New Blue Hen Parents
10 Things to Know Before Your First Blue Hen Meet.
Every Blue Hen parent knows the feeling: one minute, you’re part of a club team where you know every swimmer, parent, coach, and concession-stand specialty. The next, you’re walking into your first college meet wondering where to sit, what to bring, and whether you’ll ever learn the team cheer.
Fear not. The transition to college swimming and diving is easier, more comfortable, and a lot more fun than you might expect.
Here are a few things I wish someone had told me before my first Delaware meet:
1. College meets are surprisingly short
Most dual meets last about two hours. After years of all-day club meets, it almost feels too easy.
2. Look for the Delaware gear
Wondering where the Blue Hen parents are sitting? Just scan the bleachers for the biggest concentration of Delaware shirts, hats, jackets, and blue-and-gold everything.
3. Bring a seat cushion
Your back will thank you. Enough said.
4. The team cheer happens fast
Really fast. Listen closely, because it may be over before you realize it started. Some of us are still trying to get the hang of it.
5. Volunteering is a great way to meet people
There are usually opportunities to help with team meals, decorations, or other meet activities. It’s an easy way to get involved and meet other parents. And unlike club swimming, no one has asked me to be a timer yet.
6. Diving is a highlight
Watching the divers compete has become one of my favorite parts of Delaware meets. It adds a completely different kind of excitement to the day.
7. Away meets feel like mini-vacations
A group of parents usually travels to many of the away meets, which often means group dinners, happy hours, and a fun weekend built around cheering on the team.
8. Blue Hen parents enjoy a good tailgate
Swim meets sometimes include tailgates, happy hours, and plenty of food. Supporting the team apparently works up an appetite.
9. You’ll probably see familiar faces
College swimming is a small world. Don’t be surprised when you run into swimmers and parents from former club teams and past meets.
10. There are no walking tacos
Sadly, the legendary “taco in a bag” does not appear to have made the transition from club swimming to college. We’re still adjusting.