Weekly News / by Coach Laura

Welcome to Week 21!

Welcome to the last week of January. For those swimmers who have made an effort to attend practice, I know January has been challenging. Preparation for the championship meets in February, has been filled with extending our endurance base while improving speed work as we race. I am proud of all the swimmers' efforts this past month and look forward to the upcoming championship season.
 
As you may have heard,  we have had some changes to the coaching staff. Coach Doug has had a business offer to further his career in Raleigh, NC making it necessary for him to leave the area. Coach Amanda has decided to focus on other endeavors. We wish them the very best as they begin or extend their careers. All practice groups and schedules will remain the same. Coach Molly, Coach Jessica and myself will continue these coaching duties with no disruption to the Outer Banks Swim Club and it’s commitment to excellence in swimming. The Junior program will be directed by Coach Molly, while the Junior Elite 1 program will be coached under my direction. Questions regarding your child’s new coach can be forwarded to me or Molly. We will be happy to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding these changes. Due to the fact that Molly was working with Doug prior to his departure, she is familiar with the Junior group and would be happy discuss the program’s objectives and concepts. She may be reached at molly_blazek@yahoo.com or Molly_Blazek@belk.com. As always, you may reach me at swimcoachlaura@yahoo.com, (h)491-2505, or (w)480-0683.
 
Good luck to Arielle Pickrel, Brittney Gibbs, Elise Gibbs, Drew Keenan, Henry Roach, and Molly Blazek as they compete this weekend at the ODAC A/BB meet at ODU.Some of these swimmers will also be competing at the North Carolina State High School Championship in Raleigh on Saturday!  Good luck to all!
See you at the pool!
Coaches Laura, Molly, and Jessica

SENIOR- Dryland- Running M+W @ 4:30. Fridays in Fitness Room B at 4:30PM. Senior meeting and tapes will be held Thursday @ 4:30 PM in the YMCA meeting room. Wear appropriate work out clothes and shoes. Journals are now due on Mondays. Core positions to be done nightly, if not done in practice. Junior Elite 2 and  Senior parents, please ask your child if they have completed their positons daily. If done at home, it will take no longer than 10 minutes. 

All swimmers please remember to bring the following to practice:
Goggles- you might invest in an extra pair, just in case!
Cap-girls at practice, everyone at meets
Fins- all groups
Paddles- all groups who ordered should bring them to practice
Water or sports drink- Accelerade, Endurox, (o! nly found at GNC or internet) Gatorade
 
Regular Practice Schedule-
Senior- MTWTHF 4:30-6:30 Tues- 6:00AM-730AM, Sun- 3:30PM-5:30PM         
Developmental- Tuesday, Thursday 6:30- 7:30
Junior Prep- Mon, Tues, Thurs. 3:30-4:30
Junior- Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri. 6:30-8:00 (3 to 4 practices recommended)
Junior Elite 1- Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, 6:30-8:00 / Sunday 3:30-5:30 ( 4 to 5 practices recommended)
Junior Elite 2- Mon, Wed, Fri, 4:30-6:30, Tues. 6:30-8:00, Sunday 3:30-5:30 ( 4 to 5 practices recommended)
 
UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER:

Feb 3-5- ODAC A/BB ODU-  Qualifying times only- meet entry date closes 1/23

Feb 17-19- B/C Champs- please sign up at the YMCA-meet entry date closes 2/5

Feb 24-26- A/BB Champs- Qualifying times only