Jun 5, 2015
Just a few quick reminders before our first meet of the season:
- Tomorrow’s meet is at Almaden Country Club (6663 Hampton Drive). See map on website.
- You will need to find parking on the streets around the pool; the parking lot is reserved for ACC members.
- Swimmers must check in with coaches no later than 7:30 am.
- If your swimmer is ill Saturday morning, please call Coach Scott’s cell phone: 408-613-5126.
- Parents, please check in with the volunteer coordinators even if you don’t have an assigned shift. We might need extra help.
- Space is very limited at the Almaden pool, so plan to get cozy and share EZ-Ups with other families. It’s good practice for Champs!
- Meet entries and volunteer assignments have been posted to the LPAC @ Almaden meet web page.
- Swimmers, always remember to check OUT with the coaches before you leave a meet. You might be needed to fill in for a relay.
- Morning practices start on Monday! See the Practices page of the website for times. Remember that the older kids have an extra 30 minutes of dryland on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Get a good night’s sleep tonight, and we’ll see you all at Almaden in the morning. GO PENGUINS!
Jun 1, 2015
Many thanks to all our swimmers, coaches, and parent volunteers for working so hard at Time Trials on Saturday and getting our season off to a great start. Now it’s time to take on the Almaden Gators!
TIME TRIALS MAKE-UPS TODAY – NO REGULAR PRACTICES
Remember that today (Monday, June 1) is Time Trials Make-Up Day. There are no regular practices. Those of you who swam all your events on Saturday get to enjoy an evening off!
Swimmers who did not attend Time Trials (or who did not swim all of their events) must attend Time Trials Make-Up Day today. Please be at the pool and check in with the coaches at 6:00 pm. We need parents to stay and help set up, serve as timers and recorders, and clean up afterwards. We hope to be done around 8:00 pm.
Please note that it is very important for swimmers to get a time in every event. A swimmer who enters a meet without a time is ineligible for improvement, which ends up costing the team valuable points. Last year LPAC barely beat Almaden by the slimmest of margins (.01 points), so every point really does count! (If you’re curious about how the scoring system works, check out How Swim Meets Are Scored on the team website.)
THIS WEEK AT PRACTICE
The coaches this week will be working with swimmers on specific focus areas based on what they saw at time trials. They will also be working on relays, diving off the blocks, and getting the whole team “race ready” for the meet at Almaden this weekend. Although we know this is a busy week with end-of-school activities, please try to come to practice every day if you can…we will need all our penguins swimming their best on Saturday!
PICTURE MAKE-UP DAY: WEDNESDAY (6/3)
If you weren’t able to make it to Team Picture Day, you can come for individual photo make-ups this Wednesday (June 3) at 4:00 pm. Please bring your checkbook if you want to order anything beyond the standard team package.
WILL YOU BE AT THE MEET ON SATURDAY?
If you will not be swimming at the meet this Saturday, or will have to miss any part of the meet, you must let the coaches know TODAY. You can either send email to the coaches (coaches@swimlpac.org) or fill out the “Note to Coaches” form at the pool. You should also notify Volunteer Coordinator Wendy Marley (marleywl@yahoo.com).
In general, please plan to notify both the coaches and the volunteer coordinators at least one week ahead of time if you will be missing a meet. The coaches start assigning events and relays on Mondays, and the volunteer coordinators need to be sure all shifts are covered. So please let us know ASAP if your swimmers will be missing any meets this season.
So far, we have heard that the following swimmers are missing all or part of the meet this Saturday (6/6): Ashley Blacow, Emily Burke, Elizabeth Burke, Madison Doutt, Jake DeSantis, Chase DeSantis, Taylor DeSantis, Nikolas Mamola, Madison Mamola, Alexa Wise, Christian Wise.
DUAL MEET #1: LPAC @ ALMADEN (SATURDAY, 6/6)
Our first “real” meet of the season will be an away meet against the Almaden Gators — traditionally the toughest team in the league. It was very exciting last year to get a dual meet victory over Almaden, and we’d love to do it again. Watch for more details about the meet (including check-in time and volunteer assignments) later this week.
MORNING PRACTICES START NEXT WEEK!
We will switch to morning practice times starting next week (June 8). Practice times will be as follows:
- 15-18: 6:45–7:45/8:15* am (*dryland on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays)
- 12-14: 7:45–8:45/9:15* am (*dryland on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays)
- 9-11: 8:45–9:30 am
- 8 & under: 9:30–10:15 am
Swimmers who unable to attend morning practices because of school or work commitments may attend night practices, Monday through Thursday from 8:00-9:00 pm. Swimmers must have coaches’ prior permission to attend night practices.
