Last Week of the Swim Season

Hello all!  

Here is what you can expect for the last week of swim season:

Monday, Oct 22

Practice as normal

Tuesday, Oct 23

Practice as normal

Wednesday, Oct 24

Pool game day

Thursday, Oct 25th

Team and Individual Pictures.

Sadly, we weren't invited to Districts and no one made individual State times.  While I am still looking into taking relays, it doesn't look promising.  I will keep everyone informed as soon as I know more.

I am looking to do our awards banquet the week of November 6-10th.  It will take place at Smoky Mountain Pizza in their banquet room.  Again, I will let everyone know about the exact date this week.  

Thank you for a great season!

Coach Evans and Coach Perkins

Team Photos

Don't forget!   Team photos are this Thursday during practice time.  Please come with your team suit and jacket.  

Click the link below to view team pics
Swim Photos for Fall of 2017

Meet Results for the Caldwell Invitational

Great job everyone!   Coach Perkins and I are so proud of you.  Check out who scored points and how many!!!

Meet Results

Individual Results

For the week of 9/25 - 9/29

We had another amazing meet!   I am so proud of our team!   We had some great races.  Here are some highlights and the link below will take you to all the results

Aubree T.  placed 8th in the Women's 100 Breaststroke.  She scored 3 individual points. Our Men's 200 Yard Free Relay, consisting of Cameron C, Dawson W, Derek A and Michael P placed 4th overall and scored 18 points! Our Ladies 200 Yard Free Relay, with Marisa S, Elliana H, Aubree T and Alexis B came in 7th over all and scored 8 points.

2017 Gem State High School Swim Invitational Results

Jackets and Team Photos

Our jackets finally arrived today and I will be sending them home with swimmers coming to practice.  Which means now I can schedule team photos!   I will be shooting for a Monday or Tuesday in about 2 weeks.  I want to have them done before fall break.  

Payments

I am still waiting to hear back from Mike (aquatics director) on a finalized price for swim team.  When I called last Friday, he told me not to worry about it and he was super busy with other things.  I will let you know the price as soon as he tells me.  If anyone at the front desk gives you a bad time, please let them know that Mike hasn't sent us a bill yet.  

For the week of Sept 18th - 23rd

Hello all!

Here are some updates you have been wondering about:

Jackets:
Yes, it has been a fair amount of time since we placed our order and we still haven't received them.  Please know it wasn't the company we used . . .the hurricanes back east affected the factory where are jackets were made.  The jackets were finally shipped last week and will be worked on this week by IDEA.  I am hoping to have them Saturday morning for our swim meet.


Money owed:
If you swam in the Rupert meet, you owe $5.00.  I need to collect ASAP.   I am also just waiting to hear back from Mike (YMCA aquatics head) on how much we will be billed for swim team.  I hope to have a final number this week.  Money will be due ASAP.


Nampa Rec Center Swim Meet:
This coming Saturday, Sept 23rd.   Cameron Clark, our team manager will be visiting with you on Monday and Tuesday for your prefered events.  If you sign up for the meet and don't show, it still costs you money.  The hosting team bills me for the swimmers that were registered, not the swimmers that show up.  Warm ups are at 8:00am and the meet starts at 9:00.  The fee for this meet is only $2.00.  For more information click the link below.

Nampa Swim Meet Details

District and State

Sadly, I don't think we will be allowed to compete at the District swim meet this year.  IHSAA, despite us paying them and filling out the proper paperwork, never changed our status from associate member to full member.  Due to this, they are saying we aren't allowed to participate in the only sanctioned meet of the year.  I, along with Mr. McDougal and Mrs. Oldenkamp are fighting this ruling, but I cannot guarantee that will change things.  We should still be allowed to participate in the State meet with relays and anyone who qualifies.

General House Keeping:

1. Please remember to text me if you cannot make it to practice.  I am keeping attendance records.  Swimmers not letting me know about absences will be counted as unexcused.  Unexcused absences can result in being asked to leave the team.  
2. Grades.  I will be sending out an email to all the high school teachers asking for your grades.  Please make sure you are as diligent with your school work as your are with swim team.  Anything below a C- isn't counted as passing.  Students with failing grades will not be allowed to swim until that grade is brought back up.
3. Be on time and prepared.  We only have an hour for practice now, so it is important to have that entire hour spent in the pool.

For the week of Sept 11 - 15th

Hello all!

