WELCOME TO GATOR COUNTRY
The calendar has officially changed to SUMMER and your GATOR SWIMMERS have returned to the waters of Fayson Lakes for the 2023 swim season! The Coaching Staff (Dave, Kevin and Ellie) is STOKED to lead and prepare this year’s iteration of GATORS to even higher levels in the Lakeland Swim Conference. Each GATOR and HATCHLING will be challenged to strive to become the very best version of themselves, in and out of the water. FRANK the GATOR will also return as well as all the traditional team bonding activities, community, and fun that are THE FAYSON GATORS SWIM TEAM. LOOK OUT, BECAUSE HERE WE COME….
GO GATORS!!!
CHECK-IN (with coaches) 7:30am
WARM UP 8:00am / OPENING CEREMONY 9:00am / MEET START 9:30am
STROKE ORDER OF EVENTS: BREASTSTROKE / BUTTERFLY / BACKSTROKE / FREESTYLE / RELAYS
There will be a short break after Backstroke for DIVISION AWARDS
2023 A CHAMPIONSHIPS
@PEQUANNOCK 8/12/23
QUALIFIER INFORMATION
ALL QUALIFYING SWIMMERS AGES 14 and younger: are eligible to compete in 2 individual events (if qualified) and will be considered for the ‘A’ RELAY for their AGE GROUP.
ALL QUALIFYING SWIMMERS AGES 15 and older: are eligible to compete in 3 individual events (if qualified) and will be considered for the ‘A’ RELAY for their AGE GROUP.
MEET NOTE:
THE NEW CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFYING STANDARDS HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE LAKELAND SWIM CONFERENCE. CLICK THE REVISED 2023 A STANDARD BUTTON TO VIEW THE NEW STANDARDS.
CURRENT ”TOP TIMES” REPORT, LISTING ALL FAYSON GATOR SWIMMERS BY NAME, IS AVAILABLE BY CLICKING THE “CURRENT A QUALIFIERS BUTTON”
GATORS WIN 332-315
Final Record: 3 wins 3 losses (4th place in the Red Division)
HL @ GATORS
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 9, 2023
CHECK-IN 6:15p / WARM-UP 6:30p / MEET START 7:00p
MEET RECAP
In the final meet of the 2023 season, your FAYSON GATORS capped off the campaign with a resounding victory over HIGHLAND LAKES.
The victory was even sweeter to our GATOR FAMILY as we celebrated THREE OF OUR SENIOR GATORS and expressed our gratitude, love, and respect for their many years competing for FAYSON LAKES and representing their families and our community with humility and character throughout their tenure… CONGRATULATIONS GATORS for LIFE:
MAX CONNELLY
WILL KILPONEN
HALEY KLOUSE
Among the competition highlights of the evening, were a few NEW A CHAMPS QUALIFIERS: CHARLOTTE R (FLY) KAYLA (FLY) ANNA M (BACK) CALEB (FREE) and KEIRA F (100 FREE)
BREASTSTROKE: BIGGEST TIME CHOMP…MADISON LASTER (-5.47 sec!) MORE PR’s by LOGAN (-.58) Waylon (-.42) LIVY (-3.07) ABBY (-.05) OWEN (-2.12) SEAN (-3.67) Joey (-.70) KAYLA (-.45) NICK (-.93) and Lily F (-2.24)
BUTTERFLY: BIGGEST TIME CHOMP…OWEN BOHAN (-14.14 sec!) MORE PR’s by LOGAN (-2.38, and his FIRST FIRST PLACE!) MADISON L (-4.69) MACKENZIE C (-4.81) LAUREN (-7.62) SEAN (-.12) and KAYLA (-8.26)
BACKSTROKE: BIGGEST TIME CHOMP…LOGAN PAPENDICK (-37.23 SEC!) MORE PR’S by TEDDY (-8.87) JAYDEN (-9.16) KYLE (-3.29) MYCAH (-5.54) ANNA M (-3.49) LILY B (-16.30) KENZIE PARMAR-SAN (-7.73) JACKSON (-.14) ELENNA (-.38) and KYLIE (-1.11)
FREESTYLE: BIGGEST TIME CHOMP… AUBREY CONCA (-14.56 SEC!) MORE PR’S by CALEB (-4.94) TEDDY (-2.32) “and FREDDY!” (-1.78) MYCAH (-3.27) LAUREN (-5.94) HARPER (-.O4) AMELIA (-.05) ZAC (-.42) JACK (-3.06) JACKSON (-1.74) MACKENZIE C (-1.30) and SAGE (-.07)
Congratulations to the SWIMMERS, the COACHES, and our FAMILIES for all of their collective time and efforts throughout the summer to MAKE THE MAGIC that is FAYSON GATORS SWIMMING!
Good luck at A CHAMPIONSHIPS this Saturday 8.12.2023 (arrive by 7:30a for check-in)
GO GATORS!!!
Coach Dave
HATCHLINGS!!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR HATCHLINGS AND INSTRUCTORS ON AN AMAZINGLY REWARDING SESSION THIS SUMMER! FOR 5 WEEKS WE LEARNED HOW TO BECOME GATORS…FLOATING, BREATHING, BALANCING, TREADING, SWIMMING FREESTYLE and BACKSTROKE, JUMPING, DIVING and STAYING SAFE IN OUR LAKE!
!WE HAD JUST AS MUCH FUN TEACHING YOU AS YOU ALL DID LEARNING, YOU ALL ARE FANTASTIC SWIMMERS AND OUR INSTRUCTORS ARE AN ABSOLUTE GIFT OF PATIENCE, CALM, SMILES, AND REASSURANCE WHICH TRULY DRIVES OUR PROGRAM’S SUCCESS.
WITH GRATITUDE AND RESPECT,
Coaches Ellie, Kevin, and Dave
INVITATIONAL INFORMATION CENTER
ENTRIES CLOSED 7/9@11:59pm
ALL GATORS WITHOUT A CHAMPS TIMES ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE B CHAMPIONSHIP @HLCC
EMAIL COACH DAVE
IF INTERESTED IN ATTENDING:
ODD AGE / OWN AGE / B’s and C’s
ALL ENTRY CONFIRMATIONS & REQUESTS ARE DUE TO COACH DAVE ON THE SUNDAY PRIOR TO THE MEET DATE BY MIDNIGHT.
“A CHAMPIONSHIP” ENTRIES WILL BE DETERMINED BY LEAGUE QUALIFYING STANDARDS SET AT THE 2022 CHAMPIONSHIP MEET
(click the button below to view the "A” time standards)
ENTRIES CLOSED 7/14 @11:59pm
ALL ELIGIBLE GATORS CAN BE VIEWED BY CLICKING THE BUTTON ABOVE^
ENTRY INFORMATION WAS RECEIVED THIS MORNING and ENTRIES ARE DUE TUESDAY 8/2/23.
GATORS TAKE SECOND PLACE
ANNA KILPONEN BREAKS RECORD IN 15-18 50 FLY
2023 COACHES’ CHOICE INVITATIONAL
HOSTED BY:
YOUR
FAYSON GATORS
Thursday August 3, 2022
@Fayson Lakes Pool
(6:30 warm-up / 7:00 Start)
The 2023 Coaches’ Choice meet is THURSDAY EVENING AUGUST 3 @FAYSON LAKES!
This meet is iconic in the Lakeland Swim Conference. The original “championship meet” format pitted the top swimmer in each age group in each stroke discipline versus all the other top swimmers in the conference…an “all-star” event if you will. Each team swims in ONE ASSIGNED LANE for the entire meet…GATORS IN LANE 6… so you can channel all of your GATOR NATION ENERGY into our lane as our GATORS pour out their very best efforts to take home the 2023 Coaches’ Choice Championship! The four swimmers in each stroke also make up the Relay for their age group. This is one of the most exciting meets of the summer…mark your calendar…don your GATOR GEAR…BRING YOUR ENERGY to the pool to cheer on our FAYSON LAKES GATORS…DON’T MISS IT!!!
This is the most difficult process of the season as there are so many deserving Gators and the event is limited. Please understand that all of our Gator swimmers are “personal all-stars” to each of the coaches and we want you all to support each other as we always do…pouring all of our Gator-Energy into LANE 6 in support of our TEAM! Our successes are always more divine when we share them with our teammates…each of them are battling for FAYSON LAKES! Congratulations to our 2023 Coaches’ Choice Selections!
We are so very proud of ALL OF OUR GATOR and HATCHLING swimmers for their positive contributions to the GATOR FAMILY this season!