*Swimmers ages 12 and up will also have 30 minutes of dryland exercises immediately after their regular practice times on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Please bring running shoes on these days.
RAFT TRIP: TURN IN FORMS NOW!
The annual LPAC raft trip will be on Saturday, July 4 (there is no meet that weekend). We meet up near Oakdale and reserve rafts for what is usually a slow, gentle ride down the scenic Stanislaus River. Small rapids add to the excitement, but are tame enough for first-time rafters. Penguins and parents are welcome to join in the fun! Many families choose to spend the night in Oakdale either Friday or Saturday night (or both) and make it a fun family weekend.
You probably already know that part of the LPAC tradition includes attacking other boats with water guns and buckets to see who is truly “King of the River.” If you prefer a less intense experience, however, you can designate your raft as a “dry boat.”
This event does usually sell out, so if you’re planning to go, please go to the Raft Trip page of the website and print out entry forms. Turn those in with payment to the “RAFT TRIP” folder no later than June 27. The cost is $25 per person. Please note that you also need to bring signed waivers on the day of the trip.
FUN AGE-GROUP EVENTS
Next Friday (June 12), all swimmers in the 8 & under practice group are invited to a fun trip to Golfland right after practice. On Wednesday, July 8, swimmers in the 9-11 practice group can go to Rockin’ Jump from 12:00 to 2:00 pm. These events are optional, and there is a charge to participate. Thanks to Judy Seps and Mary Patterson for offering to coordinate these fun events! We’re also planning something for the 12-14 age group; stay tuned for more details. Check the Age Group Events page of the website for more information.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 26, 2015
Hope everyone had a fun time at Penguin Madness on Friday. We had a great turnout for yesterday’s Memorial Day swim clinic, and the coaches enjoyed working with swimmers on their starts and turns. Now it’s time to start looking forward to Time Trials on Saturday!
*NEW EVENING PRACTICE TIMES START TODAY*
For the next two weeks, our evening practice times are compressed because the pool is open to members until 6:00 pm. Please note the new times and age groups (today through June 5):
- 8 & under: 6:00–7:00 pm
- 9-12: 7:00–8:00 pm
- 13-18: 8:00–9:00 pm
THIS WEEK AT PRACTICE
In these two weeks of compressed practices, the lanes are going to be more crowded than usual. The coaches will be focusing on meet readiness before Time Trials on Saturday, so it’s especially important that new swimmers come to practice every day this week if possible.
REMINDER TO ALL PARENTS
We’re very happy to have our full coaching staff on deck now that Julia, Nicole and Jaclyn are all done with their college classes. We’d just like to remind parents that while you are welcome to remain on the pool deck during your child’s practice, we ask that you please refrain from talking to your child during practice sessions. It can be very distracting to both the swimmers and the coaches. If you have any questions or concerns, please try to speak to one of the coaches either before or after practice is over. Thank you for your cooperation and support.
PICTURE DAY ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 27
Team picture day is on Wednesday, May 27. We will start taking individual photos at 4:00 pm. The team photo will be taken at 5:00 pm, and any remaining individual photos will be taken after the group picture. Please note that we will still be having practices that night at the times noted above.
All swimmers should wear either a black-and-white LPAC team suit or a plain black suit. If you ordered a new suit this year, it will be available to pick up at practice on Tuesday (5/26).
Every swimmer gets a basic photo package for free (included as part of registration fees) that includes an 8×10 team photo, 4×6 individual, and photo button. But you can also order buddy portraits, calendars, magnets, posters, and more. Check the Picture Day page of the website to see all of the options, and remember to bring your checkbook if you want to order any extras!
TIME TRIALS ON SATURDAY, MAY 30
Time Trials will be this Saturday, May 30. Swimmers and parents should check in no later than 7:15 am. Coach Scott will have a brief meeting for new swimmers and their parents starting at 7:20 am. The meet should be done around 1:00 pm.
If you are new to the team, you might want to check out the Swim Meet Survival Tips article on the website for some helpful advice about what to bring, what to wear, etc.
If your child will not be able to attend Time Trials, you need to let the coaches know ASAP. Please send email to coaches@swimlpac.org or leave a “Note to Coaches” in the file box. Any swimmers who do not attend Time Trials must come to the make-up day on Monday, June 1.
VOLUNTEER SHIFTS AT TIME TRIALS
Volunteer assignments for this Saturday have been posted to the Time Trials page on the website under “Links.” Meet entries and results will eventually be posted here as well, once those reports are available.
