2014 Big Ten Info

 Big Ten events start Wednesday night, Feb. 26 and end Saturday night March 1, 2014MMarch 1st. 
The Big Ten website is http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-swim/ so you can check when your swimmer's event falls.It has lots of other info about the meet. The official site is not setup yet, but when it is, the info is vast. The Michigan pool info is here: http://www.mgoblue.com/facilities/canham-natatorium.html  
 

The swimmers will be leaving Sat night to head back to Penn State so there will not be a final banquet as we've done in years past. But we do some fun things for the event. For those who have not been to Big Tens, it is the most team spirited event of the season. All the teams sit together and cheer. Each school is assigned an area to sit for each session of Big Tens. The assignments rotate throughout the meet so no school has the prime seating for more than one session. They will also have a chart and the seats marked for each session at the pool. Michigan's pool is small, so if we want to sit together, we should arrive early,or get someone to secure a seat for you.

Because we will be sitting together, we try to create a 'color block' within our assigned area. Please dress accordingly. It’s more important that you wear the color - it doesn't have to be Penn State spirit wear. Dress is casual and comfortable.

Wednesday night - any spirit wear and "bling" (sequined T shirts ladies)

Thursday - Wear White

Friday - Wear Gray

Saturday - Wear Blue (preferably the Big Ten shirts we ordered from Nancy Wilson)

We have a few roles parents play and we'd like to encourage you to sign up to help if you are able:

Door decorations: The people doing this should arrive early on wed as we try to do this before the kids arrive. Jane Byers is heading this up but she could use some help.

Snack Bags: Again, this is distributed on Wed so better for an early arriver.

Second, we will be collecting $15 from each family for the Big10 snack bags that we provide for each swimmer, coach and support staff member that attends Big10’s. You may pay in either cash or check (made payable to Joan Savoy). We fill the bags with healthy snacks and drinks for the men for the week. If you want to send me a check, my address is 636 Mohns Hill Road, Sinking Spring PA 19608

Name tags: Mary Austin has graciously signed up for this-its a one man job unless you live in the phili area and want to help her put them together

T shirts: Nancy Wilson is taking care of this and you will hear from her individually on cost. Watch for her email.

Scarves for freshmen:Janie Mershom has the info on this

Candy Bags for ride home: Joan Savoy

Some other ideas that have come up are bracelets( I think Ann Cipolla is willing to do this again), PSU signs/or big lion head. If you have any talents or ideas please feel free to share them!!

I think That's it for now. Any questions, please feel free to contact me. You have my email, address and my cell is 610-914-4644. Thanks! Joan

Volunteers

We also need someone to do the candy bags for the bus ride home after the meet.

2014 Parent Volunteers

We will need a parent volunteer to take over this blog as both Janie and I have senior swimmers.  Contact Mary Austin hulasurfer2750@gmail.com or Janie Mershon jsmershon1@msn.com

Other volunteers needed for Big Tens to make it a wonderful experience for the swimmers and divers:

Name Tags: Austin & Cipolla

T shirts: Wilson

Snack bags: Grier

Door Decorations: Byers

Scarves: Mershon

Senior DVD: Andrew Eiken

2014 Men's Big Tens Hotel Info

Dear Parents:

While Big Ten’s may seem far off hotels are always a challenge during larger meets like Big Ten’s.  Big Ten’s will be in Ann Arbor Michigan this year  February 26-March 1 and the team will be staying at the Kensington Court Hotel in Ann Arbor. 

I was able to secure a rate of $109.00 a night starting on Wednesday February 26^th through Saturday March 1, 2014. FYI the team will be traveling back to State College after the last swims on Saturday March 1^st.

There is room availability at the Kensington, I did not get a block of rooms but they are holding that rate for us till Feb 3, 2014 BUT please do not wait to book your rooms…. Just b/c we have the rate does NOT guarantee availability, the rooms are first come.. first serve so I would call ASAP. To get the rate of $109 please say you are with the Penn State Swimming and Diving Family Block/Rate. No one should feel obligated to stay here but it’s fun to be at the same hotel as the boys and get to see them more but there are lots of other hotel in the area.

Here are the details:

Kensington Court Hotel

610 Hilton Blvd

Ann Arbor MI 48108

Phone 734-761-1799

Rate/Block: Penn State Swimming and Diving Family

$109 Feb 26 – March 1  rate held till Feb 3 2014

Please call Mary Eiken’s (Andrews mom)  cell 630-631-8125 with any questions or email too.. mary.eiken@sgo.org

Mary Eiken

Executive Director

Society of Gynecologic Oncology

Foundation for Gynecologic Oncology

230 W. Monroe St., Ste. 710

Chicago, IL  60606-4703  USA

Direct:  312-235-4055

Main Office:  312-235-4060

Fax:  312-235-4059

mary.eiken@sgo.org

Men's Swimming Declared Chamipions - THON 2013

In case you missed it, (video below) Men's Swimming won the 2013 Thon Team Dance Competition, held at the Bryce Jordan Center, Saturday night.  They performed before a crowd of almost Thirty (30) Thousand THON participants and against a field of 15 athletic teams.