GO GATORS!!!
COACH DAVE, MR COACH KEV, COACH ELLIE
MEET RECAP
OUR GATORS SHOWED THE LAKELAND SWIM CONFERENCE THAT WE ARE STILL A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH AFTER OUR PERFORMANCE AT THE COACHES’ CHOICE LAST NIGHT…
Out of the 38 individual events, we had 28 “summer-only” Gators!!!!! (not participating on a year-round swim team). Our swimmers hung with the best of the best that the conference had to offer!
SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO:
ANNA KILPONEN
for setting a new COACHES’ CHOICE RECORD in the 15-18 50m Butterfly
The results tell most of the story (click the button to the LEFT <, to view)…the rest, was an experience that EXEMPLIFIED the term TEAM…being fortunate enough to witness such great athletes and friend sacrifice themselves for the team, alone, in their own lane, self-less and driven…backed by GATOR NATION, was truly the greatest GIFT OF OUR SEASON so far as COACHES…WE (and coach Kiersten too!) were thoroughly impressed with many of our gritty finishes, beautifully flowing strokes and determination to get our hand(s) on the wall before our competitors.
There were a ton of great battles…yet there were also a few DEFINING MOMENTS that represented what I believe TRULY AMAZING SWIMS and SWIMMERS to be all about:
KYLIE, NORAH and BODIE GETTING AFTER IT, and GOING FOR IT in our relays…FOR THE TEAM.
JONNY for persevering through injury to swim an amazing BACKSTROKE!
FIRST TIME COACHES CHOICE SWIMMERS: MYCAH, CALEB, HARPER, LOGAN, JACK, ELENNA, ATHENA, SAGE, and HANNAH
ESPECIALLY THESE FREESTYLE LEGS of our medley relays: JACK, AVERY, ALEX, TREVOR, EVERETT, and HANNAH…some of the BEST QUALITY SWIMS I have witnessed in quite some time…these were a coming of age for these swimmers who anchored their teams with the Heart, Desire, and GRIT to DEFY their competitors, their screaming bodies, and feel the greatest feeling of all…TO GIVE ALL OF THEMSELVES when the TEAM REQUIRED THEIR VERY BEST for our MISSION.
FINALLY, to our SENIORS: WILL and MAX for continuing to REPRESENT THE GATORS with Humility, Honor and Respect as they close out their GATOR CAREERS. Thank you, men…for your time, athleticism, poise, and dedication to our FAMILY.
GATORS WIN!!! 356-329
GATORS @ FLYING FISH
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 1, 2023
(ERSKINE LAKES)
CHECK IN 6:15pm / WARM-UP 6:30pm / MEET START 7:00pm
MEET RECAP
Last night at ERSKINE LAKES, your FAYSON GATORS got back on the winning track with a TOTAL TEAM EFFORT versus the FLYING FISH. It was a back and forth affair, with Erskine splashing to an early lead over the GATORS…. Then, the 11/12 boys gave the team a boost with a 1-2-4 finish in the 50 Breast (Bodie, Nicky and Joey) and the Gators took control of the Breaststroke! BIGGEST TIME CHOMP: MADISON LASTER (-20.88 seconds!!!) Season Best times: Logan, Livy, Anna M, Layla, Addie Hayley, Madison L, Callie, Kayla, Kieran, Oliver, Sage, and Everett…
In the Butterfly, the Gators extended their lead with a BLAZING 50 FLY by SEAN MCSWEENEY (33.13!)…Bodie, Norah, AJ and Trevor all added PERSONAL BESTS to the GATOR push for points along these season best time setters: Logan, Jack, Madison L, Abby, Harper, Hazy, and Kiera!
The Backstroke ensued with Livy and Harper stroking their way to a 1-2 finish (both season bests!) to jump the Gators back in front…and MORE SEASON BESTS: Caleb, Grat-man, Lauren, Zac, Jackson, Jack, Mackenzie, Alex, Trevor, and Kiera…
In Freestyle, the GATORS built a lead that they would not concede the rest of the way…after a rough patch to start off the event, the Flying Fish stormed back with a 33-15 start…until AVERY, JULIA S, and a gritty finish by ADDIE (season best time) finished 2-3-4 to win their race…Then the 13 and older crew finished off the event with a dominating performance by Kieran, Johnny M, Trevor, Charlotte, Coach Ellie, Anna, Max, AJ and Everett which set the stage for our RELAYS TO BRING HOME THE VICTORY FOR YOUR FAYSON GATORS…
More Season Bests: Caleb, Grant, Freddy, Haddie, Kenzie “Parmar-sean”, Jackson, Addie, Hayley, Bodie, Kieran. Oliver, and Sage.
A TOTAL TEAM EFFORT WAS NEEDED TO GET US BACK ON TRACK, AND THAT’S THE WAY IT SHOULD BE…THE TEAM IS THE STAR.
RECORD: 1-3
WAVES @ GATORS
WEDNESDAY JULY 26, 2023
(The GATOR SWAMP POOL)
CHECK IN 6:15pm / WARM-UP 6:30pm / MEET START 7:00pm
Our GATORS tool another loss last night at the hands of the WAVES. The meet was a big test of the "next swimmer up" principle, as we were operating at a major disadvantage in our older age group. A BIG SHOUT OUT TO EVERETT, HANNAH, JULIA M, CHARLOTTE, HALEY K, and MIKE D!OUR GATOR PERSONAL BESTS:
Breaststroke: Way; Logan; Livy; Mycah; Ava; Harper; Haddie; Owen; Third; Addie; Norah; Charlotte S; Kieran; Nick W; Everett
BIGGEST BREASTSTROKE “TIME CHOMPERS”…WAYLON STOVESAND (-10.95 seconds!) and Livy Galluscio (-8.63 seconds!)
Butterfly: Logan; Callie; AJ; Trevor; Kylie; Ella; Hazy; Everett; Charlotte M
BIGGEST BUTTERFLY “TIME CHOMPERS”…AMANDA BROCK (-9.03 seconds!) and Callie Coehlo (-2.76 seconds!)
Backstroke: Caleb; Porter; Teddy; Grat-man; Freddy; Kyle; Haddie; Ava; Layla; Elodie; '“Lil’ Mack Pappy” (Kenzie Pap!); “Parmar-sean” (Kenzie Parmar); Lily Bo; Third; Jackson; Charlotte R; Mackenzie C; Nicky; AJ; Nick W; Lily F
BIGGEST BACKSTROKE “TIME CHOMPERS”…Lily Bohan (-21.11 seconds!) and Elodie Merlucci (-21.02 seconds!)
Freestyle:
Logan; Caleb; Freddy; Sawyer; Finley; Porter; Mycah; Lauren C; Amelia; Lily Bo; Lil’ Mack Pappy; Zac; Madison L; Amanda; Seany;Watson; Callie; Trevor; Hazy; Lily F; Everett; Kieran; Hannah
BIGGEST FREESTYLE “TIME CHOMPERS”…Kenzie Papendick (-13.82 seconds!) and Caleb Papendick (-13.21 seconds!)
HATCHLINGS BREAKTHROUGHS (PART 2!)
Welcome to our NEWEST GATORS as the following Hatchlings swam in their FIRST OFFICIAL GATOR SWIMS…and got to go through the “Transformation Tunnel” after their races as their official welcome!!!!
SAWYER COLLINS
FINLEY CONTE
PORTER KENT
TEAM RECORD: 1-2
PIRANHAS @ GATORS
WEDNESDAY JULY 19, 2023
(The GATOR SWAMP POOL)
CHECK IN 6:15pm / WARM-UP 6:30pm / MEET START 7:00pm
MEET RECAP
The Gators took a hard loss after leading the Piranhas going into the relays. Amazing swims by the team individually...CONGRATULATIONS to KYLIE PAPENDICK for SMASHING the 13/14Girls 50 Free record in a blazing 28.82 seconds..Lots of GATOR PERSONAL BESTS TOO:
Breaststroke:
Waylon (-1.60s), Kyle (-15.23 sec!), Mycah (-1.01s), Alivia (-.39s), Abby (1st TIME!), Collin (-1.90s), Avery (-.77s), Addie (-1.43s), Nicky (-.98s), Joey (-2.18s), Watson (-1.49s), Charlotte S (-1.11s), Oliver (-5.67s), Kylie (-1.67s), Sage (-3.22s), and Coach Ellie (-.58s)!
