

A Letter from Bob York

To the Vendors, Suppliers, Customers, and Friends of Aardvark Swim & Sport,

It is with a heavy, yet full, heart that I announce the closing of Aardvark Swim & Sport. After over 30 years of running a successful and fulfilling business, I have decided that it is time for me to retire. I feel that the time is right to move on to the next phase of my life and focus on my family, health, and coaching my swimmers.

I wanted to take this moment to let you all know that I valued both our business relationships and friendships throughout these 30 years. I appreciate the trust that you have put in me and my company. I hope that you understand the seriousness with which I treated our relationships and know that the internal struggle I faced while making this decision was not one that I made easily or lightly.

Division Sportsmanship Awards

The award is presented annually to one team in each division that best exemplifies the principles of good sportsmanship as embodied in the NVSL Standards of Conduct.  The divisions' teams vote for the award with each team casting three ballots: one vote from the Team Representative, a second from coaches, and a third based on a vote of the 13 & over team members.   NVSL Division Sporstmanship Awards were awarded at all Divisionals.  The teams receiving the awards are the following:

Division: 1 -- McLean           2 -- Mount Vernon Park       3 -- Lee-Graham          4 -- Virginia Run
             5 -- Cardinal Hill     6 -- Riverside Gardens        7 -- Mansion House      8 -- Hollin Meadows
             9 -- Camelot         10 -- Sully Station II           11 -- South Run           12 -- Brookfield
           13 -- Stratford         14 -- Woodley                   15 -- Parklawn             16 -- Newington Forest
           17 -- Pinewood Lakes

Congratulations to our 2016 Sportsmanship Award recipients.

2016 NVSL Scholarship Recipients

Sandy Kendall - MacDuff Scholarship
Sandy has been a member of the Homes Run Acres swim team for the past 13 years.  She has been to All Star meets on several occasions and has been selected as her team’s MVP multiple times.  Sandy is a recent graduate of the Falls Church HS where she was involved in numerous extracurricular activities.  As a member of her Varsity Cross Country Team, swim, soccer, and indoor/outdoor track and field HS teams she was selected as a captain for her swim team and an all conference and state athlete in a number o fother sports.  Sandy attended the ALA Virginia Girls States, a mock government program, where she was elected to the House of Delegates.  In addition, she served as a junior coach, lifeguard, camp counselor, and participated in numerous HS clubs (robotics and technology).  Sandy will be attending Duke University in the fall.

Kristen Chase - Presidents' Scholarship
Kirsten is a 13 year member of the of the Burke Station Swim team. She has been the female high point scorer for her team and holds several pool records. Kirsten has served as both an assistant coach and an off season conditioning coach for the Burke Swim team. She is highly regarded by coaches and parents alike as a leader and a role model. Kirsten attended Lake Braddock Secondary School where she was a member of the swim and outdoor track and field teams. As an accomplished vocalist, Allison held lead roles in school musical and theater productions as well as sung the National Anthem at many A/B meets. She was selected to participate in the Fairfax County Youth Leadership Program and West Point Leadership Conference representing her HS. Kirsten will be attending Elon University in the fall.

Maureen Duesterhaus - Spirit Scholarship
Maureen has been a member of the Greenbriar Swim team for the past 15 years. She is admired on her team for her spirit, leadership, and dedication to the sport and has received several awards through her pool and community . She has been involved in coaching with the team for the past four years as a developmental coach and the head coach for the winter program. Maureen developed and coordinated several fundraisers for worthwhile health foundations. Maureen attended Bishop O’Connell High School where she was a member of the swim team and was involved in numerous extracurricular activities including: National Honor Society, National English Honor Society and National Spanish Society to name a few. She peer tutored in Spanish and mathematics. Maureen will be attending the University of Virginia in the fall.

Ashley Weldon - Joan Olson Scholarship
Ashley has been a member of the Fairfax Station Swim team for the past 13 years.  She has earned several team and coaches awards and attended several relay and individual All Star meets.  She served as the Head Mini Team Coach for her team.  Ashley created and coordinated several biathlon fundraisers at her pool in supportof several worthy foundations.  Ashley attended Robinson Secondary School where she swam for the swim team for four years, qualifying for district finals in two of these years.  She was a member of National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, and a member of the school’s literary magazine as well as the school’s Chamber Orchestra.  Ashley worked as a lifeguard and assistant managerofher pool and as a religious aide at her church.  Ashley will be attending University of Virginia in the fall.

Breaststrokers Shine at Muggy All Stars

At Little Rocky Run today, three breaststrokers set NVSL records before the oppressive heat appeared to drain some energy from later swimmers.  

Blake Madsen of Poplar Tree started off the meet by breaking his own record from last week, becoming the first 8 and Under in league history to break 20 seconds in the Breast.  Blake's 19.77 was an impressive drop from his 20.15 the week before.

Emily Makin of Mount Vernon Park touched the wall in 34.84 seconds in the 11-12 Girls 50m Breast.  She broke the old record of 34.88, held jointly by legends Lindsey Ertter (1995) and Ashley Danner (2003).  

Jacquee Clabeaux of Greenbriar then took over Ashley Danner's final NVSL record, touching in 31.62 in the 15-18 Girls 50m Breast.  Ashley's old record was 32.01 set in 2007.  Jacquee also holds the NVSL 9-10 Girls 50m Breaststroke record.

NVSL Records Set in Division 1, 2, 3, and 4 Individual Championships

At the Division 1 Individual Championships at Tuckahoe, Courtney Watts of Highlands Swim broke Isabella Rongione's 9-10 Girls Freestyle 2010 record of 29.78, touching the wall in 29.58.  She then doubled up Isabella's 2010 1:13.86 IM record, swimming 1:13.20.