They beat out the competition with a display of precision perfect hip-hop moves punctuated by a simulated swim atop a McCoy Natatorium blue 6 foot tarp, quite the special effect!  They danced with heart and passion and brought the crowd to glass shattering decibels.  The competition was fierce, and while it included decidedly excellent performances by many Men's and Women's teams, it also included the Cheerleaders and the National Champion Lionette Dance Team.

Men's Ice Hockey and Football, 2nd place and 3rd place respectively, performed routines that while impressive could not out do the excitement generated by the Men Swimmers.  Approximately, 30 football players came out to sway, jibe and fast step with more detailed execution and clever creativity than one of their touchdown plays.

The time, effort and dedication displayed by all of these teams was truly impressive.  All of the Athletic Teams competed with the same vigor that they bring to each of their sports.   But, what was truly inspiring was that these dances, while fun and entertaining, were all part of the grand initiative to help kids with cancer.  It was a moment of shear pride to see our swimmers bring that message out loud and clear, with the F (for) T (the) K (kids) metallic letters they displayed at the end of the dance. 

Our Ladies put together quite an awesome routine, as well.  Loved the hair swinging, very cute!  But, next year maybe the Champs can "float" the women's team a few of their winning strategies.  (just stoking the competition)  Can't wait to see both teams compete again next year!

Congrats to All of the Men and Women Swimmers for the the truly great displays of THON spirit...and talent!

WE ARE.......

Penn State Men's Swimming 2013 Thon Dance.

Big 10s Banquet

Dear parents,

The Big 10 meet is quickly approaching and I know our swimmers are getting excited to get there and swim fast!

As always, we will be holding a banquet on Saturday night after finals. This is a wonderful time for the team and parents to relax and enjoy the recap of the year and the conference meet.  We also take time at this banquet to honor our seniors.

The parents pay for their swimmer’s meal, the room rental and the coaches and support staff meals.  The total this year for each swimmer is $53.00.  Parents and guests are encouraged to attend also!  The cost for each parent/guest is the meal only at $31.50.

This year you can pay with either check or credit card.  If paying by credit card, please add a $1.00 service fee to your total and you can email or call with your credit card information, or mail the attached order form with all of the information.   If paying by check, please complete the attached order form and make check payable to Cheryl Grier, 930 Espenshade Court, Hummelstown, PA 17036.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

**Also, please send a quick email to me letting me know how many you will have attending.**

Penn State Proud,

Cheryl Grier

clgrier@comcast.net

717-580-0467

Volunteers

Here is a list of the volunteers this year:

Name Tags: Ann Cipolla

T shirts: Gomez

Snack bags: Grier

Banquet dinner: Grier

Banquet Decorations: Wilson; Savoy; Ankosko

Door Decorations: Wilson

Scarves: Mershon

Senior DVD: James and Chris

Towels: Byers

Big 10s Tshirts

The Big 10s Tshirts will be distributed at Saturday's Senior Meet.  February 2.  1:00 p.m.  Look for Jeff Gomez.  If you're unable to make the meet, ask your son to pick up your order.

Senior Meet

Our next home meet on February 2 will honor our senior team members.  Its a very spirited and emotional ceremony. Bring your camera and enthusiasm for those swimmers ending their career with Penn State Swimming and Diving!

Remember - one day, it will be YOUR son!

Questions??

Our parent coordinator for all things "Big Ten" is Cheryl Grier.  clgrier@comcast.net  717-580-0467

Cheryl has found volunteers to help out with door decorations, banquet, banquet decorations, snack bags, scarves, name tags, senior DVD .....

Its a "Big" job.  Take notice of all the special things done for our team.  If you'd like to help next year, just let her know.  As with all volunteer groups, the older parents graduate out, and the younger set needs to jump in and keep traditions alive! 

Tickets & Admission to Big Tens

Penn State pays for the parents' admission tickets to Big Tens.  The coaches will ask your son if his parents are attending, how many, and their names.  Upon arrival at the pool, you will see a sign-in desk or 'will call' window.  Tell them you are from Penn State and your name.  You may need to show ID.  You will sign in and/or be given a ticket.  You must follow this procedure for each session.  It only takes a few minutes.

If more than 2 from your family will be attending, it usually works out.  Some swimmers may only have 1 parent attending, etc.

Seating & What to Wear to Big Tens

Each school is assigned an area to sit for each session of Big Tens.  The assignments rotate throughout the meet so no school has the prime seating for more than one session.

So we try to create a 'color block' within our assigned area.  Please dress accordingly.  Its more important that you wear the color - its doesn't have to be Penn State spirit wear.
     Wednesday night - any spirit wear and "bling" (sequined T shirts ladies)
      Thursday - Wear White
      Friday - Wear Gray
      Saturday - Wear Blue (preferably the Big Ten shirts we    just ordered from Jeff Gomez)

The dress is casual and comfortable.  FYI, we go from the last session of the meet directly to the banquet - casual and comfortable.

Big 10 T shirts

Orders are due for the Men's Big 10 T-shirts by January 13th.  Your son should have forwarded you an email from Jeff Gomez.  If you did not receive it, his email is jfgomez34@aol.com.  The cost is $12 each.  You are responsible for purchasing your son's shirt along with any you may want for yourself and family members.  This is the shirt the parents wear the last night of the Big Tens competition.