Dear Stingray Nation,

What a great first week in the pool!  Our coaches worked hard to get swimmers comfortable with how practices run. They evaluated strokes, worked with swimmers on listening skills, and taught swimmers some in the water “do's and don'ts” at practice.  Some of the major things that were introduced this week and will continue to be worked on in our Miniray, Bronze and Silver practices include:

1. Ready Position (one hand on wall, other arm behind, head/eyes looking at hand that is on the wall, both feet on wall)

2. Head out of water and hand on gutter when coaches are talking

3. Circle Swimming

4. Freestyle and backstroke progression drills

For our Gold and Senior groups, coaches went over our stroke drill progressions, evaluated stroke technique, and introduced new swimmers to the team.

Swimmers should ….

1. Bring all equipment to the end of the pool lane (caps, goggles, and whatever equipment is needed for your group). 

2. Bring water bottles to all practices  - this is a must!

3. Check in with your coach to get your lane assignment for the day - lane assignments may change frequently.

4. Senior Group - make sure you remember your dryland clothes and shoes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

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STINGRAY MERCHANDISE EXPO and ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Join us on Wednesday, September 17, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at the YMCA for our merchandise expo and ice cream social.  Swimmers and parents can look at suits, parkas, and other spirit wear.  You can order your swimmer’s suit, cap, and anything else that you would like to show your Stingray spirit!  Be sure to grab an ice cream treat too! Swimmers can stop by before or after practice.  We will have a link to the online merchandise store available soon.    

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EQUIPMENT 

Swimmers need the following items for practice on a daily basis.  It is okay if they do not have them this week.  They make great birthday and Christmas presents too!

Miniray - swim fins, kickboard

Bronze - swim fins, kickboard

Silver - swim fins, pull buoy, kickboard

Gold - swim fins, pull buoy, paddles

Senior - swim fins, pull buoy, paddles, snorkel

All swimmers should bring a water bottle to practice.

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BAND APP

Practice times and locations sometimes change due to weather or pool availability. Please check your email daily before heading to practice. You can also download the FREE Band app and join our Stingray group: Band App.  Turning on the alerts in Band can help you be aware of practice changes.  When you join, PLEASE join with your first and last names.  This helps us keep this Our Band App closed, private and consisting of current parents, swimmers, and coaches.  All “first name only” members will be deleted.  

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YMCA OFFICIALS TRAINING

Do you like free food?  Do you like a front row seat to the action at our YMCA meets?  Do you have a little bit of competitive swim knowledge or perhaps some personal swim experience?  If so, YMCA Level I and II official classes are being offered on September 27 and September 28 at the Farmington YMCA. These classes are FREE for FFYS parents!  All parents are welcome!  

Level I:  https://lcdc.yexchange.org/Catalog/Class/Detail/308407

Level II: https://lcdc.yexchange.org/Catalog/Class/Detail/308408

Questions?  Please contact Tom Ludden at [email protected].

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Fire Up Stingrays!