Butterfly:
Huck (-1.95s), Zach (-1.40s), Julia S (-1.65s), Callie (-.6s), Charlotte S (-11.03 sec!), Elenna (-4.55s), AJ (-.28s), Kylie (-.75s), Anna K (-.15s), Julia M (-.43),
Backstroke:
Grat (-12.46 sec!), Harper (-1.91s), Haddie (-12.08 sec!), Aubrey (-16.18 sec), Jackson (-5.51s), Avery (-5.01), Amanda B (-7.96s), Watson (-8.36s), Norah (-.52s), AJ (-.19s), Kieran (-.52s), Johnny M (-.79s), Jonathan D (-3.48s), Hazel (-.27sec), Lily F (-.28), Anna K (-.28s), Coach Ellie (-.69s), Hannah (-1.46s)
Freestyle:
Waylon (-6.40s), Logan (-2.84s!), Grat (-28.76s), Caleb (-8.52s), Freddy (-32.02s), Kyle (-12.91s), Mycah (-10.90s), Abby (-3.44s), Haddie (-3.25s), Laren (-1.59s), Huck (-6.43s), Owen (-.67s), Third (-2.41s), Jack P (-5.08s), Avery (-1.82s), Julia S (-2.49s), Norah (-.84s), AJ (-.44s), Johnny M (-.13s), Oliver (-1.32s), Kylie (-1.17s) NEW FAYSON RECORD, Sage (-.05s), Coach Ellie (-.14s), Julia M (-.99s)
HATCHLINGS BREAKTHROUGH!
Welcome to our NEWEST GATORS as the following Hatchlings swam in their FIRST OFFICIAL GATOR SWIMS…and got to go through the “Transformation Tunnel” after their races as their official welcome!!!!
LILY BOHAN
TEDDY HOFFMAN
ELODIE MERLUCCI
KENZIE PAPENDICK
KENZIE PARMAR
RECORD 1-1
GATORS @HAWKS
WEDNESDAY JULY 12, 2023
(Lake Mohawk Pool Sparta, NJ)
CHECK IN 6:15pm / WARM-UP 6:30pm / MEET START 7:00pm
MEET RECAP
Tough loss for our Fayson Gators as the Hawks swam an amazing meet against us. We did come away with some positive results to build upon:
BREASTSTROKE
BUTTERFLY
BACKSTROKE
FREESTYLE
2023 “SUMMER VIBES” BENEFIT SWIM MEET
"GATORS GIVE BACK”
A BENEFIT FOR THE KINNELON FOOD PANTRY
@ SMOKE RISE SWIM LANES
TUESDAYJULY 11, 2023
WARM UP 6:00pm / START 6:30pm
MEET ENTRY SIGN-UPS AT PRACTICES Thursday & Friday (7/6&7/7!)
FOR ALL GATORS, FAMILY MEMBERS, PARENTS, LIFEGUARDS, AND ANYONE WHO BELIEVES IN SUPPORTING THE KINNELON COMMUNITY THROUGH FUN, SWIMMING, FRIENDSHIP, AND GIVING!
1-0
PIRATES v GATORS
THURSDAY…JULY 6…THURSDAY!!!
CHECK IN 6:15pm / WARM-UP 6:30pm / MEET START 7:00pm
Your FAYSON GATORS splash into their first dual meet of the season this coming THURSDAY July 6, 2023 @ PACKANACK LAKE, the home of the PIRATES!
Well, in the movies Tik-Tok Croc gave Captain Hook a run for his money terrorizing him on the open seas in Peter Pan…The Gators are ready to give these Pirates all they can handle as we hit the water for our first dual meet of the season.
This is the first step in defending our 2022 league championship…going for 1-0… It all starts this week in our preparation during practice, being humble to make changes, and then race fiercely come THURSDAY NIGHT…OUR TEAM IS THE STAR!
The GATORS are COMING!
MEET RECAP:
Congratulations to your FAYSON GATORS as this season’s squad splashed it’s way to a sound victory over the PIRATES of Packanack Lake. We had a great team showing with a bunch of new PR’s led by Trevor D’Anton, who continues to drop mad time each meet (yes, the speedo is a good idea boys!)…also, as a team we put on display superior racing skills by finishing our races with 12 TOUCH-OUTS in the last meter… Now that’s GATOR-TOUGH SWIMMING!
Looking super strong & stealthy in our first meet were: Huck Stovesand with the smmmmoooothest backstroke Coach Dave has seen in a long time (and we know he’s a little O-L-D!!); Ella Bohan rocked the 50 Breast; Sean McSweeney has a “Phelpsian” phinish in the 50 Phly; Our 8&Unders were out in full force trying breaststroke and kicking fast in back and free…
Other COACH SPOTLIGHTS included: Harper Reid (50 BACK); Joey Paz (50 BREAST); Mycah Gifford (carrying on the family Breaststroke tradition of big Giff) KYLIE PAPENDICK (50 FLY) to name a few of our many teamwide STAR PERFORMANCES in going 1-0!
“GATOR-SNAPS” (for our graduating Hatchlings) & WELCOME BACKS:
~A special WELCOME to GRANT EDWARDS as he competed in his FIRST MEET with the GATORS…. WAY TO GO “GRAT” (spelling intended)
~And special WELCOME BACKS to Sage, Oliver, Jonathan, & Michael, we are so happy you joined our swim family.
Overall a solid start to the season for all of GATOR NATION.
Next up is a BIG TEST IN THE POOL @LAKE MOHAWK 7/12/23…GO GATORS!!!!
BLUE-WHITE MEET
WEDNESDAY JUNE 28, 2023
The 2023 version of our annual splash-down intra-squad event is ON! next Wednesday…
Arrive 6:15p to check in / Warm-up 6:30p / Meet Start 7:00p
Get ready to show your FAYSON LAKES SPIRIT in classic Blue and White colors, spirit wear, body paint, tu-tu's, maybe even a Big Ben Turtle costume!… the options are only as endless as your Fayson Gator Spirit!
Teams are chosen by the Coaches…our goal is to make the meet a TIE…your spirit and competitive efforts are needed to BREAK THE TIE in this classic “color war”!
Each Gator will swim 2 events and 1 relay (if we can make that happen!)
following the meet is…
THE FAMILY PASTA PARTY!
It’s FEASTING time for our hungry GATORS (and their families) following a night of competition, community, and team bonding that IS PURE FAYSON LAKES!
Whip up your very best culinary creations: pasta meals, treats, sides, and more and bring them to the CLUBHOUSE and enjoy the best cuisine the Gator Families have to offer!
OFFICIAL ‘A’ CHAMPIONSHIP SECTION
updated 8/10/22 @8:20PM
ALERT!!! THERE HAVE BEEN LAST MINUTE CHANGES TO OUR TEAM ENTRIES DUE TO A FILE ISSUE REGARDING THE REVISED A STANDARDS. SOME ADDITIONS AND SOME DELETIONS HAVE OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF THIS SCENARIO. PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK YOU GATOR(S) EVENTS. RELAYS HAVE NOT CHANGED!
Please view all qualifying times for your GATORS by clicking the FINAL A CHAMPS QUALIFIERS Button
All athletes (ages 14 and younger) may swim up to 2 individual and 1 relay Only one relay is allowed at the championship meet with 4 alternates.
Athletes ages 15 and older may swim 3 individual events and 1 relay.
ENTRY DEADLINE IS TUESDAY 8/9/2022. ZERO EVENT CHANGES WILL BE MADE AFTER THIS DATE.
2022 “SUMMER VIBES” BENEFIT SWIM MEET
"GATORS GIVE BACK”
A BENEFIT FOR THE KINNELON FOOD PANTRY
MEET ENTRIES VIA SIGN UP GENIUS (COMING SOON!)
FOR ALL GATORS, FAMILY MEMBERS, PARENTS, LIFEGUARDS, AND ANYONE WHO BELIEVES IN SUPPORTING THE KINNELON COMMUNITY THROUGH FUN, SWIMMING, FRIENDSHIP, AND GIVING!
A Message from Coach Dave
On Monday and Tuesday, I shared with all of the GATORS that I will be going to Colorado to visit family whom I have not seen in many years. The Swim Board was aware of my commitments before the season started, and were gracious enough to work with me. This is a rare opportunity for me as a teacher and full-time coach to be able to make this journey west. Of course, with the 2022 swim season ending as usual, August 13, rather than a week earlier, as we encouraged the league to consider to adopt this year…I had a conflict with my two families…my Fayson Gator Family, and my lifelong family…something had to give. Sadly, I will be missing out on the last few competitions and practices with The Fayson Lakes Gators as we close out the 2022 season. I will still be available if questions arise.; I will be monitoring and updating the website remotely; and offering up a zoom link in the coming days to check in with the GATORS at practices for the final week of the season.
