This year when the Lawrence Swim Team hosts their annual Bearcat Invitational meet, they will celebrate impressive new digs. The meet will be held in the new Lawrence North High School Natatorium February 27-March 1, 2009.
"This is an exciting meet for LST as it gives us a chance to host a quality meet for so many swim teams. It is the last meet of the season prior to Divisional competition. The team is expecting well over 700 swimmers (14 teams) to compete in the first meet of this size at the new pool. Most of these teams participated in our meets over the past years, but some are new. They are all coming to check out our new facility and to give their swimmers one last chance to swim fast and make those state cuts," stated Dianne Weiss, Meet Director.
The 200-member Lawrence Swim Team is a USA swimming, year-round competitive swim team offering high quality professional coaching and technique instruction for all ages and abilities. "The team goal is to provide every member an opportunity to improve swimming skills and achieve success at his or her level of ability, from novice to international competitor," stated Chris Wheat, head coach. All nine LST coaches are members of the American Swim Coaches Association with access to the most comprehensive training and certification program for youth coaches of any sport in the United States. The coaches provide assurances that the time children spend in swimming will be quality time.
Weiss advised, "Every Bearcat meet comes with a new meet theme. This year’s theme is 'Superheroes.' We are focusing on the virtues of superheroes such as integrity, hard work, honesty, intelligence, strength, endurance, etc. We will also invite our parents and swimmers to dress up as superheroes. Rumor has it that Superman and Wonder Woman are already on the guest list!" Organizers plan to give it their all to provide an awesome, upbeat environment for all swimmers, coaches and spectators. This is the teams’ largest fundraiser. Additionally, Lawrence Township Continuing Education now has LST handling all swim lessons for the township.
The former natatorium at Lawrence North was built in 1976. Costs to upgrade the facility to code prompted the construction of the new pool. The new pool is 42 yards by 25 yards and features 14 starting blocks, 2- 3 meter diving boards and 3-1 meter diving boards. Three separate air-handling systems ensure the air is the healthiest in the state.
LST is constantly growing and training young swimmers to maintain a well- rounded competitive swim team. For information or to support the Bearcat Invitational contact:
Dianne Weiss, Meet Director
823-5880 or 590-5986
dianneweiss@comcast.net
To learn more about LST visit www.lawrenceswimteam.com.
