French Creek Stingray's Swim Team History and Information

About the Stingray's

The FCV Swim Team was established in 1981 by Jan Growney. In association with the San Antonio Summer Swim League, our children ages 4 to 15 learn to swim the butterfly, back stroke, breast stroke and freestyle and participate in swim meets with other communities in the city to test their skills and speed. The original lane lines were donated to the team by Forrest Oaks Swimming Pool and parents of the team made start blocks. Later in the 80's, the Swim League came under the wings of the Northside Aquatic Center and the Alamo Area Summer Swim league. In 1992, a Swim Team Booster organization was formed and Bylaws were adopted. The team was sponsored and managed by the Swim Team Board of Directors for many years.  Currently, steps are being taken to involve more parents and create a board once again.  New lane lines and start blocks were purchased by the combined efforts of the team families by fundraising in 1992. In 2014, Carol and Dave Finethy led the efforts in a neighborhood rummage sale that funded new lane lines for the pool and swim caps for all swimmers among other benefits.  French Creek may be small, but the team usually finishes in the top 10 of the Summer Swim League and our swimmers are enthusiastic and committed to the sport. We have many neighborhood kids who swim Northside year round and also participate in high school swimming programs. Flyers with signup information usually come residents via email in March and the Newsletter provides additional information in the Spring. Individuals from any community can join and participate as a French Creek Stingray by applying and paying the required team fees. Contact Jeanette Henderson at 210-710-1602 or by e-mail at gidgeh@gmail.com if you are interested or need more information.

More Information About the Swim Team

The French Creek Village Swim Team is a member of The Alamo Area Summer Swim League(AASSL). The AASSL was developed to bridge the gap between swimming lessons and “Club” or High School swimming. The AASSL is designed to be a low-pressure, high-excitement introduction to competitive swimming. This is an important developmental experience, especially for 12 and under swimmers.

In order to accomplish these goals, the French Creek Village Swim Team provides quality competitive swimming instruction, competition and water safety at an appropriate level that is fun for all swimmers, parents and coaches involved.

Is membership in the French Creek Pool required to participate?

• Membership is required for residents of French Creek Village and The Oaks of French Creek.

Who is eligible to participate?

• Any child between the ages of 4 to 16 as of June 1, (in the current year).
• Swimmers must be able to swim the age appropriate distance unassisted.

When does the team practice?

• Beginning on the day after Memorial Day, the teams will practice Monday through Thursday evenings until school is out.
• After school is out, the teams will practice Monday through Friday in the morning; exact times to be announced at a later date.
• Swimmers will be divided into age groups. Each age group will practice for approximately one hour.

When and where will meets be held?

• There will be four-five dual meets, one each week of the month of June and early July.
• Dual meets are usually held on Monday evenings; however, the host team determines the day of the meet.
• Typically, two meets will host two meets and two meets will be held at the opposing team’s pool.

When and where will the Championship and All Star Meets be held?

• The Divisional Meet will be held on a Tuesday and Thursday in July at an announced neighborhood pool.  Younger swimmers will compete one day and older swimmers the other day.  All swimmers are eligible to participate in the Divisional Meet.
• The All Star meet will be held on a Sunday in July the Palo Alto Natatorium. Swimmers will qualify for the All Star meet based on their performance in the Championship Meet.

How much does it cost to participate?

• The registration fee for members of the French Creek Village pool is $95 per swimmer.

When is the deadline for registration?

• The deadline for registration is is the third Saturday in May.
• Late registrations will be accepted through the Monday prior to the first swim meet. Late registrants will not receive a team t-shirt. Additionally, we cannot guarantee that team suits will be available for purchase by late registrants.

For more information about the swim team, please contact Jeanette Henderson at 210-710-1602 or by e-mail at gidgeh@gmail.com.

2017 Stingray Practice Schedule:

While school is in session, practices will be in the evenings after school:

• 6 year olds and under     - 6:00 - 6:30 PM
• 7-10 year olds                 - 6:35 - 7:15 PM
• 11 year olds and older    - 7:20 - 8:00 PM

Starting on Monday June 5th, practices will be in the mornings:

• 11 year olds and older     - 9:00 - 9:45 AM

• 7-10 year olds                  - 9:45 - 10:30 AM

• 6 year olds and under      -10:30 -11:00 AM

PARENT MEETING:  Wednesday May 31ST 6:00

PRIVATE LESSONS: PRIVATE LESSONS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH COACH KELSI.  CONTACT HER AT: swimchick101@sbcglobal.net

Can't make it?  No worries!  We understand children are wrapping up school, soccer and other commitments.  If your child cannot begin until school is out, please let me know so we can be sure to order a shirt for him or her.