OBST Newsletter // Jan & Feb 2026
Happy 2026, OBST families!
It's been busy in the office and on deck since returning from the holidays. I appreciate everyone's patience as we navigate some new technologies, policies, as well as the short turn-around for the first meet's entries. I am coupling January and February announcements in this newsletter since we are mid-month already and February will move quickly with the two championship meets scheduled. I am caught up for the most part post holidays and will continue our monthly newsletters as expected from this point forward.
Please make sure you are familiar with the terms of the additional policies implemented as of this year including attendance and the check-out procedure. We discussed these in our parent meeting last week, but you can alway refer to the handbook if you haven't already.
I always try to give a two-week period for new parents to order required equipment. Please make every effort to have your athlete's gear in hand by the coming Tuesday, 1/20.
Continue reading the below content for this month's happenings, reminders, and general information.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1/12 Arielle Williams (10)
1/21 Natalie Hastik (11)
1/25 Penelope Key (9)
1/31 Annie Kahler (6)
2/12 Finn Emmons (10)
2/13 Joseph Campbell (15)
2/22 Chandler Emmons (8)
2/25 Kinsley Lee (9)
2/26 Molly Vogel (8)
IMPORTANT DATES
THURS 1/15: ENTRY FEES FOR GPAC WINTER INVITATIONAL DUE!
You may now log onto SportmanWeb to pay your balance online! If you prefer to pay over the phone or in-person, either is acceptable. You are able to maintain a payment option on file as well.
SAT 1/17 - SUN 1/18: GPAC WINTER INVITATIONAL
MON 1/19: HAPPY MLK JR. DAY - NO PRACTICE! (FACILITY CLOSED)
MON 2/2: RSVP FOR REGION 4 CHAMPIONSHIP
Please mark in SwimTopia your attendance for Reg. 4 Champs in Pensacola by this date no later than noon. The meet invitation with all relevant details is attached as well as listed on the competition calendar under the "Meet & Events" tab in SwimTopia.
FRI 2/6: ENTRY FEES FOR REGION 4 CHAMPIONSHIP DUE
You may now log onto SportmanWeb to pay your balance online! Once entries are sent out, your account will show a balance listed as "Swim Meet Fees" with the particular meet provided in the notes section. If you prefer to pay over the phone or in-person, either is acceptable. You are able to maintain a payment option on file as well.
FRI 2/13 - SUN 2/15: REGION 4 CHAMPIONSHIP @ GPAC (PENSACOLA)
This is the last chance to qualify for Southeasterns! I will send out the warm-up assignments and heat sheets when available closer to date.
MON 2/16 - WED 2/18: MARDI GRAS BREAK - NO PRACTICES! (FACILITY CLOSED ON TUESDAY 2/17 ONLY)
If you are attending Southeasterns, we will have a training plan for that Monday and Wednesday -- stay tuned.
FRI 2/27 - SUN 3/1: 2026 SES WINTER CHAMPIONSHIPS
This championship is for Southeastern Swimming time standard qualifiers only.
LOOKING AHEAD...
4/1 Summer Registration Opens
4/13-4/17 Spring Break
4/25 Ready, Set, Bloom! @ Home
SWIM & TELL
Fitter & Faster is offering a swim camp in Birmingham focusing on "fast starts, turns, underwaters, and more" this March. There is also a camp series with select techniques available that will be held throughout the year in New Orleans as well. If interested, these camps are always a great opportunity to meet other athletes while gaining knowledge from Olympic-level professionals. Camps are open for registration and will announce their lead clinicians as dates approach.
BIRMINGHAM DETAILS: https://
NEW ORLEANS DETAILS: https://fitterandfaster.com/
MAKO OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to January's Mako of the Month, William Buck!
We recognize William Buck this month for his recent achievements in the water including leading his lane, conquering interval math, and really honing in on his swimming as a new member of the orange group. Let's keep it up, buddy!
Best,
Coach Dakota