One more practice until our first meet!
Meets are a great learning experience and this will be a major one for both our new and experienced swimmers. We've had little practice time but we will do our best.

Swimmers - this is one meet out of a whole season, it is the least important meet. Do your best, pay attention to the details like the starts, turns and finishes. You might get disqualified in one or more races. We'll figure out exactly why and the coaches will help you not to let it happen in the future. All swimmers get disqualified, some in the Olympics.

Parents - Really, disqualifications are not a big deal. They are a learning experience. Please don't expect that your child will stop getting disqualified at some point in their swimming career. We want them energetic on the start, sometimes that results in a false start. We want them pushing themselves, sometimes that results in mistakes.

       Welcome back to another great season with the Eifel Sharks. Our team goals are to build swimming ability, display good character traits, swim fast and have fun. The coaching staff would like to see 20% of our swimmers qualify for a championship meet this year.           

          With our first early-bird practice beginning tomorrow I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you to fuel-up your swimmer before every practice and race. I know it might be difficult for swimmers to have a breakfast before our 7am swim time on Saturdays. However, they should be able to swim comfortably after eating a banana and a bit of peanut butter. Please do not let your child start any practice on an empty stomach.

          Hydration is equally important but easily forgotten in a pool environment. Your child should drink at least a half-liter of water before practice. They should also have a full water bottle with them during practice. The coaches provide water and bathroom breaks at regular intervals throughout practice. Please help us to encourage water consumption.

          Water is the best sports drink. If you choose to purchase Gatorade, Propel or something similar, please look for the one with the least amount of sugar and no artificial sweeteners.           

          If you have any questions or concerns about your swimmer, please contact me via email or see me after practice.