Good morning Piranha Parents!

Our kids and coaches have been working hard to get ready for our first swim meet at Wendell on Tuesday! To make sure you, too, are ready, I have a few things to share with you:

1. Swimmer Declaration and Entry - Here is the list of swimmers who will be entered to swim in events on Tuesday (as of 7:30 am Saturday). If your swimmer is not on this list, and they intend to swim on Tuesday, please go to https://oakpark.swimtopia.com/swim_meets and click on the green “Meet Entry” button to enter your child in the meet. The deadline to enter your child to swim on Tuesday is 11:30 pm tonight, Saturday, June 11. The coaches will enter swimmers into events on Sunday. You can check back to SwimTopia on Monday or Tuesday to see which events your child will swim.
2. Volunteers Needed - For TSA meets to run, parent volunteers are essential. Thank you to those parents who have already volunteered for Tuesday! We are still in need of some essential volunteers, including a timer and a place judge. If you are able to volunteer for one of these positions, please email me at [email protected] as soon as possible. Please check SwimTopia to see what you are signed up for and expect a reminder email from me early in the week if you are signed up to volunteer.
3. Directions and Pool Information for Wendell - Here is some meet-specific information you may need for Tuesday:
   1. Location and Parking Information:Wendell Waves’ pool is located at: 700 Selma Road, Wendell, NC 27591. To reach Wendell Swim Club, take US 64/264 east out of Raleigh to Exit 429. Turn right at the end of the exit ramp onto eastbound Wendell Boulevard (US 64 Business). Proceed 4 miles on Wendell Boulevard straight into town and turn right onto Selma Road (NC 231). The pool is approximately 1 mile on the left, just outside of the Wendell town limits. Look for a blue and white sign on the left, at the gravel driveway. If you get to Hollybrook Road you've gone too far. Feel free to park on the left or right side of the pool.
   2. Facility: Visitors are encouraged to bring a folding chair and/or a tent to our home meets. Swimmers can set up by the clubhouse and snack shack area. They have a 6 lane 25 Yard pool with lighting.
   3. Concessions: Wendell offers concessions where swimmers and families will be able to purchase walking tacos, drinks and snacks. Cash only.
   4. Warmups: As the visiting team, OPK will warm-up from 5:30-6:00. Please have your swimmers on deck by 5:15 so they are ready to begin on time. The meet will begin at 6:00 pm.
   5. Pre-Meet Briefing: All meet officials (scorekeepers, timers, judges) will meet for a briefing at 5:45 by the shelter.
   6. Extra Events: Wendell will host a Parents/Coaches Relay at the conclusion of the meet and 6 & under swim for a popsicle, if time permits.
4. Swimmers’ Goals This Week - Each week, the coaches focus on three goals for swimmers at the meet. The first two are consistent each week and the third is unique. On Wednesday, the coaches will review the goals with the swimmers at practice, but you can also talk with them before and/or after the meet to reinforce the focus on the goals. This week’s goals are:
   1. Sportsmanship - Teaching good sportsmanship is a cornerstone of youth sports. The coaches have taught specific expectations such as, staying in the water until everyone in the heat finishes and shaking hands after each race. Consider asking probing questions with your swimmer about ways they can show good sportsmanship at the meet, at practice, and beyond.
   2. Cheering - We are a Swim TEAM and it is important for swimmers to cheer on and encourage their teammates during the meet. We encourage swimmers to cheer others’ not only for success, but also for effort and through struggles.
   3. Streamline Position - Swimmers hit the fastest position in the water, streamline, at various points in ALL races. Can your swimmer explain to you what streamline position is and when they should be in it? After the race, let your swimmer know when you saw it and ask when they felt it. Your help in reinforcing this week’s technique focus is appreciated!
5. Parent Etiquette - The coaches ask that swimmers check in with them after each race. Just before and during the meet, however, is not a good time for parents to ask questions of coaches or provide input or feedback to coaches. Please allow the coaches to focus only on coaching during the meet. If you have a question, please feel free to see one of the TSA Representatives (Kathy Livengood or Andy Gospodarek) or the Swim Team Coordinator (Tricia Wendell) before or during the meet.

I look forward to seeing each of you Tuesday evening and to an amazing summer swim season!

Fondly,

Kathy Livengood

TSA Rep