At the Division 2 Championships, Johnny Bradshaw of Hamlet also pulled a double record-break, setting league records at his home pool in both the 11-12 Boys Breaststroke and Individual Medley.  His 32.99 Breast broke his own record of 33.07 set two weeks prior, and his 1:05.56 in the IM bested Peter Makin's 2014 record of 1:05.92.

The same day Peter Makin of Fairfax lost his 11-12 IM record, he set a new one in the 13-14 Boys IM.  His 59.50 at the Division 3 Championships at Vienna Woods was the first time in league history that a 13-14 boy broke one minute in the 100 IM.  The previous best of 1:00.29 was held by Andrew Seliskar, who finished 7th at the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 200 IM last month.

Finally, at the Division 4 Championships at Virginia Run, Blake Madsen of Poplar Tree broke the 8 & Under 25m Breaststroke record, touching in 20.15.  Evan Ingraham set the previous record of 20.48 last year.

Watch for Peter and Blake as they attempt to break their own records at this Saturday's All Star meet at Little Rocky Run.

Two Relays On Fire In Week Five Heat Wave

With the final opportunity to swim as a relay this season, two teams took advantage, setting league records under the hot July sun.

At Chesterbrook today, the home pool's 9-10 Girls 100m Medley Relay team of Patricia Leonard, Eli Leonard, Keira Gutierrez and Madie Turley swam 1:07.34, besting the previous NVSL record of 1:07.70 set by Highlands Swim in 2015.

Meanwhile, the Fairfax 11-12 Boys 100m Medley Relay continued their record assault at Langley, touching in 59.90.  Justin Singletary, Justin Connors, Christopher Dobrydney and Graham Evers broke their own record of 1:00.16 set on 7/9/2016.  They finish the season owning both the A-Meet Medley and Carnival Medley meter records, and have set league records an amazing four times this season.

Nine All-Star Relay Teams Swim Faster Than NVSL Records

Near-perfect weather at Greenbriar Pool on Wednesday set the stage for ultra-fast swims, as nine teams at All-Star Relays touched the wall faster than any in NVSL history.  Three of those teams, however, only finished second in their event!  The outstanding swims came in the following events:

• Mixed Age Boys Relay
  • John Schaefer, Jackson Steider, Joseph Schaefer and David Herbert of Wakefield Chapel touched in 1:50:53, but they weren't as fast as Johnny Bradshaw, Ryan Bradshaw, Alexander Montano and Chase Bradshaw of Hamlet, who finished in 1:50.34.  The previous record was 1:50.65, set by Chesterbrook in 2013.
• Girls 13-14 Medley Relay
  • The Vienna Aquatic team of Darby Galbraith, Anna Keating, Anna Sullivan and Tess Wilhelm destroyed Tuckahoe's 2007 record of 2:07.52, touching in 2:04.41. 
• Girls 15-18 Medley Relay
  • Suzanne Dolan, Kayle Park, Eleanor Ridgeway and Katherine Lundy of Overlee finished in 2:00.14, just under their own record of 2:00.21, set last week.
• Girls 11-12 Freestyle Relay
  • The McLean girls (Olivia Tennant, Victoria Valko, Kaitlyn Helfrich and Natalia Rongione) beat their own 2015 mark of 55.03, swimming 54.77, yet they finished behind the Overlee team (Katherine Bailey, Elyse Hartmann, Sophie Yoder and Emilia Ridgeway), who touched in 54.22.
• Boys 11-12 Freestyle Relay
  • The very next event also featured the two fastest swims in league history, with Rutherford's Gabriel Rupar, Tate Hoffman, Niko Sanchez and Aiken Do out-touching Fairfax's Justin Connors, Christopher Dobrydney, Graham Evers and Justin Singletary, 53.26 to 53.71.  The Fairfax boys had held the previous record of 53.83 for just one week.
• Girls 13-14 Freestyle Relay
• The Mosby Woods team of Eleanor Monnig, Alexandra Martschenko, Sara Tuo and Leaya Ma swam fast enough to set the new mark of 1:54.92, bettering Crosspointe's 1:54.98, from 2015.

Three More Records Fall in Week Four

At his home pool today, Johnny Bradshaw of Hamlet crushed the 11-12 Boys 50m Breast NVSL record, touching in 33.07, more than a second faster than Adi Kambhampaty's 34.21 set in 2014.

Also today, Tommy Hallock from Fox Mill Woods broke not one, but two league records at the 25 yard pool at Holmes Run Acres.  Hallock swam the 15-18 Boys 50 Y Free in 21.48, beating an 18-year-old record of 22.10 set in 1998 by Chris Lengle of AF.  He followed up this achievement just a short time later by breaking another record in the 15-18 Boys 50 Y Back with a time of 24.67.  The prior record of 25.19 was set in 1999 by Greg Landrum of SRA.

Hot Carnival Night Ends With Seven League Records

The rains held off on Wednesday night in NoVA, and the relay teams took advantage with some fantastic record-breaking swims.

At the Division 1 Carnival at Chesterbrook, five NVSL records were set:
1) The Highlands Swim Mixed Age Girls 200m Free Relay (Bridget O’Shaughnessy, Courtney Watts, Allison Martin, and Xenia de Cazotte) touched in 1:55.09 .  The previous record was 1:56.80 held by McLean from last year.

2) The Overlee 15-18 Girls 200m Medley Relay (Suzanne Dolan, Kayle Park, Ellie Ridgeway, and Katherine Lundy) finished in 2:00.21, crushing the old record of 2:01.23  set by Orange Hunt last year.

3) The Chesterbrook 13-14 Boys 200m Free Relay (Ollie Bernasek, Andrew Bernstein, Nick Spicer, and Adi Kambhampaty) swam a 1:44.09, beating the previous record of 1:44.40 held by Fairfax since last July.

