Hello Families

3 QUICK ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. We have had a great week of practiceand start to the season. We are so excited to see what this season will hold for our Gators. The coaches mentioned a couple housekeeping items to the team this week and we wanted to follow up with you all so we are all on the same page. As coaches, we want to do everything we can to make our swimmers and divers the most prepared they can be for meets. In order to feel most prepared for a meet, we feel it is imperative to practice how we will compete. We want to be a championship team, so let’s practice like champions.Here are some tips on how we can implement meet-like habits into our everyday practices:a. We would love to see all our Gators (girls and boys) bring BOTH a cap and goggles to practice and wear them every day. Any cap is totally fine; it does not have to be an IHCC cap. We will be handing out our team caps for the season before the first meet. We would recommend purchasing a couple caps to have on hand so your swimmer does not have to wear their meet cap during practices. Swim caps can rip the more you wear them so having an extra is always a great idea. Typically, younger swimmers like silicone caps best. There are great options on Amazon, but you can also check Pannell Swim Shop in town or on SwimOutlet.com. b. We would love to see all our Gators in meet/training style suits (ie. one pieces for girls and jammers or speedos for boys). It does not have to be the team suit; just a proper fitting training suit will work perfectly. c. We would love to see all our Gators use sunscreen over a swim shirt (just during practice times). Since our practices are short, we would love for everyone to take off the swim shirt just during practice and you can throw it right back on as soon as we finish.

As we continue working hard, we want to see each of our Gators reach their full potential, as we know they all can. Long hair, baggy suits, and swim shirts are all awesome for playing in the pool, but can cause quite the drag when trying to master a flip turn or a new stroke technique. We as coaches are confident these tips will be crucial in seeing our Gators improve this summer. Let’s all follow thesesimple tips so our Gators can practice like champions every day! Please reach out to the coaches if you have any questions. Again, we are sharing these tips so we can teach proper technique and simulate meet habits in practice each day.

2. This season we are introducing “Gator of the Week”. We have so many wonderful athletes on our team, but we as coaches will select one swimmer and/or diver across all ages who has been an exceptional role model to everyone during a given week. To be selected as Gator of the week, the swimmer and/or diver must: a. Attended each practice that week b. Attend the meet c. Give their best effort at each practice and meet d. Be a good listener/be coachable e. Encourage/cheer for their teammates f. Show great IHCC spirit

There will be a total of 6 Gators of the Week for the entire season. Be on the lookout for a picture of our Gator of the Week with their prize on our social media and website.

3. Please do not forget that we have 2 meets next week.

Wednesday, June 8 vs Mt. Sterling (Theme: America/Red, White & Blue)

Thursday, June 9 @ Lexington Country Club (Theme: IHCC Spirit/Green & White)

If you have not done so already, please use the website to indicate if your athlete(s) will be at one or both meets. Also, please use the website to sign up to volunteer.

As always, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your support! GO GATORS!