WESTERN BRANCH SWIM/DIVE INFORMATION

 

*Long Term Goal for this team:

-I want to be a top 3 team at states (both boys and girls) within the next 3-4 years, and within the next 5 years be a state champion.  If you are not on board with this then please don’t even both trying out.

 

*Short Term Goal for this team:

-We are looking to win a district championship this year, and a regional championship within the next 3 years……..Once again, if you are not willing to be an avid team player to make this happen, please don’t bother trying out. 

 

*General Information you need to know:

 

1)    Academics Policy- We have a 2.0 GPA policy.  This means if your grades are below a 2.0, you don’t participate.  Also, if you fear your grades are going to be slipping under, please let me know ASAP, so I can plan ahead.  Basically I want all of my athletes to be the best of the best not only in the pool, but also in the classroom!

 

2)    If you cannot handle taking on an extracurricular activity along with your busy course load at school, then please think twice about signing up for this team!

 

3)    There is no missing swim meets for non-valid excuses.  For example, I expect you at all meets unless there is a conflict with a school function or you are sick…..Missing a swim meet because you have a prior engagement with friends, or because you want to go to a concert that your favorite band is playing at will not be acceptable!

 

4)    There is a zero tolerance policy for alcohol and drugs on my team.  If I find out that you have been involved in the use of either of these things during the season it will result in your immediate and permanent suspension from the team.

 

5)    I plan on taking approximately 22 boys, and 22 girls. The way I do cuts is via our first week of practice.  You need to do everything in your power to get your body into shape for it.  I don’t plan on starting easy, as I don’t have time for it in our quest to win a championship.  Therefore, if you cannot handle practices the first week you will cut yourself, or be urged to possibly help out the team in a managerial role.

 

6)    Assuming you make the team, what you swim at meets is my choice, and only my choice.  I do not take requests, and I will not deal with anyone who has a “me” first attitude.  While it may seem like it is an individual sport, we win or lose as a team, and I plan on putting you in the events that I feel will benefit OUR TEAM the most.  Remember my goal is to have the team win championships. You’re individual successes will in the end lead to our team’s success.  With that attitude in mind we’ll have a “positive team atmosphere”

 

7)    Please look over our swim schedule and mark down the dates

 

8)    Tentative Practice Schedule is as follows:

-Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays (when we don’t have meets) from 8-9:15pm (keep in mind these are tentative); and Saturday mornings from 8-9:15am (when we don’t have meets)

 

9)    Mandatory Items that are required for the year: Team Suit, Team Cap, Team Shirt; Other clothing will be sold additionally as well.  At this point we are working on the fundraising to have this paid for by the school, and through our group of supportive parents.  If we cannot pull together the funds to do this, then it will be required for athletes to purchase their own suits, caps, and apparel (we can cross this bridge when we get there)

 

10)  You will be required to sign a sportsmanship pledge via the school, and I will expect an unwritten code of conduct amongst teammates to exist on this team.  Any swimmers or divers of mine need to treat each other with the utmost respect at all times.  Remember, as a cohesive unit we will succeed.

 

11)  PLEASE GET ALL PHYSICALS DONE PRIOR TO THE FIRST PRACTICE.  FAILURE TO HAVE YOUR PHYSICAL ON FILE WITH THE SCHOOL, OR WITH ME PRIOR TO THAT FIRST PRACTICE WILL RESULT IN A FAILURE TO TRY OUT FOR THE TEAM!!!!  This is the school’s policy and we need to adhere to it.

 

12)   First team practice will tentatively scheduled for Monday, November 12^th (this is still uncertain, I’ll let you know as soon as I get things tied up).  All practices will be held at the Portsmouth YMCA

 

13)  My email address is: msalpeter@portsmouthymca.org or mwcswimmer@yahoo.com

 

 

Please feel free to email me if you have any questions!

 

 

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO A FANTASTIC SEASON OF FAST SWIMMING, AND A GREAT DEAL OF FUN!