4) The Overlee 15-18 Girls 200m Free Relay doubled up their Medley record by touching in 1:49.44, destroying the old record of 1:51:22 set by Donaldson Run back in 2006.

5) The Overlee 15-18 Boys 200m Free Relay (Sam Ellison, Jonathan Day, Nick Pasternak, and Ryan Baker) followed up a couple minutes after the Overlee Girls, finishing the meet with a 1:37.73, breaking the previous record of 1:37.92 set by Highlands Swim in 2009.

At the Division 3 Carnival at Lee Graham, the 11-12 Fairfax Boys (Justin Singletary, Justin Connors, Christopher Dobrydney and Graham Evers) also had a record-breaking double, finishing the 100m Medley in 59.18 and the 100m Free in 53.83.  The old records were 59.76 and 54.43 set by Chesterbrook in 2012 and 2014, respectively.

Week 3 Highlights Include Five League Records

2016 continues to be a wicked-fast season as a fivesome of league records went down today.

Courtney Watts of Highlands Swim broke her own 9-10 Girls 50m Back record of 33.64 set in Week 1 by swimming a 33.16 today at Tuckahoe.  Courtney wasn't done setting records, however.  In the relays, she and her teammates (Skylar Sunderhauf, Allison Martin, and Xenia de Cazotte) destroyed the Mixed Age Girls 200m Free Relay record with a 1:57.09 while defeating the Tuckahoe girls, who had held the record of 1:58.45 for just one week!  What a race!

Amazingly, at about the same time, just down the road at Overlee, Natalia Rongione, Anna Laszlo, Skylar Tennant, and Isabella Rongione of McLean swam 1:57.85 that also broke last week’s Tuckahoe record but was only the second fastest time of the day!

The Wakefield Chapel 13-14 Boys 100m Medley Relay team swam a 53.65 today at their home meet with Chesterbrook, fitting because the old record was 53.76 set by Chesterbrook in 2014.  The WC winners were Jeffrey Gerber, Joseph Schaefer, Nicholas Parker and Joshua Temeles. 

At the 25 yard Kent Gardens pool, John Paul Gonsalves swam 31.73 in the 9-10 Boys Back, breaking the previous record of 32.50 set at All Stars in 1978 by Willie Gideonse of CCC.

Finally, the Fairfax 11-12 Boys (Justin Singletary, Justin Connors, Christopher Dobrydney and Graham Evers) bettered the Medley Relay record of 1:00.38 set by Chesterbrook in 2012 by touching the wall in 1:00.16.

Mixed Age Girls Bring Down an 18 Year Old Record

It only takes a little to break a record, and that it what the team of Lily Flint, Catherine Hughes, Natalie English, and Evie Gieseman from Tuckahoe did to establish the new Saturday A-Meet Mixed Age Girls 200 meter Free Relay Record in their home meet on Saturday.  The new record now stands at 1:58.45, which betters the 1998 Vienna Woods record of 1:58.46 by one one-hundredth of a second.

Congratualtions on this historic swim!

Three League Records Tumble in Week One

Two Yards Records of Olde Go Down

Week 1 of 2016 was highlighted by an ever-improving standout and the falling of two old-school yard records.  

At Chesterbrook, Courtney Watts of Highlands Swim lowered her own 9-10 Girls 50m backstroke record of 34.16 set at last years All Stars by swimming a 33.64.  She's got several more meets to lower that amazing time even further.

Then, at Homes Run Acres, one of only two remaining 25-yard pools, Kendall Vess of Country Club Hills broke the record set by Gayle Smith (T) in 1978 and equaled by Erica Bledsoe (O) in 1982 of 14.30 by swimming a 14.29 in the 9-10 Girls 25Y Butterfly.  Just for reference, in 1982, a postage stamp was 20 cents, a gallon of milk cost $1.85, and the first CD player was sold.

Finally, at Kent Gardens, the other NVSL yard pool, the Oakton 15-18 boys (Drew Weber, Andrew Sargent, Michael Ambrose, and Brendan Power) took down the 200Y Medley Relay set by Somerset-Olde Creek on 7/2/1983 of 1:42.10 by swimming a time of 1:41.31.  Witnessing that swim was Mark Klopfenstein, the breaststroke member of that SOC team and now the Oakton Dive Team Rep, and his mother, Linda Klopfenstein, who was SOC Team Rep at the time and is currently the Division 1 Coordinator.

Upcoming Clinics

COACHES:
June 26th at 8:00 AM at Lee Graham Pool.  See flyer.
Please sign up via email: nvslcoachclinic@gmail.com and include coach name(s), email addresses, age group(s) will be coaching, and years of coaching experience.

2016 Team Seedings

2019 Division Seeding

Coach Wanted Ads

Send your ad to askNVSL@gmail.com and they will be posted ASAP.

Young Backstrokers Shine at All Stars

Two NVSL records were broken before a large crowd at Little Rocky Run yesterday, before the heat kicked in full.  Janet Hu, now swimming for Stanford University, was on hand to present Courtney Watts of Highlands Swim with her first place 9-10 backstroke medal, fitting because Courtney had just broken Janet's record 34.32 set in 2006.  Apparently several selfies were taken to celebrate the event.  Amazingly, Courtney is only 9, and will be able to lower her own record 34.16 next year.

Three events later, Max Cruz of Holmes Run Acres lowered the boys 13-14 backstroke record with a 27.28, just faster than Jaya Kambhampaty's 27.31 set last year.  Max is also on the younger half of his age group, and should be a major force next year.