As I spoke with the team today, I related to them that the work has been done, the horses are in the stable…The Gators are on the precipice of a magical moment in time that I wish for each of you in Gator Nation to revel in and remember forever. It’s truly not about me, and I have not and will never, make any season about myself. The TEAM IS THE STAR…each and every GATOR will muster up their greatest personal performances for the TEAM WE HAVE BUILT AS A COMMUNITY. I have the utmost confidence in Coach Kevin, Coach Ellie, our Junior Leaders, and of course each and every GATOR SWIMMER on the team to go out to each of our final competitions of the season and MAKE IT HAPPEN, because it is OUR TIME TO SHINE as the BRIGHTEST STAR EVER.
To the Gator Swimmers…I am proud of the personal accomplishments that each of you have strove to achieve this summer…I am grateful for the opportunity to walk with each of you on your path and connect with you all each and every day…you are true blessings in my life.
To Coach Kevin and Coach Ellie…I fully trust and believe in both of you to carry our GATORS to the promised land!
To all of the GATOR NATION Parents and Fans…while I realize this is not the norm, I have been humbled by your continued support of my vision and my mission for this team and the community of Fayson Lakes. Thank you for the opportunity and trust to work with your children in this amazing sport, and throughout this memorable season.
To the Fayson Lakes Swim Board…I appreciate your understanding and am most grateful for your belief in me to have the privilege to lead the Fayson Lakes Gator Swim Team in 2022.
So, please accept my sincere best wishes and humility for missing the unique experience of such a memorable ending to a magical season. There will be nothing but smiles amongst all of us because WE MADE IT HAPPEN TOGETHER.
Peace, love, luck, and fast swims to all,
Coach Dave
ERSKINE ‘C’ MEET
Saturday August 6, 2022
@ERSKINE LAKES (UPPER LAKE LANES)
IF YOUR GATOR SWIMMER IS INTERESTED IN THIS LAST CHANCE MEET, PLEASE SIMPLY EMAIL COACH DAVE WITH A “YES, MY SWIMMER(s) WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE”
IF YOUR SWIMMER HAS 2 OR MORE ‘A TIMES” DO NOT ATTEND THIS MEET!!!!!
IF YOUR SWIMMER HAS “NO TIME” OR WOULD LIKE ONE LAST CHANCE TO MAKE AN “A TIME STANDARD”, PLEASE EMAIL COACH DAVE BY TUESDAY 8/2/2022…I APOLOGIZE FOR THE LATE NOTICE.
FAYSON LAKES READY TO CLOSE OUT DUAL MEET SEASON WITH 6th VICTORY
PACKANACK PIRATES @ FAYSON LAKES GATORS
THE GATOR SWAMP “Pool”
6:15pm Check-In
6:30pm Warm-Up
7:00pm Meet Start
The final competition of the Dual Meet portion of the summer swim season is upon us…Your FAYSON LAKES GATORS are an unprecedented 5-0 in league and Red Division competition. The final hurdle will come Wednesday evening as the Gators play host to the Pirates of Packanack. It is time to muster up all you can to make our TEAM STAR SHINE ITS BRIGHTEST for our home team GATOR NATION FAMILIES and FANS! The work has been done, the horses are in the stable, THIS IS OUR TIME TO SHINE! Go out there and swim your hearts out for our community and our team…ONE MORE TIME… LET’S GO GATORS!!!!!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
PA@FL Dual Meet: Wednesday Evening, August 3, 2022
COACHES’ CHOICE INVITATIONAL: Thursday Evening, August 4, 2022
ERSKINE ‘C’ INVITATIONAL: Saturday Morning, August 6, 2022
SUMMER VIBES BENEFIT SWIM MEET: To Benefit the Kinnelon Food Pantry…Wednesday August 10, 2022
ANNUAL SWIM ACROSS! Thursday August 11, 2022 (Swimmers of all ages are invited, bring noodles if you want!) Breakfast to follow!
END OF SEASON PIZZA PARTY and GATOR SLIDE SHOW!
‘A’ CHAMPIONSHIPS: Hosted by Packanack Lake Pirates, Saturday August 13, 2022 (if your Gator(s) qualify. Please check the website section LSC ‘A’ Championship Qualifier Tracker
LSC ‘A’ CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER TRACKER
Click on the BUTTONS below to see the most up to date Qualifying Events for your swimmer(s) (Button #1) / How Far away your swimmer is (Button #2) / The Current ‘A’ Standards (Button #3)
14 & Under SWIMMERS are permitted to swim 2 individual events and a relay
15-18 SWIMMERS are permitted to swim 3 individuals events and a relay
ONLY ONE RELAY (A Relay) is permitted to compete at the A Championships
REMAINING CHANCES TO QUALIFY FOR THE “ORIGINAL 2022 STANDARDS”
Highland B July 30
Packanack Dual Meet August 3
Coaches’ Choice Meet August 4
Erskine C Meet*** if necessary August 6, 2022
***STANDARDS ADJUSTMENT MEETING***
THERE WILL BE AN ADJUSTMENT TO MANY OF THE ‘A’ STANDARDS FOLLOWING THE RESULTS OF THE HIGHLAND ‘B’ MEET…STAY TUNED…SOME (or many) of the Qualifying standards will adjust based upon the speed of swimmers around the league this summer.
NO STANDARD WILL GET FASTER. Slower standards are a good possibility in many events (especially Breast and Fly).
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Coach Dave: leshswim@gmail.com
2022 FAYSON COACHES’ CHOICE MEET
Thursday August 4, 2022
@Fayson Lakes Pool
(6:30 warm-up / 7:00 Start)
The 2022 Coaches’ Choice meet is NEXT THURSDAY EVENING @FAYSON LAKES! This meet is iconic in the Lakeland Swim Conference. The original “championship meet” format pitted the top swimmer in each age group in each stroke discipline versus all the other top swimmers in the conference…an “all-star” event if you will. Each team swims in ONE ASSIGNED LANE for the entire meet, so you can channel all of your GATOR NATION ENERGY into our lane as our GATORS pour out their very best efforts to take home the 2022 Coaches’ Choice Championship! The four swimmers in each stroke also make up the Relay for their age group. This is one of the most exciting meets of the summer…mark your calendar…don your GATOR GEAR…BRING YOUR ENERGY to the pool to cheer on our FAYSON LAKES GATORS…DON’T MISS IT!!!
This is the most difficult process of the season as there are so many deserving Gators and the event is limited. Please understand that all of our Gator swimmers are “personal all-stars” to each of the coaches and we want you all to support each other as we always do…pouring all of our Gator-Energy into OUR LANE in support of our TEAM! Our successes are always more divine when we share them with our teammates…each of them are battling for FAYSON LAKES! Congratulations to our 2022 Coaches’ Choice Selections:
8&Under Selections
BOYS: Collin / Zac / Waylon GIRLS: Avery / Livy / Mackenzie
9/10 Selections
BOYS: Third / Owen / Huck / Joey GIRLS: Kayla / Callie / Charlotte S / Addie
11/12 Selections
BOYS: Nick W / Bodie / Sean / Nicky GIRLS: Sadie / Norah
13/14 Selections
BOYS: Trevor / Keiran / AJ / Everett GIRLS: Ella / Lindsey / Anna / Kylie
15/18 Selections
BOYS: Coach Kevin / Max / Will / Ben GIRLS: Charlotte M / Ellie / Grace / Julia M
ALTERNATES:
Watson / Addie / Alex / John M / Hannah / Haley K / Jonny P
GATORS Eye Up 5th Win in Row Versus Erskine Lakes
This Wednesday JULY 27, the Black & Orange from Erskine Lakes travel to the “Swamp” to take on your Fayson Lakes Gators in a non-division swim meet. Wednesday marks the first meet for some more of our Hatchlings as they gear up for theri BIG MEET at the Highland B this Saturday July 30 (see Highland B section below for details and entries). LET’S GO GATOR NATION! Bring the noise and pump up our swimmers as they continue to qualify for A Championships and extend their LAKELAND CONFERENCE DOMINANCE versus Erskine Lakes…GO GATORS!!!!
ARRIVE 6:15pm for CHECK IN
WARM-UP 6:30pm
MEET START 7:00pm
Gators Cruise to 5th Straight Victory!
