USA Junior Nationals at University of Texas in Austin. WSY swimmers attending are Lauren Schmittle, Emily Weaner, Claire Loht, Steph Kinsey, and Justin Beegle

Who would have thought that we travel from Pennsylvania to Austin, Texas and it is under 50 degrees here.  Personally, I did not really pack for Winter weather in Texas.  We arrived without a problem, and had a great warm-up in the pool, and everyone got their Speedo suits, and are ready to swim in the AM.  Looks like the folks at Speedo had several of the 2008 Olympic suits remaining as they were being handed out to select teams (WSY being one of them).  As we all know it is always fun to go fast!!.

The meet follows a three day format similar to the Nationals last week in Atlanta.  Each of the WSY swimmers that are present are representing our team for the first time at Junior Nationals.  There are about 650 swimmers in the meet.  Prelims begin at 9:30am each day, and the timelines are only 2.5 hours long.  On the first day, Claire will swim her 500 free, Lauren will swim the 50 free, Steph will swim the 200 IM, and all four girls will swim in a 200 free relay.

The Texas swim center is a great facility.  The bulk heads that separate the pool (into 2 x 25 yard courses) retract into the ceiling when not being used......what a great way to save space.

We will be sure to update everyone each day during this quick adventure to Austin Texas.  Here are a few pictures we took during warm-up this evening

Had a great day today.  Claire swam her 500 free, went 5:01, a great swim for this time of year.  Steph was seeded with a long course time in the 200 IM.  Her best previous best time was 2:09, and today she went 2:07.05, a 2 second improvement.  Lauren swam her 50 free and finished with a 24.75.  All four girls got together and swam a 200 free relay with a time of 1:38.25, which was fast enough for a second swim tonight.  Justin "JB" Beegle was taking the day off today as he prepares for this 100 and 200 breastroke later in the week.  The girls did have to hold him back as he wants to swim the men's 200 free relay solo......We are having a great time....got to spend some time with former WSY swimmer Grace Tarka (now living in San Fransisco).  Few pictures below.  Good Luck to everyone at the Trident meet at F & M that begins Friday