Find a great article on yesterday's All-Stars at reachforthewall at http://reachforthewall.com/2015/08/01/two-records-fall-at-nvsl-all-stars-but-this-generation-is-still-chasing-the-old/

NVSL Sportsmanship Awards for 2015

NVSL Division Sportsmanship Awards were awarded at all Divisionals meets on Saturday July 25, 2015. 

The award is presented annually to one team in each division that best exemplifies the principles of good sportsmanship as embodied in the NVSL Standards of Conduct.  Each team in the division casts three ballots: one based on the vote of the Team Representative, a second based on the vote of their coaches, and a third based on a vote of the 13 & over team members. 

Congratulations to our 2015 Sportsmanship Award recipients:
 
Division   1 - HAMLET
              2 - HUNT VALLEY
              3 - LITTLE ROCKY RUN
              4 - POPLAR TREE
              5 - SULLY STATION
              6 - HOLLIN MEADOWS
              7 - FOREST HOLLOW
              8 - WAYNEWOOD
              9 - BRANDYWINE
            10 - SOUTH RUN
            11 - BROOKFIELD
            12 - HAYFIELD FARM
            13 - ANNANDALE
            14 - HOLLIN HILLS
            15 - ROLLING HILLS
            16 - NORTH SPRINGFIELD
            17 - PINEWOOD LAKE

Hollin Meadows and Rolling Hills now join Kings Ridge in having won the Sportsmanship Award 4 of the last 5 years!  3 teams won for the second year in a row: Hunt Valley, Little Rocky Run, Rolling Hills!
Congratulations! 

Two Great Swims Stand Out on Divisionals Saturday

Of the over 9000 splashes at the 17 divisional championship meets yesterday, two will stand out in NVSL history.  Evan Ingraham of Overlee broke a 35 year-old record in the 8 & under breaststroke, besting Matt Buckley's 20.50 with a 20.48.  And Katie Mack of Hunter Mill set a new record in the 13-14 girls IM with a 1:03.70.  Cassidy Bayer of Mount Vernon Park held the previous record with a 1:04.02, set in 2013.

Three Relay Records Broken in Final Dual Meets

The oldest boys' meter relay record on the books went down on Saturday, as the 8 and unders from Overlee (Evan Ingraham, Matthew Aslaksen, Rory McNamara and Billy Weber) swam their four free legs in 1:09.10 at their home pool, besting the mark of 1:09.84 set by Sleepy Hollow Bath in 1992.

Jordan Parry, one of the 2006 record holders of the 11-12 girls NVSL A-meet relay, was at Tuckahoe Saturday to witness her best-ever time go down in flames, as the McLean team of Samantha Gonzalez, Dora Wu, Olivia Brower and Skylar Tennant obliterated the Fairfax Station record of 1:02.21 (held by Maggie Rogers, Jordan and Taylor Parry and Caitlin Rider) with a wicked 1:00.66.  Like the Highlands Swim 9-10 girls, the McLean girls now hold the relay Grand Slam: all three NVSL relay records in their age group.

The Overlee 15-18 boys, Ryan Baker, Brady Almand, Jonathan Day and Nick Pasterna, may have held the NVSL record for a few minutes, but their 1:48.32 was only the second fastest relay swum on Saturday.  The McLean boys (Christopher Murphy, Ryan Lucas, Andrew Seliskar and Timothy Wu) cruised to a 1:48.16.  Both teams beat the previous record, 1:48.52, set by Chesterbrook in 2014.

Six Records Fall at All Star Relays

At Hunt Valley on Wednesday, six relay teams made NVSL history.  Starting in Event 1, the McLean mixed age girls (Dora Wu, Victoria Valco, Olivia Gore and Isabella Rongione) just barely out-touched the Hunter Mill girls (Alexandra Dicks, Katharine Frothingham, Katie Mack, and Julia Capobianco), 1:56.80 to 1:56.86.  Both teams bested Tuckahoe's previous record of 1:57.06 from 2010.  Then, in the 15-18 girls medley relay, Allison Wells, Christin Swanepoel Stevens, Allison Goldblatt and Robyn Dryer of Orange Hunt swam an impressive 2:01.23, just ahead of Tuckahoe's 2009 mark of 2:01.46. 

In the freestyle relays, 4 more records went down.  First came the 9-10 girls of Highlands Swim (Aminata Davis, Maria Alvarado, Courtney Watts, and Bridget O'Shaughnessy), who broke their own 58.80 record from Divisional Relays with a 58.43.  Then, Skylar Tennant, Samantha Gonzalez, Natalia Rongione and Dora Wu of McLean broke their own 11-12 girls record with a 55.03, and giving Dora Wu her second NVSL record of the day.  Two events later, Kyrsten Davis, Kelly Derasmo, Shine Peng, and Maddie Heilbrun of Crosspointe touched the final wall in 1:54.98, bettering Donalson Run's 1:55.32 from 2003.  Finally, the 13-14 boys of Fairfax (Ian Vollmer, PJ D'Alessandro, Kent Codding, and Peter Makin), swam 1:44.40, crushing Chesterbrook's 1:46.08, set just last week.

Division 1 Outswims the Storms to 5 League Records

At the Division 1 Relay Carnival on Wednesday July 8th, the looming skies failed to keep 5 NVSL records from going down.  The first record fell in the 9-10 girls medley relay, when Courtney Watts, Hanna Boughanem, Maria Alvardo and Maggie O’Shaughnessy of Highlands Swim blazed to a 1:05.77, crushing the previous mark of 1:07.64, set by Mount Vernon Park in 2010.  Two events later, the McLean 11-12 girls (Samantha Gonzalez, Dora Wu, Olivia Brower, and Skylar Tennant) finished in 1:00.21, annhiliating the previous time of 1:01.80, also held by MVP since 2012.  When it was time for the free relays, the HS 9-10 girls and McLean 11-12 girls each completed their double breaks.  Highland's Aminata Davis, Maria Alvardo, Courtney Watts and Bridget O’Shaughnessy took down the previous mark of 1:00.52 (held by CB since 1999) with an eye-popping 58.80.  The McLean girls then finished their evening with a bang, when Skylar Tennant, Samantha Gonzalez, Natalia Rongione and Dora Wu went 55.16, outswimming the mark of 55.90 held by Overlee for over 30 years.  The final record of the meet came when Chesterbrook's 13-14 boys (Ryan Soh, Jack McManus, Ollie Bernasek and Thomas Outlaw) re-broke the record that CB set just last year, topping their 1:46.69 with a 1:46.08.