The Fayson Lakes Gators sprinted to a 365-307 victory over the Flying Fish of Erskine Lakes in front of a solid Gator Nation Crowd (including special guest appearances by Coach Mackenzie and Coach Kiersten!!) last night at the Swamp. The Gator swimmers withstood an late flurry by Erskine swimmers in the Back and Free events, by winning 6 of 8 relays enroute to the final tally. Leading the charge were our fearless leaders Coach Kevin and Coach Ellie along with inspiring swims by many of our teammates…earning season best performances were:
Owen B (Breast & Free); Amanda B (Back) ; Mackenzie C (Fly); Callie C (Back); Zac C (Breast & Free); Aubrey C (Free); Ellie (Fly); Madison (Back & Free); Elenna (Fly); Lily (Breast); Addie (Breast & Back); Livy (Breast & Back); Mycah (Free); Haley K (Breast); Hannah (Fly, Back, Breast); Hazy (Fly & Free); Third (Breast); Ava (Free); Collin (great dive! & Breast); Sean (Fly); Julia M (Free); Ben (Fly); Caleb (Free); Kylie (Fly); Logan (tried Fly!!); Haddie (Back & Free); Jackson (Back & Free); Charlotte S (Breast & Back); Nick W (Breast)
Wednesday evening was also a very special moment for our Hatchlings, who left their shells behind as they transformed into FULL-FLEDGED GATORS!
PLEASE CONGRATULATE and WELCOME to OUR GATOR Family:
HARPER REID
FRANK THE GATOR is our weekly award for a swimmer who distinguished themselves to the coaches…This person(s) will get to “gator-sit” for a day or two as a new traditional reward. Parents…no worries here, as FRANK LOVES OUR SWIMMERS…doesn’t bite, is house trained, and doesn’t eat a thing :) THIS WEEK’s FRANK THE GATOR HONOREE is ELLIE DeKEUKELAERE! Ellie has volunteered with the team all season as well as the Hatchlings and creating “Ellie’s Babies” for extra help with swimming for any and all of our Fayson swimmers. Ellie goes above and beyond for the Gator community not only as a teacher/mentor but as a person who commands great respect amongst her teammates, and earned the same with the parents and coaching staff. Ellie also makes some amazing baked goods in addition to being a National Level Swimmer and super hero of swimming instruction! Please take a moment to congratulate and recognize Ellie when you see her for her immense contributions in and out of the water. Way to go ELLIE!!!!!
LOOKING AHEAD:
SATURDAY 7/30/22 HIGHLAND B INVITATIONAL
WEDNESDAY 8/3/22: HOME MEET versus PACKANACK PIRATES (LAST CHANCE TO QUALIFY FOR “A” CHAMPIONSHIPS)
THURSDAY 8/4/22: FAYSON COACHES CHOICE MEET ENTRIES POSTED THIS EVENING!
ERSKINE C INVITATIONAL E-mail coach DAVE “YES” if your swimmer(s) interest to attend this meet by Saturday 7/30/22. Coach Dave will determine if your swimmer(s) should swim after you choose YES or NO to attend.
Wednesday 8/10/22 SUMMER VIBES MEET (To benefit the Kinnelon Food Pantry)
Thursday 8/11/22: ANNUAL “SWIM ACROSS” and Breakfast 9:30am @Sabey’s Beach
Thursday 8/11/22: End of Season Pizza Party and Slide Show @6pm
Friday 8/12/22 LAST DAY OF PRACTICE (A qualifiers ONLY)
SATURDAY 8/13/22 CONFERENCE A CHAMPIONSHIPS @PACKANACK LAKE (8am-4pm) QUALIFIERS ONLY
GO GATORS!!!!
HIGHLAND LAKES “B” CHAMPIONSHIP
ARRIVE 7:30am
CHECK-IN with Coach Dave by 7:45 am
WARM-UP 8:00-8:25am (lane 4)
MEET START 9:00am
Calling all interested Gators for the B Championships at Highland Lakes.. This meet is primarily for HATCHLINGS aged 6 and younger AND SWIMMERS who HAVE NOT ACHIEVED Lakeland Conference A Time Standards (click on the button below to see the 2022 A Qualifying Time Standards ).
ALL HATCHLINGS AGED 4,5, or 6 years old as of 6/1/2022 are being entered into this Culminating Event. They will swim 25m of Backstroke and 25m of Freestyle. Trophies will be awarded to this age group ONLY. HATCHLINGS include any swimmer who has made it to the GATORS as well as any and all Hatchlings who are currently practicing with the Hatchling group. THEY ARE ALL READY TO BREAK OUT!!!
SWIMMERS who have ACHIEVED 1 or more A Time Standards (match or bettered the listed times) are permitted to swim in OPEN AGE GROUP EVENTS for the strokes that they have qualified for…OPEN EVENTS are those with athletes from any/all age groups including adults.
These same swimmers may also swim in the B Standard events for any event that they have NOT EQUALLED OR BETTERED the A TIME STANDARD.
IF YOU ARE NOT SURE, LET COACH DAVE KNOW IF YOUR SWIMMER(S) ARE INTERESTED IN SWIMMING and HE WILL CONTACT YOU ABOUT ELIGIBILITY and ENTRIES.
*Kyle B is no longer entered
*John M is questionable.
The Fayson Gators travelled to Highland Lakes for the “B” invitational on Saturday July 30. A small but mighty crew competed their fastest in all strokes. The following Gators excelled either with a best time, first time, or placed in the top 3 at the meet:
Joey (PR in Back & 2nd place Breast!)
Hayley (PR in Breast, 3rd place!)
Mackenzie (PR and NEW A TIME in FREE, 2nd place!)
Elenna (PR FLY and 2nd PLACE!)
Lily (PR in Back & Free)
Addie (PR Breast)
Collin (PR and NEW A TIME in BACK, 2nd place / PR in FREE, 1st PLACE!!! with a New A TIME)
Aubrey, Anna, Ava, Caleb, Teddy (Bk and Free)
Livy (Back, 2nd place! and Free)
Special FIRST RACE for FREDDY SOULE!!! Welcome to the GATORS :)
GATORS GOIN’ FOR #4
This Wednesday, your Fayson Lakes Gators travel past DQ to Bubbling Springs to take on West Milford in a cross-over meet (with a team in another division). West Milford competes in a “short course pool”, meaning it is only 25m in length versus the Gator’s pool which is actually the Olympic distance of 50m. Therefore, everyone gets a boost in the middle of their races!
Wednesday evening is also a very special moment for our Hatchlings, who will leave their shells behind as they transform into FULL-FLEDGED GATORS!
PLEASE CONGRATULATE and WELCOME ALL to OUR GATOR Family:
Teddy Smith
Haddie Parmer
Aubrey Conca
Amelia Bordonaro
Logan Papendick
Caleb Papendick
Your Fayson Gators were at it again Wednesday evening taking on the West Milford Swim Team at Bubbling Springs. A skeleton crew of our finest and newely minted Gators went back in time to the age of the Flintstones for an old school stripped down version of a swim meet right out of the 1970’s (when coach Dave was only 8yrs old!!!) The team swam their hearts out and came away with another road win. Our FLYERS BROKE THE MEET WIDE OPEN with a few 1-2-3 place finishes to subdue the West Milford Swimmers. Special acknowledgement to the MANY swimmers who swam up one age group and competed against older swimmers from our team and West Milford. This is not an easy task for athletes to do! A huge thank you to Julia S, Callie, Kayla, Charlotte S, Collin, AJ, & Sean! Additionally, I need to recognize the swimmers who come in 4th and 5th in our races. In a team sport like swimming, depth in any event is critical to winning meets in the summer and in High School. These are the unsung heroes who get the “tough battle” points that often are the difference in a win and a loss AND ALSO do not often get mentioned when talking about how the GATORS won a swim meet. In reality, it is not without these athletes that we could have accomplished what we have done so far in this 2022 GATOR Swimming season. The names are far to numerous to list them all…but from the past few meets some of these swimmers are: Griffin, Trevor, Sadie, Reagan, Alex, Johnny M, Jonny P, Julia M, Ben P, Third, Hazy, Jack P, Keiran, Abby, Mycah, and Nick W.
FRANK THE GATOR is our weekly award for a swimmer who distinguished themselves to the coaches…This person(s) will get to “gator-sit” for a day or two as a new traditional reward. Parents…no worries here, as FRANK LOVES OUR SWIMMERS…doesn’t bite, is house trained, and doesn’t eat a thing :) THIS WEEK’s FRANK THE GATOR HONOREE is REAGAN KAYDEN! REAGAN celebrated her birthday with us and had an amazing improvement in butterfly! Fun Fact: Reagan also shares her special day with Coach Dave’s daughter Marin! Reagan and I spent a little time to share this day together which was very meaningful to both of us. FAMILY is a cornerstone of the GATORS SWIM COMMUNITY and Reagan helped make our Gator Family Star a little brighter last night! Thank you for being a GREAT KID on your special day REAGAN!
