Raleigh – Marlins Of Raleigh Swimmer Heading to compete in Paris Olympics. Jesse Ssengonzi of the Marlins Of Raleigh Swim Team, who grew up in Cary, has qualified to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 100 Meter Butterfly.  Jesse grew up in Cary but has Uganda citizenship and is invited based on the Olympics Universality Program.  Jesse graduated from Green Hope High School in 2020 and recently graduated from the University of Chicago where he set the NCAA Division 3 National Record in the 100 yard Butterfly.  Jesse’s 100 meter Fly time is 54.06 and his NCAA Division 3 record time for 100 yards butterfly is 46.28.

              Jesse’s parents grew up in Uganda before moving to North Carolina, and this has been a dream of his for many years.  He is excited to compete against the World’s best and is hopeful his mother will be able to attend.  His father passed away while Jesse was in High School but always supported this dream.  Jesse does have International experience having competed at the 2023 and 2024 World Aquatics World Championships. “We are very excited for Jesse that he will have this opportunity.  He has worked hard for 10+ years to realize this dream and is very deserving of the honor.  I know he will represent Uganda with pride and class and compete well with the world’s best swimmers.  His Marlins Of Raleigh family will be supporting him all the way.”  Said MOR head coach Paul Silver.

Best Wishes in Paris, Jesse! North Carolina Swimming will be cheering you on! #WEARENCS

Greensboro, NC – Congratulations to Erin Weaver (Carolina Aquatic Team) on setting a NEW State Record in the 11-12 Women’s 200m Backstroke this past weekend at the EAC Independence Invitational held at the GAC. Erin swam a time of 2:24.00 breaking a 6 year old State record. Way to Go Erin and CAT Coaches! #NEWRecord #WEARENCS

If your Club or swimmer sets a New NCS or NAG Record send it to amyfaulk@ncswim.org so we can highlight your swimmer and Club with breaking news Record Alerts. Keep up the good work NCS!

Congratulations to Hannah Aspden (TAC Titans), Morgan Stickney (TAC Titans), and Evan Wilkerson (WAVE), for earning their respective spots on a team of 33 athletes set to represent Team USA at the Paralympic Games in Paris, France August 29 – September 7, 2024. Coach John Payne (TAC Titans) will also be representing NCS as the Head Coach of the 2024 U.S. Paralympic Team. Congratulations!!! NCS will be cheering you on! #SHOWTHEWORLD #WEARENCS

STARS and STRIPES SOIREE – Cary, NC USA Swimming selected the Triangle Aquatic Center for its domestic training site for the USA Olympic Team Camp prior to heading over to Paris.  Join us in celebrating the event with the “Stars & Stripes Soiree” on Friday, July 5^th.

The Stars & Stripes Soiree is an exclusive event with limited tickets. Tickets are priced at $1,000.00 which covers admission for two adults (21+), including food and drinks, a commemorative gift package, and the viewing of Team USA’s practice session. Olympians Cullen Jones, David Fox, Claire Donahue White and Charlie Houchin will be in attendance and there may be others! 

Admission also includes three (3) VIP access passes to Media Day, the following day, on Saturday July 6^th where Olympic athletes will be signing autographs along with another practice viewing opportunity. Buying a ticket to the Soiree is the only way to guarantee entrance and an athlete autograph on Media Day.

Find more details about the event, bios for the Olympians who will be in attendance, a few FAQs, and a link to purchase tickets for the Stars & Stripes Soiree, CLICK HERE.

Southern Zone Athlete Summit June 21-23 in Louisville, KY-This leadership summit was designed by Athletes to bring Athlete Reps together discussing the importance of the athlete voice within USA Swimming, the Southern Zone, and our LSC.  A packed full 2.5 day schedule starting at sunrise and ending with the Olympic Trials watch party each evening.  Athletes collaborated with other LSCs developing leadership skills, discussions with Sports Psychologists Dr Megan Cannon and how to normalize mental health, tips and tricks to develop as an athlete, learning about the college recruiting process, and how to make an impact within our LSC.  Looking forward to our athletes growing the NCS Athlete Committee.  If you want to know how to get involved contact Amy Faulk swimnorthcarolina@gmail.com and you will be directed to the Athlete Committee Reps.

Midland, Texas – Application is open!  2024 Southern Zone Age Group Meet – July 24-27, 2024 We Are Seeking 11-14 year old applicants – MUST have 2x AAA or faster times to apply.  Complete Your application TODAY! *Applications will close Friday July 12 –  APPLY TODAY!

