The goal of this program is to help form strong relationships between our team’s older and younger swimmers. Any 12 and over swimmer is welcome and encouraged to participate in this program for our 6 & unders. With their help, we can improve the overall spirit, sportsmanship, and commitment to our team.

Big Sharks will be revealed to their Little Sharks by the 2nd week of practice. We set aside time after the 6 and Under practice for the Big Reveal Party.

Big Sharks will help their Little Sharks (6 and Unders) during practices, "catch" them at swim meets, be a mentor for them during meets, socials, and fun times at the pool. Interested in a Video about Big Sharks/Little Sharks, click here. 

At the End of Season Celebration we give out awards to the swimmers. Everyone will receive a trophy or medal for their hard work during the season. We also distribute special awards, by age group and gender, like MVP and Coach's Awards.

Blue Shark/White Shark Plaque

We also recognize graduating swimmers who swam all four years of high school. Their name will be added to our plaque in the Party Room. To qualify for either of these recognitions, a high school swimmer must:

Blue Shark -  have been an active member of the swim team for 10 years AND swim a minimum of 3 strokes at a minimum of 4 regular season TSA meets.

White Shark - swim a minimum of 3 strokes at a minimum of 4 regular season TSA meets.

Eligibility is validated by the end of the season times.

Congratulations to our graduating seniors.

Please make a copy of the Brag Sheet, fill it out, and give to our Meet Coordinator, Michele Wilson.

Another award that is given out at the Banquet is: The Bryan Mellinger Award

The Bryan Mellinger Award is in honor of a special swim team parent. Bryan, Sherrie and their 2 daughters, Emily and Rachel were originally members of the Triangle Swim Club where Bryan was a TSA representative. TSC closed in the early 2000's and their members dispersed to other pools.

The Mellinger's became Silverton Sharks, and immediately became very involved with the team. Bryan would bring the girls to the pool for swim practice, always with a smile on his face, and he would be the first parent to volunteer for practices and meets. He was always willing to fill any role, whether a lane judge, timer, kid-pusher, wherever there was a hole in the volunteer list....he was there. Bryan also cheered for each Shark and encouraged them as they swam. His personality and smile were contagious!

In 2009, Bryan was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. During his treatments, when he felt able, you would see him at the pool encouraging Emily & Rachel and all of the other swimmers, coaching and volunteering, with a smile. During meets, as his cancer progressed, he would sit by the pool, a UNC bandana on his head, and keep score with his heat sheet! Swimmers would stop by his chair and ask for the scores, even before the score table received the pink and blue sheets! Bryan was a kind, genuine, and thoughtful person. Even when he wasn't feeling well, he exuded positivity.

On April, 6th 2011, after 21 months of fighting, Bryan lost his courageous battle. A valued member of the Silverton Shark family was gone but his memory was kept alive. After his death, this award was created in honor of Bryan. Each year, the coaches select a swimmer who demonstrates Bryan's qualities: hard-work, positivity, perseverance and volunteerism.

Another award that is given out at the Banquet is: The Susan Fairlee Award

Susan Fairlee spent much of her life at the pool and loved being part of a swim team. Starting at an age similar to the youngest of the Silverton Sharks she became a year round swimmer with the Raleigh Swimming Association (RSA) and was a member of the Enloe HS and N.C. State swim teams. The tradition continued when her 2 children, Allison and Ryan, joined the Silverton Sharks at 5 years old and swam until they graduated from high school. Susan loved being a swim parent and was always happy to help the team with whatever was needed, even taking over as team manager for many years. She was always smiling and cheering the kids along even when her own health was wavering in the background.

In 2018, Susan was diagnosed with late phase colorectal cancer. Never one to complain, many would not have known she was ill despite fighting through surgeries and chemotherapy for 7 years. The Silverton Sharks swim team was a place of respite from the more challenging aspects of her life. Susan was an honest, kind, and resilient person living her wonderful life even at the toughest moments. The pride she had for her children and the members of the swim team were evident for those that knew her.

On March 11th, 2025, Susan lost her courageous battle. A valued member of the Silverton Shark family was gone but her memory as a dedicated swim parent has been kept alive through the creation of the Susan Fairlee Award. Each year, the coaches select a parent volunteer who demonstrates Susan's qualities of positivity, perseverance and volunteerism. Thanks to all the parent volunteers that enable the swim team to continue building memories and character for our beloved swim team members.