LOOKING AHEAD:
SATURDAY 7/23/22 (Coach Dave’s 53rd Birthday!) PEQUANNOCK INDIVIDUAL AGE INVITATIONAL
WEDNESDAY 7/27/22: HOME MEET versus ERSKINE LAKES
SATURDAY 7/30/22: HIGHLAND LAKES “B” CHAMPIONSHIP. ENTRIES DUE 7/24/22 E-mail coach DAVE “YES” if your swimmer plans to attend this meet
GO GATORS!!!!
GATORS SPLASH WEST MILFORD…MOVE TO 4-0!!!
HOME OPENER: WEDNESDAY vs Lake Mohawk
Tomorrow night the Hawks of Lake Mohawk will roll into Fayson to compete against our Gators as we host our Home Opener for the 2022 Summer season. The Hawks are a formidable opponent, narrowly defeating Wayne in their first meet of the season. Your Gators will be FIRED UP for this great opportunity to test our team tenacity and spirit!
Wednesday evening is also a very special moment for seven of our Hatchlings, who have left their shells behind and have transformed into FULL-FLEDGED GATORS!
PLEASE CONGRATULATE and WELCOME to the Family:
Waylon Stovesand
Ava McGrath
Jack Parmer
Abby Gulino
Alivia Galluscio
Mycha Gifford
Anna Marchiano
THERE ARE MORE COMING TOO!!!!!
COME OUT AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR FAYSON LAKES GATORS:
WEDNESDAY NIGHT JULY 13
6:15 CHECK-IN
6:30 Warm-up
7:00pm START!!!
LET’S GO MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Coach Dave
GATORS WIN to go 3-0!
Last night at the “Swamp” Your FAYSON LAKES GATORS took it to the SwimHawks from Lake Mohawk…coming away with another victory over a team with over 150+ swimmers! It was an epic battle, which saw many lead changes, close finishes, personal bests and unsung relay heroes. The Gators were led by individual first place finishes from: Coach Ellie, Kylie, Norah, Sean, Avery, Max, Callie, Everett, Owen, Will and Anna. Our Girls 9-10 relay was victorious in a huge race which saw the Hawks getting DQ’s while Reagan, Addie, Elenna, and Madison swam a perfect race to win 8-0! The most exciting races of the evening came from our NEWEST GATORS in the 50 BACK and 50 FREE…The JUNIOR COACHES are to thank for their patience and time in preparing these Hatchlings for their exciting start as GATORS! Thank you coaches:
HANNAH KLOUSE
HAZY KLOUSE
TREVOR D’ANTON
EVERETT FEINHALS
KYLIE PAPENDICK
ELLA BOHAN
AJ CONNELLY
ELLIE DEKEUKELARE
KEIRAN FITZGERALD
LINDSEY MATTIE
FRANK THE GATOR is our weekly award for a swimmer who distinguished themselves to the coaches…This person(s) will get to “gator-sit” for a day or two as a new traditional reward. Parents…no worries here, as FRANK LOVES OUR SWIMMERS…doesn’t bite, is house trained, and doesn’t eat a thing :) THIS WEEK’s FRANK THE GATOR HONOR goes to COLLIN MCGRATH for resilience to bounce back from a tough start to the meet, to anchor the 8&Under relay to a super exciting come-from-behind victory when the GATOR “STAR” NEEDED TO SHINE BRIGHTEST for a TEAM VICTORY!
WAY TO GO COLLIN!!!
NEXT MEET: WEDNESDAY 7/20/22 @WEST MILFORD
PEQUANNOCK INVITATIONAL ENTRIES ARE DUE 7/17/22. EMAIL COACH DAVE WITH A “YES” if your Gator is planning to participate (leshswim@gmail.com)
GATORS LOOKING TO GO 2-0
Fayson Lakes facing a deep Pequannock squad on Wednesday 7/06/22
It’ll be all hands on deck Wednesday night as the Gators travel to PV PARK for a showdown with the other 2021 division co-champion of the Red Division. Did you know…only 3 swimmers per team are eligible to score in any event at a dual meet (one team versus another)? That means that of the 184 swimmers on the opponent’s team only the three swimmers in the first heat of every event are eligible to score points for their team. Even if other swimmers in other heats are faster than the first heat!
INDIVIDUAL EVENT Scoring is as follows:
1st=6 points
2nd=4 points
3rd=3 points
4th=2 points
5th=1 point
RELAY SCORING IS:
1st=8 points
2nd=4 points
MEET LOCATION:
“PV PARK” 1 Marvin Road Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
CHECK-IN (with Coach Dave) by 6:15pm
WARM-UP (EVEN LANES)6:30pm
GATORS END 35+ YEAR DROUGHT v PEQUANNOCK
RECAP: The GATORS chomped on the Piranhas of Pequannock last night 340-318! This accomplishment marked the first time in over 35 years that a Fayson Lakes Swim Team had defeated the Piranhas…WHOAAAAA!!!!! This one too, came down to the wire…culminating with the 13/14 Boys (Nick, Kieran, Trevor, & John M) and 15/18 Mixed (Will, Max, Grace, & Julia M) relays putting the finishing touches on a powerful team showing. GATOR NATION ROSE UP IN FULL FORCE to cheer on all of our swimmers in a total team victory. This win puts the Gators in command of the LAKELAND SWIM CONFERENCE Division beating both 2021 co-champions on their respective home turf.
The TEAM WAS THE STAR once again with ALL Gators swimming their hardest to get their hand or hands on the wall before their opponents. Each performance added a little more brightness to our STAR as the Gators improved to 2-0 on the season.
FRANK THE GATOR is our weekly award for a swimmer who distinguished themselves to the coaches…This person(s) will get to “gator-sit” for a day or two as a new traditional reward. Parents…no worries here, as FRANK LOVES OUR SWIMMERS…doesn’t bite, is house trained, and doesn’t eat a thing :) THIS WEEK’s FRANK THE GATOR HONOR goes to AVERY MATTIE for dominating all of her events and leading the 8&Under crew to key wins in the meet. WAY TO GO AVERY!!!
FUN FACT: We chose the name “FRANK” for historical/legendary purposes…according to local legend Coach Kevin…Frank Fay and his Son were the namesake (FAY-SON) to naming “Fayson Lakes”
This week’s MVP is MACKENZIE CLUNEY for her perseverance and overcoming fears to swim an amazing relay leg that brought our Way to go GATORS!!
LET’S GO RACIN’ FAYSON
GATORS TRAVEL TO WAYNE for REMATCH WITH LEAGUE CHAMPS
Following one of the biggest upsets of the 2021 season which saw our hometown Gators take down the mighty Wayne Waves at “the swamp”…The 2022 Gators will travel to Toms Lake to swim /our tails off and take another bite out of the competition…Everyone and every race counts…BRING YOUR ENERGY TO YOUR LANE and make it happen!
GPS: Captain Kilroy Park (Toms Lake) 6 Concord Place WAYNE, NJ 07470
RECAP: The GATORS swam into Wayne last night and took down the 2021 league champion Wayne Waves by a score of 313-307! This one came down to the final relay with the entire team cheering on our teams to VICTORY.
All of our Gators were integral parts in forging our team victory…from our dominating veteran swimmers (shout out to our 11&older girls and boys as a group!) first time swimmers (Amanda B in fly!; Madison D in backstroke) to unsung heroes (Watson and John M) there were many MVP’s of this meet!
FRANK THE GATOR is our weekly award for a swimmer who distinguished themselves to the coaches…This person(s) will get to “gator-sit” for a day or two as a new traditional reward. Parents…no worries here, as FRANK LOVES OUR SWIMMERS…doesn’t bite, is house trained, and doesn’t eat a thing :) This week’s MVP is MACKENZIE CLUNEY for her perseverance and overcoming fears to swim an amazing relay leg that brought our 8&Under relay into first place, setting the stage for our big comeback over the Waves. Congrats Mackenzie!
Way to go GATORS!!
BLUE and WHITE TEAM ROSTERS for MONDAY June 27, 2022 (BLUE/WHITE MEET)
Please check the 2022 BLUE TEAM ROSTER or 2022 WHITE TEAM ROSTER for your name!