Please check the list for your name and assigned shift(s). If you don’t see your name listed but you do have a child who will be swimming at Time Trials, please e-mail Wendy Marley at marleywl@yahoo.com. If you see your name but your child is NOT swimming, please also e-mail Wendy, so the position can be filled. We still have openings for timers, both first and second shift.
Please note, we really need everyone to pitch in at Time Trials. Because there is no other team, we have to man all the volunteer roles, and we have several families who will be out of town this weekend. If you have a child swimming, we need your help! If you have more than one swimmer swimming, we may need you to work an extra shift. If you know another family in the same position, offer to split a second shift with them!
TIME TRIALS MAKE-UP DAY: MONDAY, JUNE 1 (NO REGULAR PRACTICES)
Swimmers who cannot attend Time Trials on Saturday must come to Make-Up Day on Monday, June 1 at 6:00 pm. Parents are expected to stay and volunteer as timers and recorders during Make-Up Day. Please note there will be no regular team practices on Monday.
WANTED: BOY’S SIZE 28 BLACK OR LPAC TEAM SUIT
We are seeking a boy’s pair of size 28 jammers (either black or LPAC team suit) for a new penguin who won’t have his suit in time for Picture Day due to an ordering snafu. Please reply to this email if you have an extra suit you don’t mind sharing. Thank you!
SWIM LESSONS
Though our LPAC coaches focus on stroke technique every day at practice, there’s only so much they can do with 30-40 kids in the pool at one time. Individual or small-group swim lessons can be a great way to improve your strokes, starts, and turns even more. Check the Swim Lessons page of our team website for some different places that offer individualized stroke instruction for all ages.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Tuesday, May 26: Practice times change
- Wednesday, May 27: Picture Day
- Saturday, May 30: Time Trials
- Monday, June 1: Time Trials Make-Up Day (no regular practices)
- Saturday, June 6: LPAC @ Almaden
- Monday, June 8: Morning practices begin
- Friday, June 12: Golfland Trip (8 & Unders)
- Saturday, June 13: LPAC @ Belwood
- Saturday, June 20: Montevideo @ LPAC
- Saturday, June 27: LPAC @ Silver Creek
- Saturday, June 27: Overnighter and Cardboard Boat Races
See full LPAC 2015 calendar
May 18, 2015
THIS WEEK AT PRACTICE
It’s Kick Week at Los Paseos! We’ll be spending every day this week focusing on a very important (but sometimes overlooked) part of stroke technique: kicking. We will also be introducing breaststroke to the newest penguins.
PENGUIN MADNESS THIS FRIDAY
Penguin Madness will be this Friday, May 22 from 6:00 to 8:00pm. There will be no swim practice on this day.
Preliminary team rosters are posted to the Penguin Madness page of the website. Swimmers are encouraged (but not required) to wear the color of their designated penguin team. Note that these are all dryland games, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes so you can run, jump, crawl, etc.
If you haven’t signed up yet, it’s not too late! Send an email today to info@swimlpac.org and include your child’s name and age. There is no cost for this event.
Parents and siblings are welcome to come and cheer for their favorite penguins. We recommend that you bring warm layers, plus snacks, water, and folding chairs or blankets to sit on. (Please note that we are not having a Baja Fresh fundraiser for Penguin Madness this year.) Hope to see you all there!
MEMORIAL DAY SWIM CLINIC
There are no regular team practices on Memorial Day (Monday, May 25), but swimmers are invited to attend an optional Swim Clinic that morning from 9:00am to 10:30am. The coaches will be working with small groups of kids on diving from the blocks, backstroke starts, pulldowns, and all types of turns. Swimmers who want to work on any of these skills are welcome to attend. There is no cost for this event.
PRACTICE TIMES CHANGE AFTER MEMORIAL DAY
After Memorial Day, the pool is open to its members until 6:00 pm. This means that we have to compress our swim practices for the last two weeks until school is out (May 26 until June 5). Please note the new times and age groups:
- 8 & under: 6:00–7:00 pm
- 9-12: 7:00–8:00 pm
- 13-18: 8:00–9:00 pm
PICTURE DAY ON MAY 27
Team picture day is on Wednesday, May 27. We will start taking individual photos at 4:00 pm. The team photo will be taken at 5:00 pm, and any remaining individual photos will be taken after the group picture. Please note that we will still be having practices that night at the times noted above.
All swimmers should wear either a black-and-white LPAC team suit or a plain black suit. If you ordered a new suit this year, it will be available to pick up at practice on Tuesday (5/26).
