2017-2018 Swim Team info...

I hope you all are enjoying the last waning days of summer.  But as school ramps up, so does Swim Team planning.  Below, you will find the information that you need to know as we start another year.

But first, an important announcement.  I am sad to say that this will be my last year as the Head Coach.  Due to changes in my life, next year, I will need to step back.  I do not want this program to disappear, so I am hoping someone will step up and work with me this year so they will be able to head it up next year.  The Head Coach needs to be a good communicator, work easily with children, and can spend about 5-10 hours outside practice and meet times for paperwork and meet entries.  Did you notice, I didn't mention swim experience?  Obviously, if you have some experience...great!  If not, as you help coach this year, I will provide all the on the job training you will need.  Please contact me or Doug Loiler if you have any questions about this or are interested.

Here is the plan this year, which is much like last year's plan.

Practices will begin on 10/16.  We will practice primarily at the Valley Catholic Pool, located at Murray Rd./ Farmington Rd. in Beaverton.  We will offer at least three practices M-Th after school (exact days TBD).  Polliwogs (grades K-3) will practice for one hour from 4-5 (Tuesdays will most likely be 4:30-5:30).  Cubs (grades 4-6) and Cadets (grades 7-8) will practice for 90 minutes from 4-5:30 (Tuesdays will most likely be 4:30-5:30).  I will let families decide the exact day of their practice once the available days have been determined.  We will also have a practice at the Beaverton Swim Center on Sunday evenings from 6-7pm, although these will start a couple weeks into the season.  

Friday dry land practices are strongly encouraged for everyone and will be at WHCS from 3:15-4:30 every Friday we have school.  

I will urge all swimmers to attend a minimum of two swimming practices a week plus the dryland practice.  If you are on another WHCS sports team or on another swim team, your practice schedule will be reduced.  

Our meet schedule will be decided by mid-September, but they will mostly be on Saturday afternoons, typically on the east-side of Portland at a variety of pools. All swimmers must attend at least three out of five or six meets this year.  If this is not possible, please contact Coach Kevin for clarification.  Everyone will continue swimming through to the championship meets (everyone swims in at least one championship meet) in mid/late-January.  

For safety, I will conduct a swimming evaluation for ALL NEW swimmers.  This is to assure that all swimmers are able to swim (non-stop) 25 yards safely.  It doesn't have to be a racing stroke (although preferred), then we will teach the rest!  The evaluation will be on the week of Oct. 9 (exact date TBD), and you may wait to register until after that date, if you are concerned about your child's safety.

I am in need of help this year!  Particularly, I need SWIM COACHES & Stroke and Turn Judges.  Stroke and Turn Judges work at swim meets and we are required to have two working judges for most meets; currently we have a few.  Some prior swimming knowledge is needed, and training is provided.  If we could have four parents volunteer to be Judges, this would really spread the load out!  MORE COACHES are needed to give the swimmers the best possible experience.  Have you ever considered coaching?  No swimming experience is necessary. You will receive some great training from the experienced, returning coaches.  Qualifications for this role is that you are a parent who can help encourage the kids and keep them moving and safe in the water.  If you are interested or have questions, contact Coach Kevin!

Please don't hesitate to email any questions! (Do not reply to this email...it won't work)

~Coach Kevin

NOTE: If you got this email and wish to unsubscribe, please click on the link at the bottom of the email.