I hope everyone who was able to attend tonight's meeting found it very informative and helpful! We have all been a first year swim family and know how overwhelming it can be; especially before you and your swimmer(s) are able to get your feet wet, so to speak. I wanted to send a quick recap for a reference point of upcoming events and things to know. 

Coach Fossmo gave a warm welcome to all of y'all and explained what it means to be a Rattlesnakes swimmer in the pool and outside of the water. He and the coaching staff value our kids as swimmers but most importantly want our kids to be good people and always enbody good sportsmanship and a positive attitude. If a coaching question or concern may arise, always feel free to speak with Coach Fossmo before or after practice and he will be able to assist you.  

I will send out at minimum, weekly emails that will include the meet information and important things to know. -i.e. directions, what time to arrive <usually at least 2 hours prior to the first event>, meet information and tips, and weekly spirit night locations Please email me with any questions you have, or if you see me at the pool feel free to ask me in person.  

Time Trials is May 7th from 1-5PM and this will also be team picture day! This is an important date for your swimmer as this will give them times for each stroke that they may want to swim this season. Even if you don't think your child has a particular stroke down perfectly; please have them swim it as they will not be able to swim it later in the season without a time trial time. Every family is required to volunteer at Time Trials unless you are a committee chair. If you are interested in being a committee chair; please email Sara Arnold at [email protected] and she will contact you if you have been selected. 

This "practice meet" is great for not only the swimmers but also for you as parents because it will give you a more clear idea of what you can expect for meet days. I recommend always packing a pop up canopy, folding chairs, beach blanket mats, and a cooler full of healthy snack and drink options for your family. A quick tip I learned to give my kids a quick energy pick me up between events is to give them a handful of skittles, and BOOM instant energy for their next race!! 

Every family is required to volunteer 6 shifts over the course of the season. If you do not fulfill this; you will be charged the $300 buyout per the handbook; this is also an all or nothing agreement. However, this doesn't have to fall on just one person in your family. This can be fulfilled by a family member or close family friend over the age of 16. Volunteer sign ups will open Friday, April 14th at noon, so I highly recommend getting on there right away to secure the shifts that best suit your family. 

If you are interested in becoming an official or are already one; please contact Val Cesan at [email protected] so she can either make sure your certificate is current or get you enrolled in a 3 hr Saturday course to get you certified. There is a small percentage you will be compensated for officiating, as well! 

If you know of or own a company that would like to help sponsor our team; we are still accepting sponsorships until next Friday 4/21. You will also get money off of your swimmer registration for securing a sponsorship. 

Our team end of the year Spirit Night will be on June 14th at the Conroe Waterpark (connected to the pool) 

Our end of the year banquet will be held on June 20th; more details to come including a head count RSVP. 

I had a couple of questions regarding practices and how many days per week you are required to attend. We do not make a mandatory amount; however the more time your child spends at practice and in the water; the quicker and more efficient they will become. My family's personal goal is to always strive for at least 3 practices per week and if we are able to make more; then that's fantastic or if another sports event or school function comes up and we can only make 2; please don't sweat it! 

We are truly a family and cannot wait to kick this season off with each of you!! I know I just sent out a ton of information; so I hope you made it to this point lol! 

Have a great Friday and don't forget volunteer sign ups open at noon!! 

Swim Fast & Furious!!! 

Courtney Johnston 

Secretary