Weekend Update

Swimmers families,

Just a few things to mention during this weekend,

Tapers will be starting for the various finals meets starting in February. Coaches will be grouping swimmers in the next week based on the meet they should be targeting for the end of the season (the highest level meet they qualify for.) Taper plans typically differ based on ability and age, and I will be talking with age group coaches to coordinate tapers throughout all of our practice groups. Taper practices will be focused on technique, intensity, reduced volume and race strategy. At home, your swimmer should be focused on getting enough sleep, positive attitude and eating well (minimize sugars and soda!)

We have 26 swimmers attending the Mankato meet tomorrow, and I am excited for a great day of swimming.

As we move into the finals portion of our season, you should be aware that hotels for some of our out of town meets are filling quickly. Make sure you have rooms reserved soon if you plan on attending meets in Rochester, Alexandria, or the University of Minnesota later this season.

Finally, there have been a lot of changes for the High Tides in the past six months... some have been difficult to process and understand. I realize I do not have the emotional connections that you, as members, have to the events of the recent past, however I do understand where you all are coming from. I have been in similar situations, I have been involved in club swimming for many, many years both as a coach and a parent... and I have the grey hair to prove it.

I want to invite all members to our January board meeting on Wednesday the 29th where we will have an open discussion starting at 8:00pm. I would like to talk about the outlook and direction of our club and listen to your thoughts and concerns. We cannot control what other people choose to do, but we can control how we respond to the situation. I am a strong believer in moving forward, working hard and modeling a positive, inclusive culture. High Tides is part of the larger Minnesota swimming community and it is important to me that our club displays genuine sportsmanship, courtesy and grace to all Minnesota swimmers and teams.

I believe High Tides is a strong, resilient group of swimmers and families. Please join me on Wednesday to discuss our club moving into 2020.

See you all at the pool!!

Coach R.J.