Post Season Invitational Cuda FISH - SURPRISE!

The Cuda Season is now over and it it time for just the really really really good swimmers to get into the pool.  It is the weekend of the INVITATIONALS.  You have to qualify for these meets and it isn't easy to do.  In the family we have had only All Stars.  Pooker and Pickle have made it to this invitational in the past.  I admit that at the time we probably didn't give it the recognition that it deserved.   Pickle started the season strong and he was determined to make it again.  This motivated the others as well.  At the end of the season Pickle had qualified in 3 events so they invited him to the third for All Stars.  He was scheduled to swim 4 events and 1 relay.  Princess worked her tail off, she wanted to qualify so bad.  She was invited for one event and one relay.  Then to our surprise our sweet little Bagel qualified in both of her events and a relay but not at All Stars, at Ponderosa.  This was huge for our family.  Only the best of the best in the area go to swim there.  Pickle was asked to swimming two relays at Ponderosa as well.  This would mean driving back and forth between two pool locations over two days.  This was going to be great.  Way to Go Guys!  We are very proud of you just for qualifying. 

 This is another thing that I think sets the Cudas apart from the other teams in our league.  We have 40 plus years of tradition.  I don't know when this one started but I do know that it is loved by both those that recieve the fish and by those that give the fish.

 What is it you ask?  Well I can tell you that it is a surprise that shows up in the yards of those swimmers that are going to swim the next day in All Stars and in Ponderosa.   It is personally made for the swimmer by the coaches and the Jr. Coaches.  It is made with love and it is cherished by those that recieve it. 

 Hours over several days are spent making them and taping them to the stands.   Only the coaches venture out after nightfall and deliver the surprise FISH to be discovered by the swimmers as they head out the door.

 The reminder sums up the well wishes and the pride in the job all ready done.  You made it to the invitationals.  It isn't easy but the team is proud of you, now go and swim your best.

It is so exciting to see how your will turn out as well.  I love seeing what part of their personality will be depicked by the FISH.

Bagel

Pickle

Princess

Thank you to all those that worked on our three FISH.  They were loved and nothing can replace the joy of earning the FISH.  Thank you.