ATTENTION ALL STINGRAYS!

Saturday March 8, we will be running an Open House at the Eagle Watch pool from 9:00 AM till Noon. Several things will be happening that day.

Swim Team Tryouts & Registration

Myself, along with my coaching staff, will be running team tryouts and getting swimmers registered for the swim team.

Swim Lesson Registration

Representatives from our lessons program will be taking forms and signing kids up for our spring and summer lessons.

Other RAYS programs

We will have information available for our spring tune-up clinics and for our masters program.

WHY SHOULD I ATTEND THIS OPEN HOUSE?

This Open House will be different from the one we run in August for two reasons. One, we will be raffling off prizes; everything from free private lessons with the coach or instructor of your choice to items from Kast-A-Way. The second thing is the pool will be full of activity. We are offering FREE 20-30 minute lesson and clinic sessions. The instructors will be a mixture of our Senior RAYS and our current Lesson Instructors. There will be several stations – depending on skill level – and our swim leaders will be teaching various swim skills; from starts & turns to bubbles & streamlines.

If you are a current Stingray swimmer, you are invited to this Open House and I encourage you to bring along a friend. You and your friend can both participate in the FREE clinics and if your friend registers that day, they will get a one day only discount on registration.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

TEAM: Coach Maggie, Lead Coach

404-428-6359

tcuwim mer@hotmail.com

WEB SITE: www.stingraysswimming.com

SWIM LESSONS:

Allison Pilchard, Program Director

770-356-RAYS

stingraysslessons@bellsouth.net

Debbie Parker, Site Supervisor – Eagle Watch North 678-480-8151

WEB SITE: www.stingraysswimschool.com

FAST SWIMMING

“Time’s fun when you’re having flies!” -Kermit the Frog

All right, Stingrays…we are officially over the halfway hump of the Short Course season. Remaining on the calendar: Rays Invitational, 11-14 State Meet, Senior Sectional Meet, High School State Champs, 11 and Over Metro Meet, and the 10 and Under Metro Meet. Whew! Did I leave anything out? We are going to be busy this winter and spring, gang. So, let’s take it one step at a time.

Early on in our dialog, it was stated that, “There is no substitute for enthusiasm.” As we enter the Championship portion of the season, I thought it would be a good idea to expand on this notion. Many of you are attempting to achieve your goals at the upcoming meets. Some are trying to achieve State times, Sectional times, personal best times and even beyond. Maybe you simply want to complete a race or two that you have never done before. No matter the case, it is all the same. What I mean is that no matter what the race or what you want out of it, your enthusiastic energy will propel you to levels you probably are not aware you are capable. Right now, as many of you think on your races, you (and me, as well) can begin to worry about the outcomes of those races and you might even imagine those outcomes as less-than-perfect. Guess what. That is substituting fear and doubt for enthusiasm. Fear, doubt, worry and anxiety have absolutely no place in your swimming.

You see, when you swim enthusiastically your races will, no matter what they are, be FUN. Even if the outcome is not what you wanted right then, it will still be fun. The last time I checked, worry and doubt were not in the Big Book of Fun & Enjoyment. This enjoyment will open a wealth of energy that has always been there but has been suppressed by fear and doubt. You all have experienced this type of energy in you lives before…maybe swim practice, or playing games with your friends. It’s the burst of energy you get when you don’t want to get tagged while playing Tag. It’s the burst you get when you race a friend in practice, the last 200 of a 500, and all you think about is catching them. In both these cases, you did not dwell on the outcome…you simply enjoyed the process. Every time in every case, this is a ton of fun. Racing at meets is no different; no matter what you think is at stake.

A few years ago, I had a long conversation with former Georgia swimming superstar, Bobby Brewer. We were laughing about our past successes and failures and there was a common thread that we both observed in athletes who excel to their utmost potential: they enjoyed their competition and played their game fearlessly. He cited himself and Aaron Piersol as people who really swam without the burden of doubt. Aaron Piersol seems so easy-going about his racing (and life, in general), yet he trains very intensively. He never freaks out when things don’t go his way. Let me give you an example. When doubt and fear are at the center of your thinking and feeling, even the slightest little thing can steal your enjoyment. How many of you have ever freaked just before a race because your cap ripped? …Goggles broke? I think we have all been there in some way or another. If you are excited to swim your race, however, nothing can take your enjoyment of the race or the desire to play your game. How many of you have ever thought that “If I swim this race, I will be too tired to do well in the next race?” See? It boils down to your enthusiasm, not your circumstances.

