Hello Everyone!

We're getting ready to kick off our first home meet of the season! First meets can be a little hectic, so please plan to arrive early. If you see a new swimmer or parent who looks lost or has questions, please lend a hand and help them get settled in.

Meet Information

• Meet Start: 6:30 PM
• Warm-Ups: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM

If you forgot to declare your swimmer for tomorrow's meet, please reach out as soon as possible and I will get it taken care of. Please do so before tomorrow.

A Quick Note About Team Captains
We will be selecting eight team captains. Captains will be chosen based on a combination of team tenure, leadership, attitude, sportsmanship, work ethic, and how they represent the Barracudas both in and out of the pool.

Captains will receive a special yellow captain's cap, some other cool gear and will be expected to help lead by example, welcome younger swimmers, encourage teammates, and help continue building the positive culture we have worked hard to create. Captains will be announced before the meet tomorrow.

A Little Barracuda History
For many of our newer families, I wanted to share a little perspective on how far this team has come.

When I became Head Coach in 2020, we were the smallest team in the league. We had a great group of swimmers and families, but we were rebuilding and working to establish a strong culture.

Two years ago, the Barracudas won Small Team Championships for the first time in the team's 44-year history.

Last season, we followed that up with a second consecutive Small Team Championship.

This year, we find ourselves at an interesting crossroads. Our roster size is approaching that of some of the teams in the Large Team Division. That means we have an opportunity to make history in one of two ways:

• Become the first Barracudas team ever to win three consecutive Small Team Championships.
• Become the first Barracudas team to move into the Large Team Division.

Personally, I am aiming for the latter. While championships are always exciting, growth is the ultimate sign that a program is healthy. Regardless of where we end up, I am incredibly proud of what this team has become and excited to see what we can accomplish together this season.

Relays
I wanted to give a quick heads-up about relays. Relays consist of four swimmers and include both freestyle and medley events. Our A relays are typically made up of our fastest swimmers and can be very competitive.

I remind swimmers often that relay spots are earned through both performance and attitude. Times are important, but so are effort, sportsmanship, listening to coaches, and being a positive teammate. Relay selections are based on much more than a single race result.

As we get closer to Championships, relay opportunities become even more competitive. During the regular season, we are often able to enter multiple relay teams. However, at Championships, teams are limited to only an A and B relay. That means relay selections are based on the entire season, not just one meet. Every practice, every meet, and every interaction with coaches and teammates matters.

Relays are some of the most exciting events of the meet and are worth the most team points. My job is to put together relay teams that give us the best chance to succeed while also rewarding swimmers who demonstrate great effort and character throughout the season.

Individual Events & Exhibition Swimmers
Swimmers may compete in up to four events each meet. This can be any combination of relay and individual events.

For individual events, league rules only allow a team to score points with three swimmers per event. Because of this, you may occasionally see your swimmer listed as EXH (Exhibition) on the heat sheet. Exhibition swimmers still swim the event, receive an official time, and compete alongside everyone else, but they are not eligible to score team points in that race.

Decisions on who swims as an exhibition swimmer are based on a variety of factors including prior swim experience, best times, practice performance, and team needs. These decisions will change throughout the season as swimmers improve and gain experience.

One of the things I love most about swimming is that while it is a team sport, so much of the competition is against yourself. There will always be someone faster and someone slower. The goal is to keep improving, work hard, support your teammates, and celebrate personal progress. Some of the most meaningful accomplishments in swimming come from dropping time, mastering a new skill, or achieving a personal best. Not just finishing first.

A Quick Note for Parents
During meets, coaches are managing lineups, relays, swimmer check-ins, scratches, event changes, and helping swimmers prepare for their races. If possible, please save non-meet-related questions, concerns, or discussions for practice or another time outside of the meet. We are always happy to talk, but during the meet our primary focus is coaching your swimmers and making sure the meet runs smoothly.

Team Shirts & Additional Merchandise
Team shirts and merchandise should be arriving sometime this week, but they will not be ready for tomorrow's meet.

Also, a limited quantity of Adah's famous towel pants are still available through the team store!

Looking forward to a great first home meet and another great season. Thank you all for being part of what continues to make the Barracudas such a special team.

Go Barracudas!

Thanks,

Coach Alex