Team Lightning,

Tomorrow we head to Locust Grove, VA for a matchup with the Lake of the Woods Barracudas on what looks to be an extremely warm evening. There are a few things that make this meet unique, so please read on for important updates.

Where is the pool within LOW neighborhood?

Lake of the Woods has two swimming pools. The competition pool is called “Sweetbriar” at 110 Sweetbriar Park Road.

All visitors enter via the Main Gate entry of the neighborhood. We should utilize the left ‘guest’ lane to check in with security before entering. If using GPS, please input “LOW Front Gate” as your initial destination. After the entrance gate, we will turn right onto Lakeview Parkway and follow signs for Sweetbriar Park and Community Center.

There is a parking lot at Sweetbriar Community Center and Pool. Please park only in lined parking spaces. Parking is strictly prohibited in grass or on the Emergency Vehicle access loop around the pool. Parents may drop their swimmers off in front of the pool before parking. Parking is limited and carpooling, if possible, is encouraged.

When to arrive?

Away team warmups start at 5:20pm, so please arrive by 5:00pm to check-in with the coaches, get a spot on the deck, etc.

What else is different about this meet?

The pool has 6 lanes but due to there being a water slide LOW is only able to utilize FOUR (4) lanes for the meet. Some people volunteered for timing assignments in lane 5/6 – I accordingly made some adjustments, so please check Swimtopia if you volunteered as a timer.

The heat – the temperature is expected to be near 100 degrees! Our team is bringing at least one water cooler as a backup supply – this was an issue last year. Please consider bringing your own water, Gatorade, etc.

Concessions is also an uncertainty. Despite attempts, our team has not received an update from LOW regarding the provision of food and beverage. Last year we had to rely on what we brought ourselves (i.e., no concessions or food truck), so I recommend you eat in advance or bring something with you.

Finally, volunteer opportunities. We have a few remaining positions open – mostly trained (listed below).

As always, please feel welcome to reach out any time: [email protected].

Training Required

Admin Ref - Assists the Referee in running the entire swim meet, including adjudicating disqualifications and communicating with other officials

• One for 1st half

• One 2nd half

Clerk of the Course - Manages swimmer staging area to ensure that all swimmers are properly placed into correct event and heat positions.

• One for 1st half

• One for 2nd half

Scorekeeper

• One for 2nd half

No Training Required

Awards Clerk - Assists the Head Scorer in the score room. Places stickers on the awards ribbons for each swimmer's place, organizing them by team

• One for 2nd half