Galt April 13, 2015 ators www.galtgators.com Summer 2015, Issue 1 Welcome to the 2015 Galt Gator Swim Season! We are all very excited for this season! Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer as many clinics this year as we have in the past years which makes it extremely important that swimmers be at every practice. Attending practice daily is the key to improving and becoming a successful athlete. During the first few weeks, the coaching staff would like to focus primarily on freestyle and backstroke. We need to get our athletes as comfortable as possible with the swim environment before tackling the more difficult strokes. The first two weeks in particular will be focused on technique, swim terms and vocabulary, and assessing what lanes swimmers will make the best fit in order to practice at their maximum level of performance. As we progress through the season, we will work on building strength and endurance; practices will become more challenging in the hopes of guiding swimmers towards their swim goals whether it is dropping time, becoming a more confident swimmer, or just learning how to have fun and challenge oneself as an athlete. Swimmers are encouraged to make as many swim meets as possible. Not only is it an opportunity to compete, but it allows our swimmers to see how they are progressing and what they may need to work harder on during practice. We are excited to have such an enthusiastic coaching staff! If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to talk about it with me or another coach. Here is to your experience with the Galt Gators being everything it possibly can be and more. See you at the pool! Coach Lily Parent Meeting - At the beginning of each practice this Wednesday, there will be a parent meeting in the bleachers. Please plan on attending to get all the important information for this season. Coaches & board members will be available to answer questions. Suit Sizing - Team suits will be available to try on before each practice this week. All orders are due Friday. Suit Swap - Annie Ipson will be organizing a team suit swap during the first two weeks of practice. If you have a team suit that you would like to sell or donate, bring it to practice. Apparel -You can order apparel though The Lifeguard Store. We’ll email the link as soon as we get it. Dayana Zavala will also have items to purchase. Upcoming Events Stroke & Turn Judge Clinic – If you are interested in becoming a stroke & turn judge, you must attend this clinic. Our team is in need of more volunteers qualified for this job. Email Monica Lopez ([email protected]) for more information. 4/14-4/17 Suit Sizing, before practice Water Safety Evaluation - For new swimmers 8 and under, the coaches will conduct a water safety evaluation after the first two weeks of practice. 4/23 Parent Board Meeting, 7:00 @ Parks & Recreation Questions? Email us at [email protected] or [email protected] 5/11 Picture Day, Team Picture @ 5:00 Pictures for the Slideshow? Email to [email protected] 5/18 Time Trial & Pancake Breakfast 4/15 Parent Meeting 4/17 Suit, Cap & Apparel Orders Due 4/20 Stroke & Turn Judge Clinic, 6:30 NCSL Online Registration – All swimmers are required to register with the Northern California Swim League at http://www.norcalswimleague.com/. Please register with NCSL after registering with the Galt Gators. Directions for registration are on their website. Swimmers who are not registered can not participate in any dual meet. Bags Fundraiser - This is optional & all money raised goes towards season expenses. Thank you to Jamie Strayhand & Mina Graham for organizing! Swim Practice Highlights  If you arrive at the start of practice, you’re late. Please be ready for dryland or to get in the water (i.e. caps & goggles on and water & equipment at the edge of pool) before your practice start time. Swimmers can be dropped off at the pool 10 minutes before the start of practice. “The things you learn from sports: setting goals, being part of a team, confidence, that’s invaluable. It’s not about trophies and ribbons. It’s about being on time for practice, accepting challenges, and being fearful of the elements.” Summer Sanders, US Gold Medalist  Bring water & drink throughout practice. Please stay hydrated!  Lane Etiquette - Swim on the right. Faster swimmers leave first. Allow other swimmers to pass. Stay in your assigned lane. If you feel you are in the wrong lane or that another swimmer may be, email the coaches.  Respect your coaches. No whining during practice. You will get out of practice what you put into it, so come ready to listen & work. If you have a concern, please let us know out of the pool.  Parents - Do not coach your children. Instead, be their biggest fan! If you have a question or concern, email the coaches.  Do not play or stop during practice – the lifeguard may think you need saving. No running or rough play on the pool deck.  Use the equipment & facilities appropriately (this includes the restrooms).  Put your equipment away neatly in the storage carts. If you finished your water, good for you!, but put your empty bottle in the recycling.  Please wear a practice suit and cap during practice. Team suits and caps should be worn for meets only.  Support your teammates and demonstrate good sportsmanship.  Work hard and have fun. Your results will show on race day!  There will be practice when it is raining. In the case of thunderstorms, you can assume there will be no prac- Please Support Our Sponsors Laguna Orthodontics • Les Schwab • Jiffy Lube • Velvet Grill & Creamery Don’t forget to use the links to SwimOutlet.com, Amazon.com and TheLifeguardStore.com - check your email for direct links.