2024 NCS Coaching Staff: Jonathan Watson – Head Coach Amy Faulk – Team Manager 13-14 Girls- Gavin Spake (BAC),  Kristina Bond (TEAM), 13-14 Boys- Pierce Bradshaw (ATOM)
11-12 Girls – Tia Schultz (WAVE), Briley Penner (YBAC), 11-12 Boys- Dan McGuire (SMAC)

North Carolina Swimming represented in many ways in Indy for the 2024 NCS Olympic Trials.  Congratulations to ALL who participated in Olympic Trials as an athlete, coach, official, or if you participated as a fan.   We ARE proud of each of you, and we know the future is bright for NCS! #WEARENCS

(From left to right – Officials in white Lisa Olack, Trish Martin, Officials in Blue Mike Trexler, Rob Stevens, and Dave Olack)

The 2024 Southern Zone Age Group Championships will be held at the COM Aquatic Center in Midland, TX on July 24- July 28, 2024.  See the meet information below for details:

2024 ZONE MEET INFORMATION

2024 SOUTHERN AGE GROUP ZONE TEAM INFORMATION

KEY DATES

Submit Zone Applications by:	Deadline – July 12, 2024
NCS Age Group Champs	July 11-14, 2024 (TAC)
Southern Zone Meet	July 24- July 28, 2024 (Midland, TX)

ZONE TEAM TRANSPORTATION, LODGING, MEALS AND FEES

The fee for Zone Team athletes is $800 – plus roughly $45-$55 spending money per day for catered meals, snacks, and incidentals.  Should athletes have food allergies or any condition causing difficulty eating certain types of food, you are asked to clearly communicate that on the application form.

2024 ZONE TEAM APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit the online application for the appropriate age group and mail a check for                       $800 made PAYABLE to NORTH CAROLINA SWIMMING and mailed to:                                                  Amy Faulk, 413 Kenilworth Road, Statesville, NC 28677-3107.  Swimmers who are selected to the team and their parents/guardians will receive the required agreement and release forms to review and sign after the selections are made.

2024 NCS ZONE TEAM APPLICATION: Ages 11-14

Completed applications along with checks will be accepted until 10:00 am on Friday, July 12 for 11-14 athletes.  However, due to the complexity of the selection process, applicants are strongly urged to get the applications in earlier, if possible.

ZONE TEAM SELECTION POLICY

For the 2024 Southern Zone Championship, 24 athletes (12 males and 12 females) will be selected in each age group—11-12 and 13-14—to represent North Carolina Swimming.  For details, view the selection policy below.

NCS ZONE TEAM SELECTION POLICY

Athletes ages 11-12 and 13-14 may use any long course meters time achieved from December 1, 2023, through the end of Sundays finals (July 14, 2024) at the 2024 NCS Long Course 14 and under Age Group Championships.  All swims prior to the 14 and Under Championships must be listed in the USA Swimming SWIMS database.

*NOTE: The age group of a swimmer is determined by his/her age on the first day of the Southern Zone Championship Meet (July 24, 2024).  Whatever age group the athlete is in on that day is their age group for the entire meet.

ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

All athletes applying must complete the online Zone Team Application form, other required forms, and a mail check for $800 by the deadlines previously listed.

Eligibility:  All NCS registered year-round athletes with at least two “AAA” times are eligible to apply for the team.  Please note that any athlete who has achieved the current USA Swimming Long Course Junior National qualifying time standard (does not include the bonus cut) in any long course event on or before Sunday, July 7^th is not eligible to compete in the 2024 Southern Zone Championship meet.

Payment: A check for $800 payable to “North Carolina Swimming” must be submitted with all applications to cover the cost of transportation, lodging, team outfitting, chaperone expenses, and meet entry fees.  If a swimmer is not selected to the team, the $800 check will be returned or shredded at the Team Manager’s discretion.  If a swimmer is selected to the team and then chooses not to attend, the $800 check will be forfeited if an alternate for the spot cannot be secured. NOTE: Food for athletes is not covered by this fee.

MINOR ATHLETE ABUSE PROTECTION POLICY

The Minor Athlete Abuse Protection Policy (MAAPP) is in effect for the Zone Team. All Zone Team staff members, chaperones and applicable adults are required to submit an acknowledgement form agreeing to comply with the contents of the policy.

2024 ZONE TEAM COACHING STAFF (TBA)

Coach Amy Faulk will be the team manager.  Additional staff members will be announced later.

CHAPERONE INFORMATION

Chaperones: Our plan is to have up to four chaperones, in addition to our coaching staff, accompany the Zone Team.  The chaperones for all age groups will be notified immediately after the respective championship meets.  Chaperones must be registered members of USA Swimming.

Chaperones work most of the time while on this trip and are involved with meal planning, transportation, overseeing the athletes at all times, seeing to their needs, and working at the swim meet as timers.  Officials chosen as chaperones may or may not be allowed to work at the meet, but, if so, must be prepared to fulfill chaperone duties, as well.  There will be a complete list of chaperone duties emailed to all chaperone applicants.  The selection of good chaperones has had an enormous impact on the Zone Team in previous years.  Please come ready to provide positive support throughout the week.  Team Manager, Amy Faulk, will direct the activities of all chaperones.

Chaperone financial responsibilities:

 

• Chaperones help keep swimmers fed, hydrated, and organized. The team will have up to four adult chaperones to assist the coaching staff in managing the team during the competition at the pool as well as away from the pool.
• Chaperones are there to assist all Zone Team swimmers, not just their child.
• Chaperones pay for their own food
• Chaperones will assist in preparing for / cleaning up after meals .
• Chaperone hotel and transportation expenses are covered by NC Swimming.