Every swimmer gets a basic photo package for free (included as part of registration fees) that includes an 8×10 team photo, 4×6 individual, and photo button. But you can also order buddy portraits, calendars, magnets, posters, and more. Check the Picture Day page of the website to see all of the options, and remember to bring your checkbook if you want to order any extras!
TIME TRIALS ON MAY 30
The first swim meet of the season is Time Trials, which is just like a regular meet but without the other team. At Time Trials, LPAC swimmers race against their own teammates to establish times in every event under real race conditions. These times are used to determine seedings and calculate improvement points at the dual meets. It’s a good chance for swimmers and parents to get warmed up for the start of the season—and a great opportunity for our newest penguins to experience their very first races!
Attendance at Time Trials is mandatory, and we need parents to volunteer for positions just like at dual meets. If you haven’t yet signed up for a volunteer shift, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Wendy Marley.
If your child will be unable to attend time trials, you need to let the coaches know ASAP. Please send email to coaches@swimlpac.org or leave a “Note to Coaches” in the file box. Any swimmers who do not attend Time Trials must come to the make-up day on Monday, June 1, and parents need to stay to help time and record.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Friday, May 22: Penguin Madness
- Monday, May 25: Memorial Day Clinic (no regular practices)
- Tuesday, May 26: Practice times change
- Wednesday, May 27: Picture Day
- Saturday, May 30: Time Trials
- Monday, June 1: Makeup Time Trials (no regular practices)
- Saturday, June 6: LPAC @ Almaden
- Monday, June 8: Morning practices begin
- Friday, June 12: Golfland Trip (8 & Unders)
- Saturday, June 13: LPAC @ Belwood
- Saturday, June 20: Montevideo @ LPAC
May 11, 2015
Dear Penguins and Parents:
On to Week 3! It’s great to have Coaches Nicole and Julia on the deck now. Coach Jaclyn is still finishing up college classes and final exams, but we should have our full coaching staff on duty soon.
PENGUIN MADNESS COMING SOON!
Are you ready for Penguin Madness? If your child plans to participate, please reply to this email TODAY so we can start assembling the penguin teams. This year Penguin Madness will be on Friday, May 22 from 6:00-8:00 pm (there are no regular practices on that day). Parents are welcome to come watch the madness!
THIS WEEK AT PRACTICE
This week, the coaches will be continuing to evaluate each swimmer in all four strokes to determine what specific areas to focus on this season. Please continue coming to practice every day if you can!
RESERVE ROOMS FOR RAFT TRIP
The team raft trip this year will be on Saturday, July 4. We have reserved a small block of rooms at the Motel 6 in Oakdale, but they do fill up fast. Call 209-847-8181 to reserve your room today. For more information, see the Raft Trip page on the website.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Check the Team Calendar for a complete list of upcoming events.
May 4, 2015
Dear Penguins and Parents:
The coaches were happy to have such great attendance at the first week of practice. We know this is a busy time of year for everybody, but try to keep the momentum and continue coming to as many practices as you can.
WELCOME NEW PENGUINS!
We’re excited to welcome 17 brand-new penguins to the LPAC family! They all did a great job during the first-week tryouts and are very excited to be on the swim team. Special thanks to the high school swimmers who have been coming to help out while we wait for Coaches Julia, Nicole and Jaclyn to finish up their college classes.
SWIM CHICK AND PENGUIN PAPA SHIRTS STILL AVAILABLE
If you didn’t already order one, it’s not too late to order the cute “Swim Chick” or “Papa Penguin” t-shirts! Contact Jennie Anderson ASAP to place your order.
STROKE & TURN CLINIC ON SATURDAY
If you’re interested in becoming a Stroke & Turn judge, please attend the special training clinic this Saturday, May 9, at 9:00 am at the Los Paseos Clubhouse. The session usually lasts until around noon. For more information, contact Nancy Keslin.
PENGUIN MADNESS COMING SOON!
Most of the year, we’re all one big happy penguin family. But at Penguin Madness, swimmers from all age groups are grouped into different penguin teams to compete in fun non-swimming events like tug-of-war and musical chairs to see who has the most penguin power. This year Penguin Madness will be on Friday, May 22 from 6:00-8:00 pm (there are no regular practices on that day). If your child plans to participate, please reply to this email ASAP.
RESERVE ROOMS FOR RAFT TRIP
The team raft trip this year will be on Saturday, July 4. We have reserved a small block of rooms at the Motel 6 in Oakdale, but they do fill up fast. Call 209-847-8181 to reserve your room today. For more information, see the Raft Trip page on the website.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Check the Team Calendar for a complete list of upcoming events.
