Hellcats,

Last night MCSL made the decision to cancel the competitive swim season this summer. The decision was made based on the uncertainty of when pools will be permitted to open and the difficulty of operating a swim competition under expected social distancing guidelines.

We know that while many of you probably expected to hear this news, it is still disappointing. MCSL urged team reps, coaches, swimmers and families to use this time to focus on the health, happiness and well-being of our own pool communities this summer. We will need to find ways to stay connected, find safe ways to sustain the sport of swimming and create some new Hellcat traditions and memories.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge our graduating seniors Lulu Wooldridge and Matthew Williams. Lulu will be attending West Virginia University (Go Mountaineers!) and Matthew will be attending Catholic University (Go Cardinals!). In one piece of good news, MCSL is allowing swimmers who are 18 this year swim again next year. So we will be able to give Lulu and Matthew a proper send off in a Hellcat tunnel!

After you’ve had a chance to process this news and as we get more information from the county about the next phase of reopening, we hope you will start to think of ways we can create some happiness for our Hellcat family. A few people have already made some fun suggestions and we look forward to getting more ideas and making them happen!

Go Hellcats,

Julie, Ed & Janet

P.S. You can visit www.mcsl.org to see their statement and links to FAQs.