Week 13 and Championship Week

IT'S CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON - FINISH STRONG!! As we face this time of the season, it's easy to look at taper as a time to "turn off." The problem with taking that stance is that it leaves too many things to chance. It leaves to chance all of the hard work that has been put in over the season, the sacrifices that we have all made, and the joys and frustrations we have gone through. Don't fall to that trap. Stay focused, stay driven, stay engaged.

CONFERENCE WEEK
As you go into this week, we need to make sure that we're doing everything we can to stay rested up throughout the week. Get enough/extra sleep and avoid adding extra vigorous physical activities. If you have a question about something that you're doing, employ the motto "when in doubt, leave it out".
At the meet, between warm up and the actual meet, each day of Conference will be 5+ hours long. Each day, be sure to bring plenty of snacks and a couple water bottles or other drinks so that you can stay fueled-up throughout each session. On Saturday, eat a good breakfast (much more than just a piece of toast!).
Each swimmer needs to bring a pair of comfortable, broken-in tennis shoes to wear on-deck during the meet on both Friday and Saturday. Walking around barefoot on a hard-surfaced pool deck for five hours is more draining than you would expect. Please clean the soles beforehand so we're not tracking dirt everywhere.
For information on the conference meet (how it is set up and scored), go to this page.

VERY IMPORTANT SCHEDULING INFORMATION BELOW

Practice Times
Monday - Normal Practice Time: 3:20-6:00

Tuesday
* Conference athletes (those not qualified as individuals for state) will be done around 5:30
* Others will have a normal 3:20 - 6:00

Wednesday
Conference Swimmers - In the water from 3:20 - 4:45ish.
    *Hopefully we can do our Haircut Day after practice. 

           - I hope to do our haircuts at the pool in the locker room. 

           - This is totally optional.
           - Some extra clippers would be helpful
           - We should be able to finish this up by 6:30.

State Swimmers & Divers - 3:20-5:45

Thursday
State Swimmers: 3:30-6:00ish Practice

Conference Swimmers: 3:30-4:30 Swimmers are in the stands finishing homework.
   *4:30-6:00 Last Practice
   *6:00 All practices will be done.
      - Except for one lane for band members (Jonah, Dan, Parker, Jackson)
      - These swimmers will do a short 45-60 minute practice as soon as they return from Festival
      - PARENTS MUST PLAN TO DRIVE ATHLETES FROM THEIR PERFORMANCE.

Divers

   *3:45 - 5:45 Practice: 2-3x conference list

All Athletes Post Practice
   *6:15 - All athletes head to the Multi Purpose room for Pre-meet pasta meal
   *6:45 - Dinner wrap up and head to the HS for shave down

          -State swimmers head to the HS to assist with shave down and clean up.

   *Shave down should be done about 8:30

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SHAVE DOWN - Shaving is required for ALL SWIMMERS. The shave down is as much about a psychological boost as it is about removing hair. The feel that a swimmer gains from shaving (caused by the removal of a small layer of skin) gives a psychological boost that is hard to explain. Arms, legs, and chest and back should all be shaved.

Here is an article about the history and impact of the shave down.
Here is a great article about the do's and don'ts with helpful hints for the shave down.


Conference Meet
Prelims on Friday, February 23
DIVERS
   *Divers will be dismissed after 3rd Period (10:55)
   *The Kitchen will have snack bags with a small sandwich, etc..
   *Divers should be on deck in Hamilton by 11:50

SWIMMERS
  *Swimmers will be dismissed after 7th Period (1:55)
  *The Kitchen will have snack bags with a small sandwich, etc..
  *Swimmers will meet at The Well to eat
  *Bus will bring the swimmers to the pool leaving at 2:30

Finals on Saturday, February 24
Swimmers and divers should be on deck by 10:15
  *Swimming & Diving warm-ups 10:00 a.m. 

  *We will start at 10:30, but I'll be there by 10:00 for anyone who wants more time.

FURTHER ON UP THE ROAD
Second Chance Meet Hosted by Holland (I Think) - Tuesday, March 5
This will be a final meet for some, but it gives athletes a chance to swim events that they did not get to swim at the Conference meet. This means one more practice day and one more meet day while fully tapered. More details to come later.

Diving Regionals at Hamilton - Thursday, March 3
Warm up will be at 3:00 pm
Meet begins at 5:00 pm

SAVE THE DATE End of the season banquet will be held at the HS Cafeteria on Monday, March 16 at 6:30. Details will be emailed to you.