We had a fantastic meet in Rupert.  Teresa and I are so proud of the team.  You all rallied around each other, supported everyone as they raced and did an amazing job.  Every member in every event improved their time!  Teresa and I could not be more pleased as coaches.  I look forward to our next meet, which will be local, at the Nampa Rec center on Sept. 23rd.  I know the host team is still planning, so I don't have details yet.  As soon as they become available, I will let everyone know.  Posted below are the official times from Saturday's meet. Just click the link.

Meet Results

Practice this week should return to normal from 6:15 - 7:30 at the Caldwell Y.   Please remember I am looking for 4 practices out of 5 a week.  If you cannot make it, I need a text stating why.


Our jackets should be done sometime this week.  When we get them, I will need for us to get a team photo asap.

Updates for the week of Sept 4th - 9th

This is another goofy week . . . .the Y pool remains closed until mid, possibly end of the week.  I did manage to work again with the College of Idaho to get some evening practices in.

Our Schedule:

Monday - 6:30 - 8:30pm
Tuesday - 6:30 - 8:30pm
Wednesday - No practice
Thursday - 6:30 - 8:30pm
Friday - 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Saturday's Swim Meet:

Mini-Cassia Invitational High School Meet in Rupert, ID

Rupert City Pool - 302 South  F Street, Rupert ID

Coaches meeting: 9:00am

Warm UPs - 9:15am

Meet Start - 10:15am

Meet fee - There is a cost for this meet.  It is $5.00 a swimmer.  Please have your $ to me no later than Thursday.  

*If your swimmer needs a ride, please email me asap so we can get car pools set up.


I am hoping to get our swim jackets before this meet. . . hopefully by Friday's practice.

Paying for Swim Team and Paperwork

Just a reminder that fees for swim team will be due on Sept 13th.  I will have a final number for you by next week.  The YMCA is going to reduce our fees due to the pool closing.  I do have to pay the COI for their pool use so it won't go down drastically.

If you got lettering on your team jacket, it cost .75 per letter.  That money is due when the jackets arrive.

I am still missing some paperwork.  If you haven't returned all your paperwork, you will be hearing from me this week.

Updates and Official Meet times

Hello all!  

We had a great first meet up in Hailey, Idaho.  Official times are posted below.

Wood River Team Results    Wood River Individual Results 

The YMCA contacted me to let me know that the pool had more issues than they previously thought. They estimate the pool will be closed for another week.  I currently have calls placed to other pools to try to find a home for this week and am waiting to hear back.   Please be patient.  I will email, text and call as soon as I know.

Updates for the Week of 8/21 - 8/26

This is the last week to recruit new swimmers for swim team.  If you know of someone even mildly curious, have them drop by to see what practice is all about.

REMEMBER the YMCA Pool is closed on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week. 

 We got special permission to practice at the College of Idaho pool those days from 5:30 - 6:30

The COI pool is in the back part of the campus.  There is a parking lot in back, just off of Oak Street.  Park back there.  The pool is one of the first buildings you run into.  It is labeled.  Just go down the stairs to the main deck area and I will meet you there.  

Suit orders went out last night and are due to be here on Thursday . . .cross your fingers they fit.  

Jacket orders will go out on Friday afternoon.  If you want names on your jackets,  you have to pay .75 a letter.  I do not cover these costs.    I will do my best to catch you all at practice on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Wood River Swim Meet is this Saturday, August 26th at the Blaine County Aquatic Center in Hailey ID.  Here are the details:

1. You must have 10 practices in before the meet.  If you don't, you can't swim.  These are the State rules.  You are still welcome to come support the team.  
2. Jaden Mikesell's family owns a large van and has offered to drive.  Depending on the number of swimmers going, the team may all fit. I'll be helping arrange rides on Wednesday. 
3. This is an outdoor meet.  Be prepared for all types of weather.  Bring your own camp chairs etc.  Limited concessions will be available so it will be important to pack your own breakfast, snacks and possibly lunch.   
4. Dry clothes and towels will be important.  Hats and sunscreen may also be needed.  
5. We will caravan from Vision Charter at 5:00am.  Please be on time.  It takes 2 hours and 40 minutes to get to the pool.
6. Coaches Meeting is right at 8am.  Warm Ups are at 8:15.   Officials and Timers Meeting is at 8:45am.  National Anthem - 8:55am.  Meet starts at 9am.  
7. I am guessing the meet will last anywhere from 2 - 3 hours.
8. If there is a quick place to grab lunch, we will stop for fast food only.  Then book it back to Caldwell. 

