Let's talk Champs Parade. If you're anything like me, during our first year of summer swim, you might be thinking, "Parade? I thought this was a swim meet?" And indeed, good reader, it is a swim meet, one of epic youth swimming proportions. And, part of that experience is a parade. Think Olympic Parade of Nations, but kid-sized, adorable, and hilarious. On the Friday morning of Champs, each of the eight WOAL - Western Ohio Aquatics League teams will enter the pool area with music and sporting their theme to...

Champs may seem like just a big swim meet on the surface, but it's so much more than that. Here's what you can expect throughout this two-day event: FRIDAY The Parade: Imagine the opening ceremony of the Olympics. Each country's team is introduced to cheering fans as they parade into the arena. Now, knock that down a few notches and add adorable/hilarious/creative costumes. That's the champs parade. Each of the eight WOAL teams selects a theme and matching music. To kick off Champs on Friday, each team parades into the...

When you arrive at Champs, you may not see the pool, but you will see all kinds of colorful tents. It may look like a circus came to town or a church revival, but rest assured… you have arrived at WOAL Swim Champs. The Team Tent: Each team will have a team tent INSIDE OR NEAR the fence line provided by the WOAL. This is a BIG tent with wooden poles and bright colors, like a circus tent. The kids and coaches will hang out here. Parents can hang out...

With less than a week before Champs, here are a few things* you might want to start assembling for your swim bags: 1. Your sunscreen collection. Swim Champs starts early in the morning and lasts until the late part of the afternoon each day. You will be exposed to most of the high UV rays for these two days. At this point in the summer, your sunscreen bottles have probably migrated to various bags, vehicles, and maybe even exotic locations. This week, begin your sunscreen reconnaissance operation or restock the...