Storm Forecast for December 3rd, 2025

Buckle Up

The content kept piling up for this one, so relax and take this one in over a hot chocolate tomorrow as you debate why we continue to exist in a state this cold and unforgiving.  This one has a lot (1200+ words--yikes), but it’s all pretty important.

Last Monday’s Parent Meeting

Thanks to those that dropped in for our Q&A session on Monday.  The crowd was small, but the conversation was great. Being able to gather around a table and discuss all sorts of points in a small group is way better than an anonymous Q&A or standing behind a podium.  We did this one purely in-person, so there’s unfortunately no video for those unable to attend.

Clarification on State Shirt Email

There was some justified confusion from those that received an email today about a state shirt order form.  Because the message went to everyone who has declared yes for the meet, the email should have been more introductory and not flat-out congratulatory.  No relay decisions have been made, and nothing has been finalized for relay-only swimmers.  All of that will be done Sunday night.  Apologies for the misinformation.  If you ordered a shirt and you shouldn’t have, let me know and I’ll be sure to make things right.

However, for those that know they’re going to the meet – the link is active and apparel can be ordered.  Families have through early Monday morning to order.

Storm-A-Thon

We put out an early-week email highlighting the pride in reaching $13K; since then, donations have erupted and we’re getting very close to $18,000 raised.  Needless to say, I’m getting very nervous about a coach relay in May.

It means a lot to see so many families work so hard to help us achieve these financial goals.  What’s been super shocking is that we’ve raised $17K with only 1 in 3 swim families participating.  For the other two thirds of our members, consider giving just $20.  You don’t even have to do the laps.  If each person does that, it takes us over the $20,000 goal we set.

Storm-A-Thon Schedule

We now have a tentative racing schedule posted to our event page, and you can also take a peek here.  Swimming will happen in 30 minute blocks.  They can kick the whole thing, swim the whole thing, mix strokes, swim with fins (that’s more laps and more $$!), take breaks as needed, bring water—whatever they need.

The silent auction will run from 6-8 and is growing in size and scope daily.  We’ll have descriptions out to you TOMORROW about events/items.  Having not created a gift basket before, I went a little wild in creating a “Discovering Birds w/ Your Kids” themed basket.  It’s either brilliant or perplexing, or both.  It has: a lovely Birds of North America jigsaw puzzle; the board game Wingspan (a favorite of Erin’s); a book on spotting birds with your kids; the items to make a bird feeder; a bird house to decorate; and a pair of binoculars to do some spotting with.  I think it’s amazing!  Maybe.  Please bid something.  I’ve also done a more traditional golf themed basket, a Cops & Robbers Lego themed set, and there are many others that have rolled in from people much better at this sort of thing than me.  Erin made a lovely spa day basket.  If you’ve got one you’ve put together, be sure to get it to Greg by tomorrow!  Remember, 10% of the winning bid will be credited to your TeamUnify account and can be used for meet fees, team registration, whatever you like.

Fall River Follow-Up

Well, when Fall River folks asked if we needed backstroke flags up, we kinda figured everything else was…you know, there.  It wasn’t.  They have assured us that all the things we need are *still* at Fall River, but I’ll be venturing to the school tomorrow to figure out what our next step is.  We may have to pivot away from that pool, but we’ll have a plan announced by Friday.  Again, apologies on the drama this has caused.

Sun Prairie Boys High School Swim Youth Night

The budding yet fun rivalry that is Sun Prairie East vs Sun Prairie West continues on Friday, December 12^th at Sun Prairie East.  This coincides with Youth Night, an event co-hosted by the two schools.  There will be posters and t-shirts given away, races in which our swimmers can participate, mascot fun, and all sorts of fun planned.  In addition, the teams are hosting a food drive!  Details can be found on our event page and below:

December Swim School Challenge (For Swimmers)

One of our most enjoyable events has also been one of the most successful, the Swim School Challenge.  In it, we bring together swimmers from all over Dane County to participate in a fun, fast, free swim meet.  For this winter’s meet on December 20^th, we have RSVPs this year from Dolphin Swim Academy, Prairie Athletic Club, and the Sun Prairie YMCA.  In addition, this acts as a low stress time trial meet for our Thunderstorm and Hurricane swimmers as well.  This year, we’ll host the event at the Sun Prairie YMCA.  The event will run likely around 2 hours, from 9:30-11:30A.  There’s no cost for swimmers to participate, and admission is simply 2 canned food items.  Thunderstorm and Hurricane swimmers can sign up now on the event page.

Swim School Challenge (For Volunteers)

This event also works as a great opportunity for our older swimmers to experience service and volunteering.  Swimmers age 11&O in the Cyclone, Tsunami, Typhoon, Senior, and Performance groups can volunteer to help out and will be placed in different roles within the swim meet.  If your swimmer is interested in helping out, have them sign up here.

Storm Distance Challenge

The final event of the calendar year comes with a lot of initial nervousness but ends with a ton of pride and accomplishment.  This year’s Distance Challenge will take place December 27^th at Lodi High School (as there was no room at the inn—er—at the Sun Prairie pools).  This event is open to everyone but Thunderstorm.  We even have space for interested parents.  There is a 500 free, 1000 free, and a 1650 free event available and coaches will pick the most appropriate event for swimmers.  This year, all participants will earn a commemorative item to celebrate the accomplishment.  And because the event is officially sanctioned, it counts for Ironman Awards.

Practice Changes & Schedule

Meet Signup & Details

JJ’s Dryland Signup

Use promo code: SWIMFAST25

Sign up for the class here

Instructions on signing up here