2008 YEAR IN REVIEW
A HEALTHY, FUN, FAMILY ORIENTED COMPETITIVE SWIMMING PROGRAM
2008 marked TNT Swimming 's fifth year of serving Baldwin County's Eastern Shore communties with a choice in professionally administered, year round competitive swimming programs. The past year's successful attainment of our long term goals and objectives were again made possible by the dedicated efforts of TNT coaches and parent volunteers, as well as through our mutually beneficial relationship with the Bounds Family YMCA.
In terms of competitive development, TNT's age group progam continues to provide age appropriate instruction and training with gratifying results. Competition highlights for 2008 include winning the SES South District Boys and Girls 8 & Under Championships, marking the third year in a row for the boys. A record number of 19 TNT swimmers attended both the 2008 Long Course and Short Course Southeastern Swimming Championships, and TNT's Ashley Szydel was one of only two swimmers in the entire Mobile / Baldwin area qualify for the 2008 Southern Zone Championship Meet as a member of the Southeastern Swimming All Star Team.
TNT's contributions within the Southeastern Swimming LSC, State and Area administration also progressed during the past year; hosting the
TNT Beach Blast Invitational Meet in Biloxi last summer, as well as the Southeastern Swimming Fall Meeting and Hall of Fame Weekend
in Gulf Shores / Orange Beach. TNT parents enthusiasticly supported these projects and continue to lead the area as volunteers in our sport, regularly working at various levels as deck officials at USA Swimming, summer league and high school meet venues.
TNT also continued its tradition of hosting fun and innovative "in house" specialty practice sessions and family oriented events, including annual
Mardi Gras and Halloween practices; Short Course and Long Course Awards Banquets; Kick off to Summer and New Family Pool Parties; as well as our annual Fall Picnic and Christmas Party.
Finally, our families continued TNT’s tradition of community service by combining time and effort to help people in need. Last May, TNT families raised money for the American Cancer Society by bagging groceries at Wynn Dixie stores in Daphne and Fairhope, donating all proceeds to the ACS Relay for Life. Our families closed out 2008 with our annual Holiday Charity Project, donating Christmas gifts to Toys for Tots.
SPECIAL THANKS
Several TNT parent volunteers deserve special mention for their efforts during the past year. Two parent volunteers especially deserving of recognition are Terri Kinsey and Debbie Anderson, whose volunteer efforts save our families money and continue to directly contribute to the success of our program.
Terri's excellent work of managing TNT and USA Swimming registrations, as well as the enormous task of doing the team book keeping cannot be overvalued and will always be appreciated. Terri is also a regular volunteer, helping to run team team projects of every kind.
Debbie Anderson’s work continues to be vital to the success of TNT in countless ways. Her organizational skills are evident in almost every aspect of the team’s success, especially fundraising, as well as almost all of TNT’s special programs.
Thank you also to Laurie Simpson who donates her time by embroidering specialty team items and designing our team tee shirts. Her time and expertise make TNT swimmer apparel look special and greatly contributes to team recognition and pride.
Finally, thank you to all unnamed TNT parents who contributed in so many ways to all of our team projects, ultimatley making the TNT experience special for swimmers and team families alike.