NEXT…start to gather your team gear & swag for our 2022 Monday Night Kick-off Meet in the Swamp!
Let’s start off the 2022 Swim Season with some friendly competition!
(ps ALL HATCHLINGS are welcome to enjoy the evening and cheer on the GATORS on an evening of community and competition!)
GO GATORS!!!!
RECAP: What an amazing display of team culture and unity for our annual Blue-White Meet! Both teams showed super spirit and swam so fast with some friendly competition to dive into summer swimming with the 2022 GATORS. While these times do not count for any qualifying times for the summer, it does offer an opportunity for each swimmer to set a benchmark to begin this season and begin to set goals for the season.
a new tradition has surfaced at Fayson Lakes…
FRANK THE GATOR is our weekly award for a swimmer who distinguished themselves to the coaches…This person(s) will get to “gator-sit” for a day or two as a new traditional reward. Parents…no worries here, as FRANK LOVES OUR SWIMMERS…doesn’t bite, is house trained, and doesn’t eat a thing :)
The inaugural FRANK THE GATOR MVP is WILL KILPONEN! Will has such amazing spirit, passion, and positivity to go along with a very humble approach to competitive swimming. Will is an amazing role model and emerging leader for the Gator Swimming Community. Congrats Will!
GO GATORS!
GO T
his week’s MVP is MACKENZIE CLUNEY for her perseverance and overcoming fears to swim an amazing relay leg that brought our 8&Under relay into first place, setting the stage for our big comeback over the Waves. Congrats Mackenzie!
2022 ‘A’ Champs Info
Here is the information we have all been waiting for! The league president just sent out the timeline for the meet. Here are the details:
The Lakeland A Championship meet has some rules that you may notice are different that regular season dual meets…
INDIVIDUAL EVENTS: Swimmers are eligible to swim ONLY 2 INDIVIDUAL EVENTS
RELAYS EVENTS: 1 Relay for each age group. It can have up to 8 SWIMMERS LISTED for the event…ALL ARE ELIGIBLE, Coach Dave will decide the official 4 swimmers during the meet based upon performance at the meet.
POSITIVE CHECK-IN PROCEDURE: ALL SWIMMERS MUST REPORT TO COACH DAVE UPON ARRIVAL TO THE MEET. A SCRATCH MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE @8:00am sharp. ANY SWIMMERS WHO HAVE NOT CHECKED IN WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE MEET as per league rules.
MISSED EVENTS: If a swimmer misses their event they are REMOVED FROM THE REMAINDER OF THE SWIM MEET. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO GET TO MARSHALING under the BIG YELLOW and WHITE TENT WHEN YOUR EVENT IS CALLED!!
CHAMPIONSHIP MEET TIME LINE:
ARRIVAL: by 7:30am (report to the FAYSON TEAM TENT!)
CHECK IN: by 7:45am (with Coach Dave)
SCRATCH MEETING: 8:00am
WARM UP TIME and LANES: 8:30am in Lanes 3 &4 (boys start on one end; girls the other)
MEET START approximately 9:00am
Each STROKE takes about ONE HOUR TO SWIM ALL THE RACES for the stroke (example Breast 1 hour / Fly 1 hour / Back 1 Hour / Free 1 Hour / Relays about 1 hour)
There will be a short awards break for Division Champions (we were 2nd on tiebreakers only 18 points behind Wayne and 4 points ahead of Pequannock)
PARENT VOLUNTEERS:
2-3 timers per stroke (best seat in the house!!!)
Officials please check in with Tom Pownall if you are volunteering at the meet
COMMUNICATION DURING THE MEET:
PLEASE SPEAK DIRECTLY WITH COACH DAVE! I am the only one who can you assist at the meet.
WALKIE TALKIES will be in the tent and with COACH DAVE/KIERSTEN so we can assist from the pool deck with any concerns that arise throughout the meet.
DO NOT LEAVE THE VENUE UNLESS YOU CHECK OUT WITH COACH DAVE FIRST!
RELAY SWIMMERS WILL BE PERSONALLY NOTIFIED BY COACH DAVE IF THEY ARE SWIMMING
Good Luck and GO GET ‘EM GATORS!!!
~Coach Dave
BATTLE for KINNELON
GATORS TAKE OVER THE TOWN!!
The results for the FIRST ANNUAL “BATTLE for KINNELON” dual meet between Smoke Rise and Fayson Lakes are in….GATORS WIN 313-250 over the neighboring Stingray’s.
FINAL TEAM PRACTICE
FRIDAY AUGUST 13, 2021 @10:00am
ALL PRACTICE GROUPS WILL COMBINE FOR THE FINAL GATORS SWIM PRACTICE OF THE SEASON…10:00am FRIDAY 8/13/2021!!!
We will do MEET WARM UP and STARTS to finish our preparations for the A Championships (held at PEQUANNOCK Saturday 8/14/2021)
LET’S GO!!!!!!
~Coach Dave
SWIM ACROSS!
The annual SWIM ACROSS from Sabey’s Beach to the Main Beach will take place THURSDAY AUGUST 12, 2021 @9:30am
Lifeguards and support devices will be on hand and on the course to assist any and all swimmers during the 300m swim!
We will send the team off in WAVES to assist with safety and manageable numbers for our lifeguard staff.
ALL PARTICIPANTS REPORT TO THE BEACH @9:30am
EXPERIENCED “Crossers” will go in the FIRST WAVE @10:00am
OLDER FIRST TIME “Crossers” will go approximately @10:10am
YOUNGER FIRST TIME “Crossers” will go approximately @10:20am
There will be no practice after the Swim Across. Possibly some team activities :)
~Coach Dave
FL@LM Cancelled
Tonight’s competition between Lake Mohawk and THE Fayson Gators has been cancelled due to factors out of our control. In consideration of the health and safety of both teams’ Swimmers and their families, the decision was made by both team delegates to cancel the meet.
We have elected to use the BLUE-WHITE MEET time trial results for any swimmer who needed a qualifying time from tonight’s meet.
All A Qualifier’s have been REVISED and are POSTED to the ANNOUNCEMENT regarding A CHAMPS QUALIFIERS.
Stay Cool out there…
~Coach Dave
2021 A Champs Entries
FINAL ENTRIES for FAYSON GATOR SWIMMERS are posted in the link below! Chamges have been submitted to the meet director’
UPDATED 'A' CHAMPS ENTRIES 2021
PLEASE BE SURE TO LET COACH DAVE KNOW IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND on SATURDAY 8/14/21 @PEQUANNOCK
WAY TO GO GATORS!
~Coach Dave
2021 SWIM ACROSS
UPDATE…
THURSDAY AUGUST 12, 2021
TIME TBA
BREAKFAST TO FOLLOW
THE SWIM ACROSS IS IN PLACE OF OUR REGULAR “FUN THURSDAY’
WE WILL ALSO DO OUR FINAL POINTS IN THE BUCKET WITH “JARU” on the 12th!!!
COACHES’ CHOICE
THURSDAY AUGUST 5, 2021
Good afternoon Gator Families, Its that time of the season when the GREATEST INVITATIONAL in the league gets set to swim THE FAYSON COACHES CHOICE INVITE, is the most classic of all Lakeland Conference meets. It’s tradition rich history as the ORIGINAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT gets ready to roll with the best of the best from 6 of the leagues best teams vying to win the coveted Championship trophy in 2021.
FAYSON will be swimming in LANE 4 for all of our races on Thursday, EVERY RACE….ALL NIGHT LONG!
OUR COACH CHOICES for each individual and RELAY EVENT can be found here:
2021 FAYSON COACH CHOICE ENTRANTS
EACH SWIMMER SWIMS THEIR INDIVIDUAL EVENT and TYPICALLY THAT SAME STROKE in the 200 MEDLEY RELAY (8&U swimmers will still swim the Freestyle Relay!)
CHECK IN @6:00
WARM UP @6:30
MEET START @7:00
MEET POSTPONED!
Due to the impending inclement weather reports, this evening’s SMOKE RISE @ FAYSON LAKES MEET has been POSTPONED UNITL MONDAY AUGUST 9, 2021
~Coach Dave
SR@FL
“THE BATTLE FOR KINNELON”
FOOD BANK BENEFIT
Gator Swimmers and Families:
Good afternoon! Let’s all cross our fingers and toes that the weather holds so we can enjoy a fun experience for a good cause this evening. Bringing the Kinnelon communities of Smoke Rise & Fayson Lakes together, through swimming, will make for a super evening of friendly competition, camaraderie, fun and community support for the local Food Bank.
