Neptune News

Week of October 10, 2005

And so the season officially begins!  Now that everyone has had a chance to learn the drills we do, how to circle swim and what five-second send-offs are, we are ready to get going!  The intensity of practice will now increase as we try to give you just a bit more than you’d like to handle.  This is not meant to scare anyone off.  Know we would never ask you to do something we didn’t think you could do.  Just be sure to get to practice early enough to stretch and warm-up.  Also, be sure to bring a water bottle. 

What Would You Like to Swim sheets are now in your mailboxes.  Fill this out ASAP and return them to me, Coach Sue, ASAP so I can get to work on the first meet line-up!

Team suits – Knabe’s, our suit vendor, will be in the Youth Lobby during all three practice times next Monday, October 17. The vendor will be set-up at 5:00 p.m. If you would like to buy a team suit, practice suit, goggles, cap, etc., this is your chance.  Also, we do use fins during our practices, especially when we do drill work.  If at all possible, it would be great if each swimmer had a pair of fins. Fins will be available on this day as well. If for some reason you cannot be there on Monday, Knabe’s phone number is 1-800-452-1441.  Just call, tell the person you are from the Y-Neptunes and they will help you from there.

Mock Meet – We will be holding a Mock Meet this Wednesday, October 13.  Everyone should come to his or her regular practice time and be ready to swim at least two events.  We will also need parent volunteers to help with timing. Each swimmer will have an index card with his or her name on it.  Each swimmer will be assigned a lane that he or she will always swim in.  The timers in that lane will have your card.  After you swim, tell the timer your name, what stroke you swam, and they will record the event and your time on the card.  I will then use these to help in writing the line-up for our first meet. If you miss the mock meet, do not worry!  I also have been watching in practice and will use your “What Would You Like to Swim” papers to determine who swims what.  The first meet is always a bit of a guessing game, but it will work out fine.

YMCA Invitationals – There will be several invitationals posted this week.  Be sure to look these over.  Each has a deadline when you must have your entry fees (be sure to add $5 per family to your total – this is the fee the Neptunes charge to enter the swimmers and to be able to send a coach) to me, Coach Sue, so I can get everyone entered on time.  Make your checks for Y invitationals out to Sue Mellish.  Whenever possible, list your entry times.  If you do not have any, I’ll “create” some or use times from last year.

YMCA Membership and team fees are now due!  In order to swim at the first meet on Saturday, October 22, you must be all paid up (or at least have begun with bank drafts).  We have to turn in our official roster by October 14, so get those fees paid!  Thanks!