On-line registration for the Elkin Wet Lightning summer swim team is now open for all area swimmers ages 5 thru 18 (age as of June 1, 2024). EWL is a summer rec program that competes within the Blue Ridge Swim League. Swimmers will have the opportunity to practice each weekday morning and then compete with teams in Dobson, Mount Airy, Hillsville, Galax and Wytheville, Virginia. EWL’s head coach again this year will be Caeson Baker, a college junior at UNC-Wilmington and long-time swimmer under the direction of legendary Elkin High School coach, Oz Prim. Prim, and his daughter, Julianna, will also be leading the team again this year. The team will also have the benefit of several Elkin High School swimmers as assistant coaches. Swimmers will learn the various competitive swim strokes and will compete in age-grouped races. This year’s conference swim meet will take place at the Reeves Community Center on July 26 and 27.
New swimmer try-outs will begin on Monday, May 20 from 5:15 thru 6:00 p.m. each evening thru Friday, May 24. To qualify for the swim team, the swimmer must be able to swim the length of the pool unassisted by the close of tryouts. Returning swimmer practice will also begin the week of May 20. Swimmers aged 13 and up will practice on May 20, 22, 24, 29 from 4:15-5:15 pm and again on May 31 from 5 to 6pm. Swimmers aged 12 and under will practice on May 21, 23 and 28 from 4:15-5:15 pm and again on May 31 from 4-5 p.m. Practice will then shift to morning times beginning on June 3. One of the best bargains in recreational sports, registration fee for swimmers who live in Elkin is $70 and $75 for new swimmers. The fee for non-resident swimmers is $90 for returning swimmers and $95 for new swimmers. The fee includes daily practices and swim meets with experienced coaches and certified lifeguards on duty, a team t-shirt, a kick-off and end of season swim party and much more.
Elkin Wet Lightning is a large team of swimmers from all of the area schools and promotes a fun and friendly environment that welcomes all skill levels. Coach Baker remarks, “we welcome any area student who has an interest in competitive swimming to join our swim family. Our team will cheer on all swimmers and we always encourage good sportsmanship. Our swimmers have a lot of fun all the while working hard and improving their skills. It is amazing how much our swimmers can grow in one summer swim season.” Coach Oz Prim added, “swim team is family. We always have the best parents and swimmers and it makes coaching fun and worthwhile.”
Questions may be directed to either Susan Baker, team president, or Coach Caeson Baker at elkinwetlightning23@outlook.com. Registration may be accessed through the Elkin Recreation and Parks website at elkin.recdesk.com.
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