Hi Makos,

I hope y'all had a great weekend! 

A couple of things to mention as we head into our first meet week of the season as well as some important dates to know of as we inch closer to the end of the year. If you wish to attend the Gulf Shores meet this Saturday 10/5 and have not yet confirmed attendance, please let me know ASAP before 10/2. Currently, we have 19 athletes competing this weekend and I am so excited to watch OBST thrive. I am so proud of how hard everyone has been working lately and think this meet will really encourage and inspire our newer, as well as more experienced swimmers, as to why we do what we do.

GULF SHORES 10/5: 
The warm-up times and assigned lanes have yet to be distributed, however, I would prepare to be at the pool at 8 a.m. on Saturday as the meet will be starting at 9 a.m. We will most likely get two lanes for 20 minutes for warm-up. All groups will warm-up together. 

I highly suggest bringing your own chairs for sitting. If any families have a tent to prop up and share for additional shade, that is beneficial too. I would love for our families to sit together as much as possible for a) team spirit and camaraderie and b) an easy path to find athletes if there is any confusion to attend to. Athletes are to swim their races and come talk to me after every race, please! I will remind them of this after warm-up as well. 

Swimmers should wear a solid blue (royal if possible) swim suit or the team suit from Swim Outlet for competition as well as their OBST cap, goggles (maybe a spare pair too), and I suggest flip flops on deck because the tile floor at GS is super slippery. 

Parents, you will want to make sure you have a sharpie for marking your swimmer's events as well as a highlighter for the heat sheet. The heat sheets are typically $2 cash at GS. I would also have cash on hand for the concession stand if necessary, but I would prefer y'all to bring your own HEALTHY snacks or lunch. The concession stand is really a bunch of junk mostly. (There is information about competition, how to read a heat sheet, and more in the official handbook.) 

Don't forget multiple towels, blankets, and/or sweats to keep warm in between events should the weather be chilly. I doubt it, but it's always good to be prepared. 

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES: 
10/19-10/20 Auburn War Eagle Invitation 
10/21 NO PRACTICE (for those who swam at Auburn)
10/31 NO PRACTICE Happy Halloween!
11/1 registration for Winter/Spring season opens online
11/4 entries due for Gravy Bowl Invitational at GPAC
11/7 entries due for Thanksgiving Challenge Meet in GS
11/9 Thanksgiving Challenge Meet in GS
11/22-11/24 Gravy Bowl Invitational at GPAC
11/25 NO PRACTICE (for those who swam at GPAC)
11/26 last practice of the season (FYI: next year we will continue into the first week of December and go back a week later in January - it works better for competition schedule)
12/3 OBST appearance at The Wharf's Christmas Tree Lighting (details to come)
12/7 Christmas Challenge Meet in GS
1/6 first practice back for Winter/Spring season

As always, my door is always open. 

Best,