Come out and support your GATORS tonight with all your BLUE SPIRIT WEAR and get ready for our dance parties, team cheers, fast swimming and lots of relays!!!!
MEET TIMELINE DETAILS
-REPORT TO THE BEACH 5:45pm (check in with Coach Dave)
-WARM UP STARTS 6:00pm
-MEET STARTS 6:30pm
THE CALL TO RESCHEDULE TONIGHT’S MEET WILL BE MADE BY 4:30pm
MEET ENTRIES for SR@FL July 29, 2021
GO GATORS!!!
~Coach Dave
GATORS Take a CHOMP out of League Champ!
July 21, 2021
GATOR NATION!!! What an amazing effort versus the Piranhas from Pequannock at GATOR POOL! We swam with great energy and determination though we came up jus short 319-333 for our first loss of the season. Lots of speedy swims were posted by many of our swimmers! We are “rising up” in 2021! Let’s keep our roll going next week versus West Milford.
EVENTS BY NAME ARE POSTED AT THE BEACH ON THE BULLETIN BOARD!
~Coach Dave
GATORS REPRESENT!
This past weekend at the Pequannock Individual Age Invitational, your GATOR SWIMMERS rolled with some of the best swimmers in the Lakeland Conference in 14 different AGE CATEGORIES vying for highest points for their individual age .
Each swimmer competed with others of their same age for this meet, with the individual capturing the most points for their placings garnering the coveted HIGH POINT TROPHY for their AGE. The Fayson Gators participated in the following AGE LEVELS:
7&Under Girls (Avery & Mycah)
8 Boys (Huck)
9 Girls (Charlotte)
10 Girls (Norah)
10 Boys (Nicky, Sean, Bodie, & Alex)
12 Boys (AJ & Trevor)
12 Girls (Kylie & Lindsey)
14 Boys (Jonny)
14 Girls (Ellie & Julia M)
15 Boys (Ben)
16 Boys (Max)
17 Boys (Coach Kevin)
ALL OF OUR GATOR SWIMMERS REPRESENTED OUR COMMUNITY VALIANTLY, in the harsh heat and difficult races…lots of PB’s and strong battles in the water at this meet :)
CHAMPIONS CROWNED!
winners of their individual AGE GROUP were: AVERY; HUCK; NICKY & SEAN (tied!); AJ; KYLIE; JONNY; ELLIE…Annnnd…unofficially BEN; MAX; COACH KEVIN!
RECORD BREAKER!!! Coach Kevin broke the MEET RECORD in the 50m Butterfly in swimming a time of 27.81 to best the previous mark of 27.94!!! WAY TO GO COACH :)
Thank you to all the parents and officials who volunteered their time to help make this day happen!
NEXT INVITATIONAL: THE “B” CHAMPIONSHIPS @Highland Lakes Saturday July 24, 2021
~Coach Dave
GATORS ROLL OVER MUSSELS
MEET #2 of the 2021 Swim Season goes to the FAYSON GATORS as they flexed their muscles in defeating the Mussels of Green Pond 362-242. A total team effort was necessary again as we stretched our line-up to incorporate more relay swims! In taking this approach, many GATORS had to step up and be the front-line swimmer in their events for the first time! This took a lot of grit and confidence in themselves and their training to step up on the blocks and race like they were on FIRE…our team spirit showed through with GATORS backing GATORS throughout the meet with cheers and rooting for their fellow teammates once again!
Special Shout Out some NEW FIRST PLACE finishers in this meet: Avery, Bodie, Big Al, Third, Lindsey, Huck, Everett, & Keira! Way to step up when we needed you most, everyone made it happen!
SWIMMERS of the MEET: this week goes to Haley Klouse and Coach Kevin!!! Haley completed her first 50 FLY while practicing on her own, and then popped a speedy 41.75 in her FIRST FLY RACE…LET’S GO :) Coach Kevin went 3-for-3 and swim a killer FLY leg of the 15-18 relay…ALWAYS GIVING his VERY BEST for the TEAM…Quality Leadership by example!
GATOR Power! The 8&Under crew, along with a few 9/10’s, continue to crush it in meets dropping mad amounts of time and setting AMAZING PB’s (personal bests)! This is a true reflection of their hard work, dedication and super positive attitudes in practice and at meets! Our BIG TIME DROPPERS this meet were: 8&U: Zachary, Collin, Haley, Charlotte, Julia S, Mycah, and Avery 9/10: Bodie, Joey B and Kayla!
RACE TO WATCH: Fayson Lakes is home to many big names in local swimming history. Many of these former Gators have gone on to become very successful swimmers, and people due to their roots in Gator Swimming…that being said, the 13-14 Girls are chasing some history in the 200 MEDLEY RELAY and are within 1.5 seconds of setting a NEW RECORD that has stood for over 25 years…GOOD LUCK to Charlotte M, Ellie, Anna, and Hannah as they strive for this milestone :)
Keep working hard everyone and make changes in your daily practices! Pick one thing to improve, give extra effort on a hard set, try really hard to unlock or find a missing piece to a stroke! You can do it… GO GATORS!
NEXT MEET: HOME v. PEQUANNOCK July 21, 2021
~Coach Dave
FL@HL
GATORS SWAMP HIGHLAND LAKES
Our first dual meet of the 2021 season is in the books, and what a start for GATOR NATION as the team took down Highland Lakes by a score of 345-256!
EACH and EVERY Swimmer contributed to this resounding victory. With Personal Best Times, First Time swims, super support of each other and the GRIT to give our very best in all of our races no matter the outcome.
SPECIAL MEET RECOGNITIONS:
In the 50m Butterfly, GATOR ANNA KILPONEN, destroyed the 13/14 Girls Record with a time of 30.42 seconds…The previous record was 32.25 held by GATOR Keira Cruz. WAY TO GO ANNA!
ALL GATOR 8 and Under Breaststrokers TOUCHED WITH 2 HANDS in their RACES…YAAAAY!!!!
Our SWIM-UP GATORS who competed an age group “up” for our TEAM! Thanks to Ellie, Charlotte, Anna, Lindsey, Julia, and Athena!
9-10 GATOR BOYS who dominated by scoring 43 of a possible 52 points in the meet…great swimming …Sean, Nicky, Alex, Joey, & Watson
On behalf of the coaching staff, I want to relay how super-proud of all our swimmers we are…we are truly blessed and grateful for the opportunity to work with all of the children on the Fayson Lakes Swim Team :)
~Coach Dave
BElieve
THEre is
GOOD in the world
HIGHLAND B CHAMPS
SATURDAY JULY 24, 2021
SWIMMER ELIGIBILITY HERE: A CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS (as of July 16, 2021)
SIGN UPS: FRIDAY JULY 16-JULY 18, 2021 @ PRACTICE (EMAIL COACH DAVE until 8:00pm by JULY 18 if you cannot attend practice)
IMPORTANT NOTE : IF YOUR SWIMMER HAS 3 or 4 “A” qualifying times, you should NOT attend this meet. (see eligibility link above) Exception… if your sibling is swimming and you would like a chance to do OPEN events(Example: an OPEN EVENT is for ALL SWIMMERS ages 5-18 who swim a practice race for time. An 8yo swimmer could swim 50 Backstroke against a 14yo swimmer…teses races are organized by “best times” of each athlete)
HOW TO SIGN UP…Simply tell Coach Dave that your swimmer is interested in committing to swim on the above date. Coach will take care of the rest! if you can’t make it to see Coach Dave, email him at leshswim@gmail.com
Opportunity to qualify for A championship meet and better your Personal Records!
LEAVE WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED SWIMMING FOR THE DAY!
~Coach Dave
“INDIVIDUAL AGE INVITE”
WHEN: SATURDAY JULY 17, 2021 (Happy Birthday to Courtney Papendick!)
WHERE: PV PARK SWIM LANES (Pequannock)
ARRIVE: 7:45am (please check in with Coach Kiersten as you arrive!)
WARM UP: TBA (likely 8am)
START: 9:00am
Swimmers Please remember to see your coaches following your races for feedback so you can continue to improve!
PARENTS: This meet is MARSHALED by the HOST TEAM. There will be a huge yellow and white tent that your swimmer(s) will report to to get seated with their HEAT and LANE prior to their race.
SWIMMERS MUST BE PROMPT IN ARRIVING TO THE TENT OR RISK BEING SCRATCHED FROM THEIR EVENTS.
Best of Luck and…
GO GATORS!!!
~Coach Dave