Orange Hunt 15-18 Girls Break Medley Relay Record

Longstanding relay record falls in NVSL season opener

Highlands’ 9-10 girls relay team breaks 26-year-old mark in year’s first dual meet

As Highlands Swim coach Dylan Jones darted his gaze between the pool and his watch Saturday morning, his belief that history was about to be made gained steam. His 9-10 girls medley relay team was motoring like never before. Their splits were ahead of target. And, perhaps most promising of all, their anchor leg, Bridget O’Shaughnessy, wasn’t breathing.

O’Shaughnessy, 10, didn’t have time to come up for air during her closing 25-meter freestyle leg. She was too busy blazing through what she would later call perhaps the best swim of her life. When she finally lifted her head out of the water, her teammates were joyfully screaming about a dominant seven-second victory over their Chesterbrook counterparts in the event. It wasn’t until a few minutes later that they realized the true magnitude of their performance.

“We didn’t really have a goal. We just wanted to break the team record, and we did by five seconds,” said Maria Alvarado, who swam the butterfly portion of their 100 medley relay race. “I had no idea what the NVSL record was until Courtney came screaming back.”

The Northern Virginia Swim League 100 medley relay record for 10-and-under girls, Courtney Watts learned, was 1 minute 9.41 seconds, a lightning-quick mark set by Vienna Woods in 1989. The Highlands girls’ time Saturday? One minute 7.70 seconds.

“I’ve been around some fast relays before, but I don’t think I’ve ever had a relay demolish a record like that on the first week,” said Jones, now in his 16th year coaching in the NVSL.

Highlands Swim fell to Chesterbrook by a final score of 246-174 in Saturday’s season-opening Division 1 showdown, but the Whomping Turtles’ relay record-breakers couldn’t help feeling giddy about crushing the league’s oldest Saturday meter relay record. It was a promising start to the season for a group that has only just begun swimming together. Watts and Hanna Boughanem are newcomers to the relay squad, which placed third at all-star relays last year with Alvarado and O’Shaughnessy.

“Our coaches really helped us get [the record],” said Boughanem, who swam the breaststroke portion of the race. “I know when I swam relays at [the Potomac Valley Swimming Junior Olympic Championships], for example, I was the first leg, so I just did a normal start. So these relays diving in was a little different. The pointers before the race were really helpful.”

It was also helpful leaving the opening backstroke portion of the race to Watts, who torched the 9-10 girls 50-meter backstroke race with a time of 34.67 seconds, more than three seconds faster than the runner-up finisher Saturday. It was the fastest recorded time in the league on Saturday, just .35 seconds short of Janet Hu’s nine-year-old league mark.

Boughanem, Alvarado and O’Shaughnessy rank third, third and second in the league in their respective events.

“What’s fun about them is how much they are always willing to race in practice and in meets,” Jones said. “Every time I ask them to race and go all out they always do. That sort of tenacity and drive is fun to work with. That’s what you always want as a coach is kids that will go after it when you ask them to.”

The Whomping Turtles foursome has until July 15 to prepare for the All Star Relay Carnival at Hunt Valley, where they’ll aim to take down the relay carnival record of 1:07.65 set by Mount Vernon Park’s Cassidy Bayer, Holly Jansen, Emma Jones and Julia Hunger in 2010. But the Highlands girls don’t plan on stopping there.

“If we can break a minute, that would be cool,” Watts said.

Of course, there was more fun to be had around the county during the opening weekend of the NVSL’s 60th summer season. Overlee’s Evan Ingraham burned through a sub-21-second split in the 25-meter breaststroke at McLean, finishing nearly five seconds ahead of the runner-up finisher in the single-lap, 8-and-under boys race. His time sits just .21 seconds off the 35-year-old NVSL mark and makes him just the fifth DMV swimmer in that age category to break the 21-second barrier since 2009.

Also making an appearance at the McLean meet was Andrew Seliskar, the area’s top high school swimmer soaking up his final summer league season for the Marlins. Seliskar, a former Jefferson senior bound for Cal next year, took on Ryan Baker, another area standout from Gonzaga High, in a thrilling 50-meter freestyle race Saturday morning. Seliskar, who says he’s got a couple more summer meets left in him this summer, clipped Baker by five-hundredths of a second with a time of 24.03.

The NVSL, which carried 15,697 swimmers across 102 teams last summer, saw no individual league records fall over the weekend. Ten meets were decided by 20 points or less.

neilerson@fairfaxtimes.com

Highlands Swim 9-10 Girls Whomp to New Record!

The 9-10 Girls Whomping Turtles - Courtney Watts, Hanna Boughanem, Maria Alvarado, and Bridget O'Shaughnessy - swam a 1:07.70 today in the 100 m medley relay, crushing the oldest Saturday meter relay record.  Vienna Woods previously held that record with a 1:09.41, set on July 1, 1989.  

Join an NVSL pool near you!!