Updates for Pricing and How to Pay

Here are the final costs for swim team this season:

1.  If you are already a Y member - $70.00
2. If you are a non-member - $112.00
3. Regular meets - $5.50 per swimmer per meet
4. District meet - $13.00 per swimmer
5. State meet - $18.00 per swimmer ( I pay for swimmers who qualify)

Your swim fee's( which are paid to Vision Charter or swim coaches.   Make checks to Vision) need to be taken care of before Sept. 13th.   Meet fees need to be collected the day before the meets.  

* If money is a concern, there are work opportunities available though Vision Charter.  Please come visit with Coach Evans and I will put you in touch with Mrs. Oldenkamp.  

Team Jackets and Suits

By the end of next week, I will be getting sizes to order your team jackets and suits.  Here is a preview of what they will look like.






Men's Team Jammer                                                                  Woman's Team Suit
                                                                                                   

The jacket will be black with grey and white athletic stripes

The logo will appear on the upper right hand side





 

Quick Updates for Monday's practice . . .Please read carefully.

After attending the coaches meeting, I have several updates that may impact our first practice.   Please make sure you read these carefully.

1.  All paperwork, along with fees or a payment plan must be taken care of prior to getting into the water.  This includes having your physical done and a copy in my possession.  I realize in the past there was a grace period.  Unfortunately, being a sanctioned sport changes this rule.  

2.  Practice only counts if you are in the water swimming.  If you are unable to swim and sit on the side to be supportive, it doesn't count as a practice.  ( Again these are rules mandated from the Idaho High School Activities Association)

3.  You must have 10 full practices in before you can participate in a swim meet.  

The pool becomes available to us tomorrow right at 6:30pm .  I plan on being at the YMCA around 5:45pm to help you navigate the process of registration. I realize that some of you may not be able to swim tomorrow and I apologize for the short notice.  Again, the transition from club to sanction hasn't been a smooth or timely process.  Just bare with us as we navigate these "new waters".   

See you tomorrow!

Welcome Back to the Fall 2017 High School Swim Season!!

Hello all!   I realize that this is extremely short notice.  There have been a lot of exciting changes happening for our team and I have spent a fair amount of time trying to organize these changes.  Here is what you need to know:

1.  Yes!  Swimming is now an official high school sport.  It is no longer a club.

2.  I am now the sole, official coach of Vision Charter.  Teresa Perkins will be joining us again this          year as my assistant coach.

3.  We no longer have to share the pool with other teams.  Our pool time is just for Vision.

4.  Our first practice is Monday, August 14th at the Caldwell YMCA at 6:30pm

5.  Here is what you need to accomplish this week:

•  Fill out all the paperwork listed on the right side of the blog, under the tab called "Swim Team Paperwork".
• If you are new to swimming, a freshman or a junior, you must have a physical.  The form to take to your doctor is listed under the "Swim Team Paperwork" tab.  There are Quick/Urgent Cares around the Valley that do these for under $25.oo.  I need this before your swimmer is allowed in the pool.
• You must pay your fees or set up payment arrangements with the Caldwell YMCA.  The cost for swim team is $112.00 for non-Y members and $70.00 for Y-members.  Fees and/or payment arrangements must be taken care of before swimmers are allowed in the pool. All monies are collected by the Y for the sole purpose of swim team, entry fees to swim meets and pool usage.  
• Get 2 practice suits.  1 will not last you the season.  If you order on Amazon or from swimoutlet.com, you can get practice suits under $22.00.  For ladies, please think about straps that cross in the back and high fronts.  For gentleman, look for jammers, not swim trunks.
• Get a really good pair of racing goggles.  Cheap goggles don't last, don't stay on when diving and leak.  A good pair of goggles runs around $25.00 and can be found at Big 5, Amazon and swimoutlet.com.  Make sure if you order online to read the reviews and check for how fast they ship.  
• Get 2 swim caps.  You can pick these up on Amazon, local sporting good stores, or my favorite, swimoutlet.com.  Anyone with hair on their head should have them.  

Down below is a FAQ sheet.  If you have questions, please don't hesitate to email me.

Thanks and I look forward to an amazing swim season!

2017-2018 Swim Season FAQ's

I

Vision Charter High School Swimming

2017- 2018 Season

Head Coach Kara Evans karaevans@visioncsd.org
Assistant Coach Teresa Perkins teresaperkins@visioncsd.org

Please subscribe to www.vcsswimteam.blogspot.com for updates over the summer

                                                                 FAQs

      How long does the season run?

The high school swim season starts mid-August and ends with the State Tournament the first week in November.

             What are the practice times/days?

We practice at the Caldwell YMCA from around 6:15 – 7:30pm.  Practice is 5 days a week.  You must attend 85% of the practices in order to participate at a swim meet.  Always send the coach a text or email if you cannot attend practice, along with the reason. 

