Happy Monday, Marlins Fans!

First, I want to thank Susan for standing in as President and the rest of the Board Members for stepping up while I was out of town last week. I hear things went great, albeit a tad chilly.

We are so happy to see everyone back at the pool. We have over 200 swimmers registered for the season! Some important guidelines/reminders for practice to run as safe & smooth as possible:

• Thanks for your cooperation in keeping the pool decks clear for the coaches as they establish the routine of practices with the swimmers.
• If you need something answered immediately while at practice please do not interrupt the coaches. We need their eyes focused on our swimmers. Please look for a Board Member or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• Decisions regarding changes to individual practice schedules will be made by the end of the week. If you have a question regarding your swimmer’s options, please email the coaches at the email address above. Swimmers must swim with their assigned age group until approved in writing.
• If your swimmer will be out for 3 or more days, please email the coaches. Otherwise, no need to report absences.
• Don't forget that a representative from Texas Swim Shop will be at practice on Wednesday, May 17 to fit and sell the optional team suit or you can stop by the retail location at 10425B S Post Oak Rd, Houston, Texas 77035

THIS WEEKEND

Friday, 05/19: Swim Team Kickoff Party @ Maplewood Pool

• Party will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• 6 & Under and 7/8 age groups will have regular practice on Friday. No practice for 9 & Up.
• All registered swimmers and their immediate families are invited to a swim team private party at the pool. Please no guests outside of swim team families.
• Food options: consider supporting one of our sponsors and order pizza from LaFresca, stop by Old Hickory Inn to pick up some BBQ or order take out from The ‘401. Of course you can also bring your own dinner and drinks.
• We will provide some cold treats for dessert (concessions will not be open).
• Be ready for some fun activities including relays and a coach diving contest!

Saturday, 05/20: Stroke Judge Training @ Maplewood Pool

Please consider being a stroke judge. This is the league facilitated training that is required for stroke judges. If you can not make it Saturday, there is one this Wednesday at the Commonwealth pool. For questions about stroke judging, please contact Shauna Wilson at [email protected].

• 8-8:30am – Short Clinic for returning stroke judges
• 8:30-10am – Long Clinic for new stroke judges

Sunday, 05/21: Parent Meeting and Photos @ Maplewood Pool

Yes, it’s a Sunday again this year. Pool availability is limited and we have to fit it in when we can.

• Individual photos will start at 11:00 a.m. You can order online ahead of time this year but please bring your confirmation form with you. Or, order forms will be available on Sunday.
• We will be distributing pre-ordered merchandise, including the team shirts, when parents arrive. For team pictures, swimmers will wear the team shirt. We expect that the team photos will be taken about 11:30.
• We will start the parent meeting as soon as the photographers begin the team photo line up process (about 11:15 to 11:20). If you have specific questions you would like answered, please send them to [email protected]. A recap will be sent after the meeting.

There will be a Marlins Minute soon addressing the “Intrasquad” meet, AKA “time trials”. SwimTopia software will not allow us to change the date in our calendar, so just know that we plan to time on Wednesday 5/24 & Thursday 5/25 during regular practice times. Friday will be used as a make-up day. We will communicate the full plan soon. 

Go Marlins,
Mindy Campbell