Memberships to NVSL Pools

How We Seed the League

The Seeding Committee places the 102 NVSL teams into divisions for the upcoming swim season.  Seeding of these teams is a complex, deliberative and in-depth process.  Historical data, including meet scores and previous won-loss records, are an important component of the evaluation process.  Information provided by the Team Reps and the Division Coordinators is an invaluable component of the seeding process. 

Each team is measured against every other team in the League.   Ultimately, the teams must be in placed in 17 six-team divisions.  The goal of seeding is to have the most competitive meets possible in which the final scores are decided in the relays. 

There are many variables that affect meet outcomes.  As a Team Rep, swimmer or parent of a swimmer, you would like your team to be placed in what you perceive will be a winning position for the upcoming season.  Every team cannot have a 5-0 or 4-1 season each year.  Focusing on individual successes and learning how to win and lose graciously are valuable life lessons which uphold the basic principles of the NVSL.

Riverside Gardens Tsunami Makes 600 Sandwiches for Martha's Table

The Riverside Gardens Swim Team, headed by its Concessions board chair, Carrie Garland, made 600 sandwiches in mid-July and distributed the sandwiches to Martha's Table, a District of Columbia non-profit organization dedicated to providing assistance to homeless and low-income children and families.  Congratulations to the Tsunami of Riverside Gardens for such an outstanding effort.

2015 and 2016 Individual All-Star meets

We are pleased to announce that the 2015 and 2016 Individual All-Star meets have been awarded to Little Rocky Run.  The Stingraysand the Little Rocky Run community have a long history of supporitng youth sports in the community and have hosted numerous NVSL Divisional events as well as Individual All-Stars in 2008 and All-Star Relays in 2006.  We look forward to great meets at LRR in the next two years.

Seven NVSL Records Fall at Individual All-Stars

The following swimmers set NVSL records during a very exciting Individual All-Star meet at Annandale:

- Tommy Hallock of Fox Mill Woods blazed to a time of 24.03 in the 13-14 Boys 50 Meter Freestyle, breaking the record of 24.24 set by Cabell Perrot of High Point in 2007.

- Paul O'Hara of Hollin Meadows recorded an incredible time of 22.60 in the 15-18 Boys 50 Meter Freestyle, bettering his record of 22.94 set last week at Divisionals.

- Courtney Watts of Highlands Swim swam a 17.70 in the 8 & Under Girls 25 Meter Backstroke, nearly half-a second better than the old record of 18.18 held by Sinead Eksteen of Shouse Village since 2009.

- Johnny Bradshaw reclaimed the record in the 9-10 Boys 25 Meter Butterfly, swimming a 14.36 which beat the record of 14.53 set by Justin Singletary of Fairfax on July 12.  And with a time of 1:12.84, Johnny also broke the record he set last week at Divisionals in the 10 & Under Boys 100 Individual Medley.  Johnny ends his historic 2014 season as the League record holder in all individual meters events in his age group!

- Max Cruz of Holmes Run Acres flew to a time of 28.53 in the 11-12 Boys 50 Meter Butterfly, breaking the record of 28.81 established by Philip Hu of Mosby Woods in 2007.

- Peter Makin of Fairfax swam a 1:05.92 in the 11-12 Boys 100 Meter Individual Medley, bettering the mark of 1:06.53 which he set last week at Divisionals.

With these 7 records, there were 43 League records broken during the 2014 season, eclipsing the previous high of 30 in 2010.  To further put this in perspective, the average total number of records per year since 1998 has been 18.

Congratulations to these record breakers and to all of the All-Star swimmers, and a big thank you to Annandale for hosting a great All-Star meet!

8 NVSL Records Set at Divisionals

On Saturday, July 26, calm, cool and overcast weather produced fast swimming conditions as 8 League records were set at Divisionals, including some which significantly improved the existing standards:

Paul O’Hara of Hollin Meadows set the record in the Boys 15-18 50 Meter Freestyle with a blazing 22.94, improving upon the record of 22.98 he set last year.

Adi Kambhampaty of Chesterbrook established a new mark in the Boys 11-12 50 Meter Breaststroke clocking a 34.21, breaking the old mark of 34.42 set by Matt Stringham of Vienna Woods in 1996.

Leo Wang of Virginia Run set a new standard in the Boys 13-14 50 Meter Breaststroke with a time of 30.90, bettering the record of 31.34 set by Chesterbrook's Sam Gollob on July 5.  Setting up a showdown at All-Stars, Sam also powered through the 31 second barrier and beat his old record with a time of 30.96.

Andrew Seliskar of McLean set 2 records: in the Boys 15-18 50 Meter Butterfly his time of 23.90 eclipsed the old mark of 24.34 set by Sean Fletcher of Hunter Mill in 2009, and in the Boys 15-18 100 Meter Individual Medley Andrew’s jaw-dropping time of 54.85 shattered the old record of 57.12 set last year by Sully Station’s Brandon Fiala.

Janet Hu of Mosby Woods flew to a time of 27.30 in the Girls 15-18 50 Meter Butterfly, breaking the record of 27.95 she set in 2011.

Johnny Bradshaw of Hamlet absolutely crushed the record in the Boys 10 & Under 100 Meter Individual Medley with a time of 1:12.89, which broke Andrew Seliskar’s 2007 record of 1:15.53 by more than 2 1/2 seconds. 

Peter Makin of Fairfax clocked a 1:06.53 in the Boys 11-12 100 Meter Individual Medley, bettering the record of 1:08.14 set by Philip Hu of Mosby Woods in 2007.  In this same event, Adi Kambhampaty of Chesterbrook also swam under the old record, with a time of 1:07.56.

