hi Poolsharks - happy last week of school (or almost last week of school for our Paideia students).  The rhythm of Poolsharks season is about to shift as we are now in meets season starting with our Time Trials this Tuesday and about to begin morning practices.  Time Trials is typically our highest attended meet of the season as most families are still in town and have not started sleepwaway camps etc (229 of our Poolsharks = 83% of the team will be racing this week). 

We want to especially thank each of our parents - from navigating May's busy schedule to get your kids to practice, to volunteering for Time Trials, to organizing and hosting age group parties that have been a blast - our team is as strong as our parent involvement - I am very thankful for each of you giving your time, talents & resources to make our team possible!

Things to look for at Time Trials on Tuesday
Sportsmanship - this is the #1 goal for every single swim meet - one way we do this is the expectation (except for relay swimmers 1-2-3), swimmers stay in the water until ALL swimmers are finished - then they give a fist bump/good job/high five to their swimmers left & right

Please be aware of your children at meets - they should be in their Age Group bullpens during the meet but if your child is having a hard time listening, keeping hands to self, etc - parents should also volunteer/be close by to the age group bullpen to help your child be their best self.  Coaches will be coaching and not managing children off deck - please do not allow your kids to run wild - this is not safe nor a positive environment. If your kid misses a race, this is a learning opportunity for being aware & responsible with natural consequence and they will be more ready next time. We will not make up missed races, even if they are 5 or 6 years old.

Concessions - Poolshark parents Sybil & Robbie McCullar do an amazing job - venmo & cash for payments. You can support the Poolsharks with a donation to the concession stand! Popular items include: Gatorade, Canned Sodas, Fizzy Waters, chips, or baked goods such as brownies, cookies, or cupcakes. Candy is also a big hit! If you bake, please wrap each item individually. Just stop by to drop off & donate to the Concession Stand on your way into the meet. Thank you!

Dress warm for the meet (2 towels ideally) because it will get cool as the sun goes down

Finally, please show up to the meet if you declared YES - one child missing will affect their entire age group of 20+ kids because almost everyone is in a relay.

& Now for All the Other Info:

Short Version: 

1) Time Trials - we need ~ 80 volunteers for Tuesday - volunteer signup HERE

2) Declare YES/NO for Meet 1 - home May 28th vs Leafmore HERE.  Starfish can swim at this meet because it is HOME.  Deadline to declare each week is the Thursday night 11:59 pm before.

3) BUDDIES - matchup list HERE - big buddy parent - please try to contact the parent of your little buddy by tomorrow (Monday).  

4) Reminder Wed May 22nd - no practice, Thurs May 23rd - last afternoon practice

5) private lessons with poolshark coaches HERE

6) Crack of Dawn Memorial Day practice - potluck breakfast signup HERE.  Parent practice signup HERE (all levels welcome).  Practice & details below.

7) Summer practice schedule begins Tuesday May 28 (details below)

In detail if you have time:

1) Time Trials Timeline & swim cap expectation

Poolsharks MUST either wear the silver V team cap or if their hair is not bothersome, no cap.  This is part of representing our team.

We will be doing best time 'speeding bullets' but will not be doing ribbons for Time Trials.  

Timeline:

4:00 - 4:15 all swimmers arrive at the pool in this window and find their age group bullpens.

4:30 - 4:40 warmups for our 6U/8U kids

4:40 - 4:50 warmups for our 9-10 kids

4:50 - 5:00 warmups for our 11-12 kids

5:00 - 5:10 warmups for our 13-18 kids

5:15 (timer - not coaches - meeting with Tom Brinks)

5:15 - 5:20 team meeting

5:20 TEAM CHEER (P-O-O-L-S-H-A-R-K-S) 

5:25 ALL Starfish & a few 6U kids in Event #0 will head straight to the blocks (coaches/buddies will be with them to swim the length together with a kickboard/coaches arms)

5:25 all 6U & 7-8 kids go to their relay positions (this will feel hectic!!!)

5:30 pm Event #0

5:30 pm Event #99 6U free relay 

5:35 pm ages 7-18 medley relays 

6:15 pm individual races (free, back, breast, fly) - swimmers are welcome to stay or leave after their last race.

8:45 pm Meet Ends 

2) Meet #1 - home vs Leafmore - we love swimming against Leafmore Dolphins, they are a great group of families, swimmers & coaches and their Head Coach Trish emphasizes excellent sportsmanship.  

3) Buddies - our 9-18's and parents stepped up and met the goal of 83 big buddies to match 83 little buddies!  Some kids have double buddies - this is typically because one of the big buddies may be traveling for a portion of the season so they are co-buddying.  

Buddy Expectations:

*if you are the parent of a big buddy - look at THE sheet and contact via email the parent of your little buddy, goal is Monday night, introduce yourself, share your cell # if comfortable, let them know your child will be supporting their child, and confirm a time they can meet up (time trials is ideal but practices also can work).  All kids ages 4-8 should have a big buddy.  

*what does a big / little buddy do?  In general, many families have their kids cheer each other on (both big & little) during the races - either from the side where Coach Beth stands if it is big buddy, or from the end of the pool, if it is a little buddy.  Buddies can exchange good luck notes, or a small treat ($5 or less) on meet days.  If you go above & beyond, buddies may share a meal together at the pool etc.  

4-6-7) Practice Updates

Mon May 20 - regular practice

Tues May 21 - time trials schedule

Wed May 22 - NO practice

Thurs May 23 - regular PM practices (4:30 - 7:15 pm)

Mon May 27 - Crack of Dawn practice (my favorite practice of the year)

About 50% of the team is still in town for Memorial Day and we have a lot of fun. We need everything from setter uppers & servers, to smoothie ingredients, bacon, burritos, bagels, fruit, & plates.

This is a great time for families to connect as we have a potluck breakfast during all practices times, signup HERE

Crack of Dawn Practice Times:

  6:15 - 7 am ages 9-12

  7 - 8 am ages Starfish/6U/8U

  8 - 9 am ages 13-18

  9 - 9:45 parent practice (all levels welcome) signup HERE (no equipment needed, just your suit & goggles)

Tues May 28 - morning practices begin - website info HERE -(yes we practice on meet mornings).  

Summer practices Mon-Tues-Thurs-Fri (yes we practice Friday AM)

Starfish/6U/8U, 8:15 - 9 am

9 - 12, 9 - 10 am

13 - 18, 10 - 11 am

Wed summer mornings - we call this Donut Wednesdays - we start 30 minutes later as meets can be LATE nights and kids/parents/coaches may need a little more sleep in time.

Starfish/6U/8U, 8:45 - 9:30

9 - 12, 9:30 - 10:15 (45 minutes)

10:15 - 11 (45 minutes)

Have Fun, Race Hard, Do Your Best, Go Poolsharks!

- Beth