With April here, it is time to start thinking about the summer again, and that means everyone's favorite morning/weekend ritual, CKST SWIMMING!!! We look forward to seeing you all back at the pool this season. Registration is now open, so don't delay. Early registration will ensure you a place on the team, as well as help with our planning and budgeting for the weeks ahead. To register, click here: https://ckstdolphins.swimtopia.com/ . For the youngest of swimmers, please remember we ask that they can swim a length of the pool. Though our coaching staff is top notch, they are typically not in the water with the swimmers and it can be a safety concern if they are unable to reach the end of the pool by themselves. Remember that CKRD has a wonderful swim lesson program if needed, as well as private lessons will be available throughout the year for those that might want more one on one attention. 

We are excited to share that Kit and Cara are both returning for another season, and we couldn't be happier! We look forward to having them build upon last year's progress. We want to share that Frans was unable to return, as he has some exciting opportunities for a summer internship and a study abroad program that would interfere with the summer schedule. So with that said, we are now on the hunt for our next assistant coach. We ask that applicants have at minimum graduated high school by this summer. If your swimmer or someone you know is interested in applying, please contact the CKST board at [email protected] to be considered. 

Also, there has been some scheduling changes state wide that will impact our season. This year the state committee has decided to move the state meet one week earlier than in the past, and will be the weekend of July 20th. So this means the league meet will now be July 13th. So that our swimmers have as many opportunities to compete and qualify for the year end meets, we will be having a swim meet on July 6th when we have historically had a bye week. 

South Jeffco Swim League has also made some changes to the League meet format, based on feedback they received from its participants. This year, there will be two League meets, a "Gold" (July 13th) and a "Silver" (July 12th evening) meet. For swimmers 12 years and younger, the "Gold" meet will have qualification times. If a swimmer does not meet the qualifying times, they will participate in the "Silver" meet, held at Bear Creek Swim and Tennis with the "Gold" distance events. All swimmers 13 and older participate in the "Gold" League with no qualification times. The goal is to have two or three heats (top 20 or so) of each event which will help the meet run smoother. Additional details about relays will be provided at a later date, but hopefully this gives you time to schedule possible vacation dates. 

As in years past, our league has additional rules regarding swimmers who participate with other year round swim clubs (Foothills, Aces, Slipstream, etc.). If you have a swimmer who participates on another club after MAY 15th, that swimmer can only participate in the dual/tri meets. They will not be allowed to swim at the Ken Caryl Invitational, League, or State. To participate in these meets, the swimmer must stop practicing and racing with their other club after May 15. If you have a swimmer that plans to swim with another club but also with CKST, please inform Coach Kit or the CKST President so we can appropriately identify them in the system. 

We plan on starting practice the week of May 20th, with evening practice for all ages Tuesday through Thursday. The parent meeting will be May 22nd, so be sure to mark your calendar now and plan to attend. There are a number of big changes this year, and we want to make sure all your questions are answered. Our standard morning practice schedule will start May 28th, and the first meet is June 1st, so it starts quickly this year. 

If you are interested in being an official this season, please let us know.  The meets cannot run without our volunteers, and it makes a world of difference when we have adequate help.  If you are experienced or like to jump in for the first time, please let us know.  There will be adequate training for anyone interested to give you the peace of mind that you can be an official.  All you need is a white shirt, an arm that can raise over your head, and the willingness to try your best to call a fair race.  

Lastly, the CKST store is now open. Be sure to check it out and load up on CKST gear https://outofbreathsports.tuosystems.com/stores/c... . Be sure to get your orders in early to allow for time to get them early in the season. Team suits are not required, though racing suits are for meets. The suits are the same style as last year, so you may be able to reuse last years if your child hasn't either hit a growth spirt or managed to donate it to CKRD's lost and found pile last year. 

Boy, that's a lot. Thanks for making it to the bottom of this email. If you have questions, check the website first, then feel free to ask the board for help. If you have friends that are interested in swimming, feel free to pass this their way too. We look forward to having a great summer. 

See you all soon! 

CKST Coaches and Board