NVSL Sportsmanship Awards for 2014, Kings Ridge Wins Award for 4th Consecutive Year

NVSL Division Sporstmanship Awards were awarded at all Divisionals meets on Saturday.  The teams receiving the awards are the following:

Division 1 -- WAKEFIELD CHAPEL
            2 --  HUNT VALLEY
            3 -- LITTLE ROCKY RUN
            4 -- CARDINAL HILL
            5 -- CROSSPOINTE
            6 -- COTTONTAIL
            7 -- HOLMES RUN ACRES
            8 -- HIGH POINT POOL
            9 -- ARLINGTON FOREST
           10 -- STRATFORD
           11 -- FOX HUNT
           12 -- KINGS RIDGE
           13 -- PARLIAMENT
           14 -- VILLAGE WEST
           15 -- ROLLING HILLS
           16 -- LINCOLNIA PARK
           17 -- SPRINGFIELD

KINGS RIDGE, of Fairfax, received the award for the fourth consecutive year. 

The award is presented annually to one team in each division that best exemplifies the principles of good sportsmanship as embodied in the NVSL Standards of Conduct.  The divisions' teams vote for the award with each team casting three ballots: one based on the vote of the Team Representative, a second based on the vote of their coaches, and a third based on a vote of the 13 & over team members. 

Congratulations to our 2014 Sportsmanship Award recipients.

Six NVSL Records Set in Week Five

In the last dual meets of the season, there were six new NVSL records set:

-  Johnny Bradshaw of Hamlet continued his amazing season by setting the record in the 9-10 Boys 50 Meter Breaststroke.  Johnny clocked a 37.36 which broke, by 1.3 seconds, the old record of 38.66 set by Rick Eddy of Sully Station in 1995.

-  Max Cruz of Holmes Run Acres bettered two 11-12 Boys records he set earlier this year on June 28.  In the 50 Yard Freestyle, Max swam a 24.15 which dramatically improved his record of 24.95, and in the 50 Yard Butterfly he recorded a 26.31, breaking his record of 26.67.

-  The Chesterbrook 13-14 Boys made their mark on the record book once again, swimming a 53.76 in the 100 Meter Medley Relay.  The team of Grant DeWitt, Sam Gollob, Thomas Outlaw and Jaya Kambhampaty bettered the mark of 53.77 they set on July 5.

-  The Overlee 13-14 Girls 100 Meter Medley Relay team of Isabella Lee, Kayle Park, Ellie Ridgeway and Lindsey Bowers swam a 58.43, improving the record of 59.20 set by Orange Hunt in 2012.  In this same race, Chesterbrook's relay of Julia Green, Claire Wolf, Rachel Clark and Maddie McArthur also swam under the old record with a time of 58.89, but Overlee was faster.

-  The Chesterbrook 15-18 Boys 200 Meter Medley Relay (Joey Sullivan, Hans Crone, Jake Huber and Christopher Outlaw) blazed to a time of 1:48.52, destroying the record of 1:50.26 set by McLean last summer.  Incredibly, in the same race, Overlee's relay of Ryan Baker, Brady Almand, David Emson and Andrew Loranger also swam under the old record by more than 1/2 a second with a time of 1:49.70. 

So, in the Chesterbrook v. Overlee meet at Chesterbrook, in three consecutive events (Medley Relays for 13-14 Boys, 13-14 Girls and 15-18 Boys) 5 relay teams beat existing NVSL records!

Congratulations to all record breakers, and good luck at Divisionals next week!

2 Records Fall at All-Star Relay Carnival

The All-Star Relay Carnival was held on a beautifil afternoon at Hunt Valley, and among many exciting races were two NVSL Relay Carnival records: 

-  The Girls 8 & Under 100 Meter Medley Relay team from Tuckahoe (Brooke Thomas, Eli Leonard, Catherine Hughes, Josie Gieseman) swam a 1:17.56, well under the previous mark of 1:19.36 set by Highlands Swim last week.   
 
-  In the Boys 13-14 200 Meter Medley Relay, the Chesterbrook team of Grant DeWitt, Sam Gollob, Thomas Outlaw, Jaya Kambhampaty continued to re-write the record book, recording a 1:56.06 which edged the record they set last week (1:56.33).

Congratulations to these relays for their great performances!  And a big Thank You to Hunt Valley for hosting a great All-Star Relay Carnival!

NVSL All-Star Relay Carnival Summary

With a huge crowd in attendance, the 51st NVSL All-Star Relay Carnival was conducted at Hunt Valley under bright skies and pleasant conditions.  The meet kicked off with the presentation of colors by the U.S. Coast Guard, followed by a beautiful violin performance of our National Anthem presented by Jillian Khoo.

The times were fast and two NVSL records were set during the 22 event meet.  In the team competition, Overlee finished in first place followed by McLean and Chesterbrook.

At Intermission, scholarships were awarded to four graduating high school seniors.  The MacDuff Scholarship was awarded to Elizabeth Jones of Sleepy Hollow Bath and Racquet.  The Presidents' Scholarship was awarded to Rachel Anderson of Little Rocky Run.  The Spirit Scholarship was awarded to Jack Capra of Lakevale Estates.  And the Joan Olson scholarship was awarded to Cathryn Kost of Pleasant Valley.

The Hunt Valley Pool Staff and the many Hunt Valley volunteers  are to be commended for their fine effort in hosting our Annual Relay All-Stars meet.  The NVSL will return to Hunt Valley next summer for our 52nd annual event.

More NVSL Records Fall in Week 4

On July 12th, the 4th week of dual meets saw four more NVSL records fall:

-  In his team's home meet against Highlands Swim, Jaya Kambhampaty of Chesterbrook set the record in the Boys 13-14 50 Meter Backstroke with a time of 27.31 which obliterated the old mark of 27.81 set by Philip Hu of Mosby Woods in 2009.
 