                 What are the costs?

a.       Things you need to buy:

1.       Swim Team membership $150.00 for the season.

2.   If you have a membership to the YMCA, you will receive a discount.  I am still waiting on a price but the Y thinks it will be around $80ish.

3.       Practice suits (can be purchased on-line at Swimoutlet.com for around $15.00 – 20.00)

4.      Good googles (cheap googles don’t last and leak – Swimoutlet.com and Big 5 sporting goods sell
 them for around $20.00)

5.      Practice Cap ( Swimoutlet.com, Big 5 and the Swim and Run Shop sell them for around $3-5.00)

b.      Things I purchase for you:

1.       Team Sweatshirt

2.      Team Racing Suit (cannot be worn at practice)

3.      Team Racing Cap (cannot be worn at practice)

Can I ride Bus #5 to the YMCA after school?

 Yes!  Most swimmers just take the bus to the Y after school.  There is time to do homework or dry land   training.  You have to go to the Caldwell YMCA and get the paperwork to ride the bus.  It is at the front desk. 

       Can I letter in swimming?

Yes! You must either meet the State Tournament qualifying times or go to State on a relay team. You must also be recommended by the coaches for being a team player, having passing grades and no disciplinary issues at the pool or school.

     Can I use swim team as a PE credit?

Yes! You have to keep track of the hours you swim and the coach must sign off on your tracking log.

     Do I need to be an excellent swimmer to join swim team?

No, however, you do need to be able to swim 1 lap in the YMCA pool.  Swimmers are divided at practice according to ability.  I do suggest you join a summer swim team, take lessons and/or take the time to brush up on your strokes before swim season starts in mid-August.  We hit the ground running!

     Do I have to try out to be on the team?

No, everyone is accepted, however, faster swimmers get first pick of events and relays.  

2017-2018 Swim Season FAQ's

I know it is hard to think about next year when this one isn't even over yet, but it is time to start recruiting for High School Swim Team.  The swim season always starts before school does, so I have to recruit at the end of each year.  Listed below are some FAQs for first time swimmers.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me.

Vision Charter High School Swimming

2017- 2018 Season

Head Coach Kara Evans karaevans@visioncsd.org
Assistant Coach Teresa Perkins teresaperkins@visioncsd.org

Please subscribe to www.vcsswimteam.blogspot.com for updates over the summer

                                                                 FAQs

      How long does the season run?

The high school swim season starts mid-August and ends with the State Tournament the first week in November.

             What are the practice times/days?

Times this year are not set yet, but the last 3 seasons we practiced at the Caldwell YMCA from around 5:30 – 7:00pm.  Practice is 5 days a week.  You must attend 85% of the practices in order to participate at a swim meet.  Always send the coach a text or email if you cannot attend practice, along with the reason. 

                 What are the costs?

a.       Things you need to buy:

1.       YMCA 3 month youth membership (this is based on income)

2.       Team membership $150.00 for the season

3.       Practice suits (can be purchased on-line at Swimoutlet.com for around $15.00 – 20.00)

4.      Good googles (cheap googles don’t last and leak – Swimoutlet.com and Big 5 sporting goods sell
       them for around $20.00)

5.      Practice Cap ( Swimoutlet.com, Big 5 and the Swim and Run Shop sell them for around $3-5.00)

b.      Things I purchase for you:

1.       Team Sweatshirt

2.      Team Racing Suit (cannot be worn at practice)

3.      Team Racing Cap (cannot be worn at practice)

Can I ride Bus #5 to the YMCA after school?

 Yes!  Most swimmers just take the bus to the Y after school.  There is time to do homework or dry land   training.  You have to go to the Caldwell YMCA and get the paperwork to ride the bus.  It is at the front desk. 

       Can I letter in swimming?

Yes! You must either meet the State Tournament qualifying times or go to State on a relay team. You must also be recommended by the coaches for being a team player, having passing grades and no disciplinary issues at the pool or school.

     Can I use swim team as a PE credit?

Yes! You have to keep track of the hours you swim and the coach must sign off on your tracking log.

     Do I need to be an excellent swimmer to join swim team?

No, however, you do need to be able to swim 1 lap in the YMCA pool.  Swimmers are divided at practice according to ability.  I do suggest you join a summer swim team, take lessons and/or take the time to brush up on your strokes before swim season starts in mid-August.  We hit the ground running!

     Do I have to try out to be on the team?

No, everyone is accepted, however, faster swimmers get first pick of events and relays.