Good morning, Barracuda Nation.  On Saturday, July 4, we do not have a meet, so enjoy the holiday and a rare morning of sleep.

(1)  OBB Meet

It was one of the closest meets in my tenure - we ended up losing by about 20.  What I look at in the results is the percentage of improvement and the number of DQs.  For time drop, we earned 51% improvement and they earned 47% which means we are continuing to get faster in the water.  For DQs, over half were on backstroke finishes (turning onto your chest) or one hand touches (breast and fly).  We will continue to fix.  I know that a lot of swimmers are struggling with scissor kick on breast.  It is a very common problem, and it often takes a long time to fix.  We will continue to focus on conditioning and stroke work this week.

(2)  Divisionals Overview

The final meet of the season is a tri-meet, at our pool, on Saturday, July 25.  Much, much more detail later.  I just want to share the eligibility requirements.  First, a swimmer must compete in at least TWO dual meets.  Second, a swimmer needs a legal (non-DQ) time in the event.  I have opened the meet for attend/decline.  Please complete that step this week so we can plan ahead.  Note that coaches choose events for all swimmers in the meet so that we can compete to win.  

(3)  Little Cudas Session B

The second session of the Little Cudas - Session B - begins on Monday, June 29.  They swim from 9-10am.  All swimmers and parents should meet Coach Bella and Camila under the American flag at 9.  

(4)  Coaching Rotation

This is a common vacation/travel week for all of us, including the coaches.  We will be missing Coach Cam for a bit, Coach Tessa for a few days, and me at the end of the week.  I think you know this - but I should repeat - we have six coaches on this staff who could head coach elsewhere, so I am fully comfortable stepping away for a few days with my wife and kids, and for that, I am extremely grateful and lucky.  

(5)  Weather and Pool Temp

The water will get warmer, and warmer very quickly.  Make sure your swimmers have plenty of cold water in a reusable water bottle all week.  By the end of the week, we will be into the 100s, and we need to be careful to stay hydrated.

(6)  Friday, July 3

We are moving our Monday Funday to Friday, July 3.  Same practice time, and since some parents have the day off from work, we invite you to have some fun in the pool with us.  

Thanks.  Again, always a pleasure to lead this team!

Coach John

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