Hi everyone, we had a really nice week of practice on our way into the meet-heavy portion of our season.

Time Trials (Tuesday 530)

Designed mostly for swimmers who are new to swim meets, new to certain events, and anyone who wants to get in some low-stress races, please declare your swimmers' availabilities by 6PM TONIGHT.  You can do so by navigating from the green meet signup button next to time trials on the schedule, and using the resulting drop-down boxes for each of your children. Note:  You can do this for EVERY meet on the schedule now and if something changes later, you can always edit.  This will save you from me hassling you, as well as potentially missing any deadlines.

For those declared available for the meet, expect a more detailed email tomorrow.

PJs and Pancakes

As part of time trials, we will be having our favorite pancake-master (Mr. Meeks) making pancakes at the playground.  Even if you're not swimming, consider stopping by to cheer on the other kids in your PJs and have some breakfast for dinner.

Buddy List

The Buddy List is now out and posted in the display case at the pool, as well as attached in this email.  We asked only those willing to be buddies to opt-in this year, so hopefully this leads to some active mentorships and relationships among the swimmers.  A good big buddy is one who encourages the little buddy by cheering for them and just easing any of the anxiety around meets.

Saturday Clinic (6/6 8am-930) -- IMs/Flip Turns

We had really good feedback from our Breast/Fly clinic and will now be having another paid clinic this coming Saturday, focused on IMs and Flip Turns.  To purchase a spot, do so HERE.  This clinic will be limited to 50 participants.

This clinic is geared primarily towards 9-10 year old swimmers who are interested in swimming longer events this summer. We’ll split into groups and cover freestyle flip turns as well as the transitions between strokes in the IM with general stroke guidance as well. Also open to 7-8s and 11-12s also interested.

Merch is (mostly) IN

At time trials, Nikki Bonifas will have a table set up to distribute our free caps and team shirts for every swimmer.  Also available to pick up will be any merchandise orders, except for hats and custom caps, which take a little longer.  If you cannot make it to time trials, we will also have merchandise available to pickup on Wednesday at both morning and afternoon practices.

At time trials, we will also be selling a small quantity of the new merchandise at regular price and vintage merchandise at a discount.

Practices this week

We will have our normal schedule this week, with a small caveat.  AM practices are all normal, even on our Time Trials day.  PM practices are normal except for no practice on Tuesday afternoon due to Time Trials.  Enfinity will also be hosting a free clinic during practice on Monday 6/8, no registration required, open to all.

Swimmers of the Week

Emmy Cooke

Coach Jenn says:  Emmy has a great attitude, she is always willing to try new things in practice, even if they’re hard, and is usually asking if she can do “one more!”

Claire Smith

Coach Claire says:  She has been working very hard and she’s a great listener.

Ella Heinecke

Coach Reese says: She set a good example for other swimmers and her technique has really improved.

Ruby Horton

Coach Nollie says:  She’s been listening to directions and asking questions when she needs help.

Caroline Rompel

Coach Will says:  She took critique on her flip turn during practice and worked hard to improve technique during the butterfly/breaststroke clinic.

Congrats to all of our swimmers on working hard this week!  I will never not be impressed by these kids.

Reminders

If you have last minute changes after our availability declaration deadline (life happens!) please text Coach Jenn at 336-340-7410.  Please follow us on Instagram at @newsherwoodstingrays . There is currently detailed information on how to declare on there, including photos.

Thank you all for your cooperation!  Go Stingrays!

Jeremy and Brooke