Ozark Invited to Midwest All-Stars Meet THIS January

Chris Etherington

We have some great news to share! Ozark Swimming has officially been accepted into the Midwest All-Star Championships - not only for this season but for years to come!

 

This year’s meet will take place January 9-11, 2026.
 

Meet Overview

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

Dates: January 9-11, 2026

Registration Fee: $165

Your registration fee includes:

  • 1-2 Team T-shirts
  • 1 Team Cap
  • Entry Fees
      

Tentative Schedule

Friday, January 9 - Team Pictures & Team Warm-Up (Time TBD), Evening Session

Saturday, January 10 - Morning & Evening Sessions

Sunday, January 11 - Morning Session

 

What is the Midwest All-Star Championship?

The Midwest All-Star Championship is an annual regional meet featuring teams from:

  • Iowa Swimming
  • Midwestern Swimming
  • South Dakota Swimming
  • North Dakota Swimming
  • Colorado Swimming
  • Missouri Valley Swimming
  • Now joined by Ozark Swimming! 

This event brings together some of the best age-group swimmers across these regions to compete in a team-based championship format.
 

Who is invited to the Ozark All-Star Team?

The top 12 Ozark swimmers per gender and age category will be selected for the Ozark All-Star Team, based on IMX Scores (Individual Medley Xtreme).

 

Age Groups:

  • 10&Under
  • 11-12
  • 13-14 

Swimmers will be considered based on their age as of January 9, 2026 (the first day of competition).
 

Qualifying Period

September 1, 2025 - December 14, 2025

Once the final Ozark meet results are posted, selections will be made using IMX rankings from the USA Swimming database. If a swimmer in the top 12 declines their spot, the next eligible swimmer will be invited.
 

What are IMX Scores?

IMX (Individually Medley Xtreme) rankings are determined by completing a specific set of events and earning power points based on performance. Rankings are available nationally, regionally, and within Ozark Swimming. These are the events swimmers will need times this season to be eligible for selection.

 

10&Under: 200 Free, 100 Back, 100 Breast, 100 Fly, 200 IM

11-12: 500 Free, 100 Back, 100 Breast, 100 Fly, 200 IM

13-14: 500 Free, 200 Back, 200 Breast, 200 Fly, 200 IM, 400 IM
 

Team Selection and Entries

After the team is finalized and RSVPs are received, the Head All-Star Coach will create the individual and relay entries using verified times from the USA Swimming database.

 

Relay entries may change throughout the meet based on swimmer performance and are selected to create the most competitive and well-rounded team possible.

 

Notification of Selection

Shortly after the qualifying deadline (December 14th), an email will be sent to all Ozark coaches and families with the initial roster and RSVP information. The roster will also be posted on the Ozark Swimming All-Star page. If you go to Ozark Swimming website, Click ATHLETES and then there will be a drop down menu, then Click MIDWEST ALL-STAR MEET. There will you find meet information and meet page (at this time we will be putting finishing touches on it, but when I get that information, I will post it on there.)

 

 

We are thrilled for Ozark Swimming to join this prestigious event, showcase our incredible athletes on a bigger stage and give them more opportunities for growth. Thank you for supporting our swimmers and being part of this exciting opportunity!

 

Go Ozark!

 

Chris Etherington, Age Group Chair