-  At Cardinal Hill, Justin Singletary of Fairfax set the record in the Boys 9-10 25 Meter Butterfly with a 14.53, improving upon the existing record of 14.58 which was set just last week by Johnny Bradshaw of Hamlet.
 
-  Justin Singletary combined with his Fairfax teammates Peter Makin, PJ D'Alessandro and Bryan Lutz in the Boys Mixed Age 200 Meter Freestyle Relay to swim a 1:49.74 which destroyed, by more than 2 seconds, the existing record 1:51.77 set by Chesterbrook in 2013.

-  Johnny Bradshaw of Hamlet, who has been on a record-breaking tear this summer, improved the record he set earlier this year in the 9-10 Boys 50 Meter Freestyle.  At Vienna Aquatic Club on Saturday Johnny clocked a 29.38, lowering the record from 29.59 which he set on June 21.  

4 NVSL Records Set at Divisional Relay Carnivals

Divisional Relay Carnivals were held throughout the League on Wednesday, July 9, and the Division 1 meet at Overlee saw 4 new NVSL Relay Carnival records set:

The Girls 8 & Under 100 Meter Medley Relay from Highlands Swim (Courtney Watts, Maggie O'Shaughnessy, Maeve Obrist and Rachel Faino) set a new record with a time of 1:19.36, bettering the mark of 1:22.39 set last year by Overlee.  It should also be noted that Tuckahoe's relay of Brooke Thomas, Eli Leonard, Catherine Hughes and Josie Gieseman also beat the old record with a time of 1:19.47, but fell just short of Highlands Swim.  Look for a great rematch at All-Stars on Wednesday, July 16!
 
The Boys 11-12 100 Meter Freestyle Relay from Chesterbrook (Adi Kambhampaty, Ollie Bernasek, Nick Spicer and Andrew Bernstein) set a new record with a time of 54.43, beating the old record of 54.56 set by Highlands Swim in 2013.
  
And the Boys 13-14 Relay squad from Chesterbrook (Grant DeWitt, Sam Gollob, Thomas Outlaw and Jaya Kambhampaty) established 2 new records on Wednesday.  In the 200 Meter Medley Relay they swam a 1:56.33 which shattered McLean's 2011 record of 1:57.90, and in the 200 Meter Freestyle Relay they clocked a 1:46.69, edging McLean's mark of 1:46.78 established in 2011.

Congratulations to all swimmers who made the 2014 Divisional Relay Carnivals an exciting evening, and especially to the record-breaking relay teams! 

Johnny Bradshaw, Sam Gollob and Chesterbrook 13-14 Boys Relay Set New NVSL Records

Hamlet's Johnny Bradshaw, who earlier this season set the NVSL record in the 9-10 Boys 50 Meter Freestyle, broke two more records in two different strokes in his team's meet at Lakevale Estates on July 5.  In the 9-10 Boys 50 Meter Backstroke, Johnny swam a 33.37, smashing the old record of 34.12 set by Andy Richardson of Virginia Run in 1999.  In the 9-10 Boys 25 Meter Butterfly, Johnny swam a 14.58, bettering the mark of 14.67 set by Anthony Grimm of Fair Oaks last year.  After three weeks, Johnny is having a truly remarkable season.

Meanwhile, the Chesterbrook 13-14 Boys 100 Meter Medley Relay team of Grant DeWitt, Sam Gollob, Thomas Outlaw and Jaya Kambhampaty continued their assault on the record book.  Last week they set the record with a time of 54.21, which they bettered with a time of 53.77 at Tuckahoe on July 5.  This relay team also holds the 11-12 Boys Medley Relay Records for both Saturday meets and Relay Carnival, and will certainly be setting their sights on the 13-14 Boys 200 Meter Medley Relay Carnival record in the coming weeks.  Earlier in this meet, Sam Gollob, while swimming up as a 15-18, set the NVSL record in the 13-14 Boys 50 Meter Breaststroke with a time of 31.34 which bettered the old mark of 31.53 set by Tuckahoe's Carter Flint in 2013. 

NVSL End of Summer Team Rep Meeting Moved to Sept 21

The NVSL Team Representative Meeting originally scheduled for September 14 has been moved to one week later. 

It is now rescheduled for Sunday, September 21, 6:30 pm, at Mason District Government Center.

Seven New NVSL Records Set on Second Saturday

The second Saturday of dual meets saw nicer weather and an incredible SEVEN new NVSL records, three of which broke records that were more than 30 years old!

Johnny Bradshaw and Max Cruz Set New NVSL Records

Congratulations to Johnny Bradshaw of Hamlet and Max Cruz of Holmes Run Acres, who each set new NVSL records in the first dual meet of the season.

In Hamlet's home meet against Fairfax Station, Johnny shattered the 30 second barrier with a time of 29.59 in the 9-10 Boys 50 Meter Freestyle, eclipsing the previous record of 30.16 set by James Murphy of Little Rocky Run in 2008.  Meanwhile, swimming against Dowden Terrace at Holmes Run Acres, Max established a new mark in the 11-12 Boys 50 Yard Butterfly with a time of 27.03 which bettered the old record of 27.96 set in 2005 by Little Hunting Park's Blake Sundel.  With his swim today, Max now owns the butterfly yards records in three age groups - 8 & under, 9-10 and 11-12!  The League has received Johnny's and Max's signed time cards, so both of their records are now official.  Great swims Johnny and Max!

Welcome to MY NVSL!

Welcome to the new NVSL website, <mynvsl.com>.  The development and launch of this site is the result of work by a dedicated group of volunteers over the past year.  NVSL Swimming and the League thanks LightMix Design of Vienna, VA for the development and launch of the new site and Marlin Design of Falls Church, VA for the website design.  Please check our NVSL Diving by clicking the tab to the left of our logo at the top of this page.