Gator Gazette

Take your mark, GO! Below is the proposed regular season meet schedule for the SC 24-25 Season!

Sep. 29: WDST Fall Kickoff Classic - Woodstock North HS

Oct. 19-20: MMSC Fall Frenzy - Pleasant Prairie RecPlex

Oct. 26-27: LFSC Monster Mash - Pleasant Prairie RecPlex

Nov. 22-24: BSC Suzy Gavars Memorial Meet - Barrington HS

Dec. 7-8: AA Winter Splash - Pleasant Prairie RecPlex

Jan. 3-5: GSC Super Teams - Glenbrook North HS

Jan. 18-19: AA PPD Meet - Buffalo Grove HS

Jan. 31-Feb. 2: BA Gold Fever (Travel Meet) - Morgan J. Burke Aquatic Center

Feb. 16: WDST Going the Distance Meet - Woodstock North HS

Keep up-to-date with your USA Swimming Registration! For more information on how to register with USA Swimming, visit the Alligator Aquatics information page at: https://www.alligatoraquatics.org/page/registration/swims-member-registration

Valid registration with USA Swimming is required to be a member of Alligator Aquatics. Questions? Contact Russell at rmathews@alligatoraquatics.org

Hot up in the stands? Want a front row seat to your athlete's events? Free food & drinks? Now's the time to become an Illinois Swimming Official! New and advancing Officials training has moved online, so there is no better time to get started! View open trainings by Clicking Here. Becoming an official not only supports your athlete, but also supports Alligator Aquatics helping us staff our swim meets and allowing us to lend a helping hand to other host clubs. Consider becoming an Official today!

Want to get more involved with Alligator Aquatics? We have various Board of Directors and Committee positions available. If you are interested, please contact Head Coach, Stacy Cassiday and Board President, Mike Lindberg.

Alligator Aquatics asks all members to review the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. To view the budget and mark your approval, visit: https://forms.gle/crdkY4piW9xH4Jt57

Jonah has the biggest heart for swimming and Alligator Aquatics! Jonah always shows up to practice in a good mood and ready to work hard! Jonah is coming off a very successful summer season, qualifying for his first ever Regionals with 8 events. This fall season, Jonah has stepped into a leadership role in the Phoenix group, and has done an amazing job setting such a positive example for all the new Phoenix swimmers. While Jonah's work ethic and positive attitude in the water don't go unnoticed, he also stands out outside the pool. Jonah is a friend to everyone. He is supportive and encouraging of all his teammates and is always ready to get behind the block to cheer someone on!

Keep up the great work, Jonah!

Shoulder care and stretching is extremely important for developing swimmers. Read the blurb below from ATI Physical Therapy regarding proper shoulder care.

Like any sport, continually building strength and mastering technique will aid in injury prevention. Swimming is no different – improving your breathing, maintaining posture and body rotation and practicing your stroke and kicking techniques will all help prevent future injuries. While these improvements are best made under the eyes of a coach, swimmers can also take proactive safety measures.

Several important strengthening exercises swimmers include Y + T + I’s, “No Moneys” (i.e. resisted external rotation), planks and squats. Performing each of these exercises allows you to develop strength in the shoulders, core muscles and legs. Also, since swimming is an endurance sport, it is encouraged to use lower resistance/weights and higher repetitions for all exercises.

Y’s + T’s + I’s

If possible, it is suggested to use a stability ball, lay over a workout bench or do one arm at a time over the side of a bed when completing these movements. If none of the above options are available, you can complete these exercises lying on your stomach on a mat or the floor.

Complete 2-3 sets of 10, keeping your shoulder away from your ear. Work your way up to 3 x 20 reps with no weight before holding a water bottle or a can (approximately 1 pound).

Y’s: Lie on your stomach with your arms out in front of you, keeping your arms as close to your ears as possible. Together, raise your arms a few inches off the floor with your palms facing the floor at all times. Pause and then lower your arms to the starting position.

T’s: While still on your stomach, move your arms so they are directly out to the side. Your body should resemble a “t”. With your palms facing the floor, raise your arms slightly off the ground and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Pause before lowering your arms to the starting position.

I’s; Begin in the same position, lying on the floor. This time your arms should be at your sides with your palms facing up towards the ceiling. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and then raise your arms as high as possible. Hold the position momentarily before lowering your arms.

To read the full article, visit: https://www.atipt.com/blog/swimmers-shoulder