More than 115 new and returning GPAC swimmers met Saturday at UWF’s aquatic center to begin the 2013-2014 season. The team hosted an all-ages team time trial to give new swimmers experience in a competition setting, and veteran swimmers a chance to post some early season best times.

To begin the morning, swimmers arrived to receive their team t-shirts and caps, as well as their new team water bottles.  After the gear was issued, the swimmers gathered to take the annual team photo. It was great to see so many teammates gathered for the picture! Meanwhile, all of the parents met outside the pool to meet Coach Phil and learn about the club and various volunteer opportunities.

The time trials were set up to give each swimmer a chance to swim every stroke, and some swimmers to establish an IMX (I.M. Xtreme) or an IMR (I.M. Ready) score. The IMX and IMR is a program initiated by USA Swimming to challenge the swimmers to compete at all stroke disciplines and become versatile, well-rounded swimmers—a cornerstone of GPAC’s philosophy.

The coaches are very proud of all of our swimmers who competed, especially those new swimmers who looked very confident and had some remarkably good first-time swims! We are also proud of all of the parents who took the time to learn how to help run a home meet, or be a supportive swim mom or dad. We hope everyone had a good time.