Little Hunting Park's Gators Swim Team is a seasonal team and charter member of the Northern Virginia Swimming League (NVSL). Summer 2021 marks LHP's 66th season. The Team's goal is to provide every swimmer an opportunity to improve swimming skills and achieve success for the Team and for themselves. The Gators focus on stroke development, sportsmanship, Team camaraderie, recognition of achievement and fun!
Registration for 2021 Season
We look forward to a FUN 2021 Swim Team Season.
While uncertainty abounds, it seems certain that the 2021 Season will be "more normal" than the 2020 Season, but not "as normal" as prior seasons.
It is anticipated that daily morning practices will run June 14 through July 23
Registration will be opening in the first week of Aprii. Look for the blue "Register Now" button in the top right corner of this page.
Swim Team Eligibility
Little Hunting Park members, who are between the ages of 5 and 18 (as of June 1) are eligible to join the Gators. Additionally, swimmers must be able to swim the length of the pool unassisted and be judged by the Head Coach to be capable of effectively participating in 30-minute practice sessions. Swimmers who have developed sufficient skills to participate in practice sessions may join the Team anytime throughout the season and are strongly encouraged to do so.
The Basics
Always bring a water bottle to practices and meets.
SWIM FINS All swimmers should bring swim training fins to practice.
Swimmers should wear an appropriate swimsuit, well-fitting goggles and cap to practices and meets.
Good quality goggles, suits, training fins and other swimming related gear are available at Sport Fair in Arlington.
Spare goggles and caps are often handy. Don't forget a towel (or two)!
Winter Practice Schedule
Winter Practice will be held Sundays 6-7 pm at the Mount Vernon Rec. Center.
Due to limited lane availability, swimmers will be assigned to swim every other week.
Due to limited lane availability, it is CRUCIAL that you contact BROOKE or TONY if your swimmer will NOT be participating in her/his scheduled session; so that the opportunity to swim may be granted to a Teammate.
Group assignments can be found HERE
No Swim Dates: 4/4/2021
Group A Swim Dates
3/14/2021 3/28/2021 4/18/2021 5/2/2021 5/16/2021
Group B Swim Dates
3/7/2021 3/21/2021 4/11/2021 4/25/2021 5/9/2021 5/23/2021
Reminders
For Parents:
Please declare swimmers' availability at all meets on this site.
Please remain off the deck during practices and meets (unless in an official capacity).
Please refrain from conversation with Coaches during practices and meets.
Please ensure your swimmer remains in the Team area during meets.
These requests are made with the intent to maximize the success of the Team.
Friday Night FUN!
(FNF status: pending....but the Team is determined to make something SUPER FUN happen on every Friday Night)
Friday Nights are FUN nights during the Swim Season. The following events are
OPEN to ALL LHP MEMBERS.
Fridays June 11- July 16
Lollipop Races 5:45 pm
An opportunity for the youngest Gators (and pre-Gators) to get their first taste of competition and a sweet treat! Flotation assistance (kickboards/noodles) allowed and strongly encouraged if there are any doubts. Note: No Lollipop Races held June XX, Team Photo
Pasta Dinner 6:30 pm
A long-standing, popular tradition at LHP. Potluck celebration with a pasta theme. Socialize with old friends, while making new friends. Swim and Tennis Teams' weekly awards presentations and pep rally. The Coaches judge the coveted "Pasta of the Week" award.
Volunteer Opportunities
Why should the kids have all the fun? Parents may participate in swim meets in a variety of fun and exciting ways: marshals, concessions, timers, data table, judges, starters, announcers, runner, clerks of course etc.
While updating your swimmers' availability at meets, be sure to volunteer for your preferred role, before someone else does!
More detailed descriptions of roles found here
Tentative Practice Schedule (2021)
Practices are offered every weekday from June 14 through July 23 .
Pre-Season June 1 - June 11 (Afternoons)
TBD
Regular Season June 14 - July 23 (Mornings)
TBD
Make-Up Practice June 15- July 23 (Evenings Tue/Wed/Thur)
TBD
Maximum participation in practice sessions is highly encouraged for all swimmers. However, there are no minimum practice attendance requirements for participation in meets or other team events.
Practice Groups are "labelled" by AGE, but are actually arranged by SKILL LEVEL. Go HERE to find descriptions of practice groups.