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

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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.