OBST Newsletter // September 2026
Hello OBST parents,
We are now three weeks into our Fall season and hopefully everyone is settling into their daily routine and practice regimen.
This September brings an extremely calm club schedule compared to the past, but many local pools are undergoing construction or facility transitions of some kind, as will ours at the top of 2027. (You can view our new facility plan in the OBAC lobby!) My advice is to encourage athletes to enjoy the pace, hone their technique, and practice for the future.
Speaking of which, all Junior and Senior swimmers received a goal-setting packet a little over a week ago. I will meet one-on-one with swimmers during practice this week (and most likely into the next) to discuss their goals and scope of this short course season. I want our athletes to feel heard and ensure we are aligned on the course of action.
I will conduct a similar, though less intense, goal-setting activity for our younger athletes soon.
I always provide a two-week grace period for new swimmers to purchase gear. If you have not yet gotten your swimmer(s) their appropriate equipment per group, please do so promptly as practices will commence as planned whether swimmers are prepared or not. The equipment does not need to be from a top brand, just the essential style (i.e. short-blade fins over long-blade fins, fingertip paddles versus hand paddles, etc.). You don't go to soccer practice without cleats! :)
If competing, our team suit is available for purchase through Agon Sports, but it is not mandatory. A plain royal blue competition suit is completely acceptable.
Please see the handbook or visit the "About" tab's drop-down menu on our website for a list of necessary equipment.
The 2026-2027 swim year officially begins today! In the eyes of USA Swimming, September 1st marks the official new calendar year in our sport, which includes short course (Aug-March) and long course (April-July) seasons. I mention this because many of our athletes are USAS members and compete year-round.
All of our swimmers can still participate in rec-level meets when offered, however, my goal is to steer athletes toward and grow our USAS presence. If your swimmer is a year-round athlete, you must establish or renew their USAS membership to compete in 2026-2027 USAS sanctioned swim meets.
If your swimmer has never competed at the USAS level and they'd like to give it a try, there are seasonal or flex membership options also available.
To attach to OBST under USA Swimming membership, please visit this link:
https://omr.usaswimming.org/
That's all for now. I sincerely appreciate our team community.
If you have any questions, y'all know how to reach me!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
9/02 Bodie Powell (10)
9/16 Amelia Chiseev (12)
9/25 Coach Dakota's Birthday
IMPORTANT DATES
9/7 LABOR DAY - NO PRACTICE (FACILITY CLOSED)
9/15 High School Swim Meet @ GS
Those not competing still have practice at OBAC.
9/15 Confirm Entry for CMSA Vance Rose by Noon
Please mark your swimmer's attendance for the CMSA Vance Rose Invitational, which takes place at Bishop State in Mobile the first weekend of October, no later than this afternoon. I need to submit entries to CMSA by the end of the week!
Once attendance is confirmed, I will reach out to all attendees with their events and dues. Dues will appear on your Sportsman Web account.
9/22 High School Swim Meet @ Lake Forest
Those not competeing still have practice at OBAC.
9/25 NO PRACTICE
Enjoy an early start to the weekend! :)
LOOKING AHEAD...
8/10 Fall Season Begins
10/02-10/04 CMSA Vance Rose Invitational
10/15 OBMHS Home Swim Meet - No Practice!
10/20 High School Meet (Gulf Shores)
10/24 OBST Spooktacular
10/27 OBMHS Home Swim Meet - No Practice!
11/5 High School Meet (Fairhope)
11/6-11/8 CMSA Fall Invitational
11/20-11/22 GPAC Gravy Bowl
11/23-11/27 Thanksgiving Break - No Practice!
11/27-12/2 Coach Dakota Out of Town - No Practice!
12/11 OBST Holiday Practice
12/14 Registration for Winter/Spring Season Opens
12/18 Last Day of Practice
SWIM & TELL
A handful of people have asked about ordering additional team apparel. You are more than welcome to log into your Agon Sport account and order new swimsuits, sweatshirts, backpacks, etc. at any time. It's our team store!
If you are specifically looking to purchase the classic OBST orange tee or the "Got Grit?" longsleeve tee, we sell both of those at the front desk of the OBAC. We also have additional team caps and bumper stickers available.
Spread pride for the Mako Nation!
MAKO OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to July's Mako of the Month, Summer Anderson!
Summer has recently showcased a real competitive drive and motivation in the water. Having joined OBST less than a year ago, she has advanced with eager positivity and frequently leads the Blue group in practice. She is a great example of what one can accomplish by bringing their best effort (and spunkiness) every day—an important balance to learn in this tough sport!
Keep it up, Summer! Your future in swimming looks bright!
Best,
Coach Dakota