Last weekend was the County Championships for High School Swimming. Many of our swimmers had great meets and excelled beyond some of their goals. I asked one of them why she had gone so fast when at the Coaches Invite she had struggled to get near her best times. (By the way, I knew the answer! This was an exercise for her benefit.) Her answer, “I wanted it.” In other words, she thought nothing of doubt, did not worry on her race and did not get anxious about any outcome…she just raced. Finally, I asked her if she would have had that kind of fun at the Coaches Invite if she thought she could have gone that fast. The answer was YES, but she didn’t have those kinds of positive thoughts at the Coaches Invite.

This stuff is not magic, Stingrays. We live our lives from the inside out. If you want to enjoy your sport, don’t wait for the races to happen the way you hope they do…go out there and enthusiastically race and have a blast. The times and results will come.

Here at the end of this winded piece I would like to encourage you to add YOUR enthusiasm to YOUR Teammates. Don’t keep it to yourself. At practice, congratulate those around you for a set well done. If someone is swimming fast (even faster than you!) let him or her know. Enthusiasm and energy are fires that need a constant fuel, not a wet blanket!

Keep it up, Champs! Great things are yours to have.

See you on deck. Coach Pike

10 & Under Metro Divisional

This year we have separated the 10 & Under Age Group from the Divisional meet, so we can focus a meet on our youngsters. Dynamo & Swim Atlanta have agreed to do so, which makes this a first in Georgia Swimming.

The format will also split the Girls & Boys in sessions to further focus the attention on our very important athletes. There will be some excellent opportunities for our swimmers to showcase what they have been working on since September. Let’s have a great time!

STINGRAYS BANQUET

The Banquet will be held on Monday April the 28^th at NorthStar Church, 3143 Blue Springs Rd., Acworth, GA.

The order form is at the end of this Newsletter and will be posted on website. Deadline April 7^th.

Every Banquet ends with our infamous slide show and Kara Nester, one of our Seniors needs your help with pictures. Please e-mail them directly to Kara or give to your coach on a CD by March 10^th.

Kara’s e-mail is knfishy@bellsouth.net

Thank You!

HOW TO BECOME A GEORGIA SWIMMING OFFICIAL

USA Swimming is a non-profit organization that depends upon dedicated volunteers. Committed individuals donate time, energy, and expertise at every level: from the national Board of Directors down to local swimming clubs. Georgia Swimming is the governing body for USA Swimming in our state. Georgia Swimming is looking for volunteers interested in becoming entry-level officials: either Administrative Judges, who deal with swimmers’ entries, timing equipment and scoring, or Stroke & Turn Judges, who evaluate swims.

In competitive swimming, the quality of officiating directly affects the quality of performance. Consistency and professionalism in officiating cannot be assured without adequate staffing. The time spent is satisfying, and you will have the opportunity to make some great friends and share the deck with some wonderful athletes. If you are interested in becoming an official, please review the following information and contact me as noted below.

COST:	For USA Swimming Registration 2008 non-athlete registration fee (single) is $49.00. Registration after September 1 is valid through December of the following year. USA Swimming Rule Book is included with "official" registration.
Exception:	If you are already a current non-athlete member of USA Swimming, paying the registration fee is not necessary.
TRAINING
Orientation & Clinic:	Attend a clinic. A number of clinics are offered annually at various locations. You will pay a $15 fee and receive instructional materials and do on-deck training. Clinic dates can be found by contacting Rob Schreer @ h2oref@bellsouth.net
On Deck:	Under supervision of a certified official, Administrative trainees shall work a minimum of 4 sessions; Stroke and Turn trainees shall work a minimum of 6 sessions. Georgia Swimming will sanction or approve a variety of meets for the short and long course seasons. Most scheduled meets are posted at: www.gaswim.org Attend a pre-meet briefing 1 hour prior to the start of each meet (session).
Other Expectations:	Age - minimum of 18 years of age Attire - solid navy blue skirt, shorts, or pants; white collared shirt, and white shoes Attitude – SMILES to advance the sport Test - open book Two year certification - after successfully completing training and test
AFTER TRAINING
On Deck:	Certified officials are welcome to work any Georgia Swimming meet they attend, or at any USA Swimming-sponsored meet they attend by contacting the Meet Referee and attend a pre-meet briefing 1 hour prior to the start of each meet (session). A typical 3-day Georgia Swimming weekend meet consists of five sessions: one Friday evening session, morning, and afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Some meets are 1-day, morning, and afternoon affairs; some championship meets run more days and/or more sessions.
Recertification:	For recertification, a certified official shall work a specified number of sessions during a two year period.
Promotion:	Georgia Swimming certifies four types of official: Administrators, Stroke & Turn Judges; Starters; and Referees. USA Swimming offers three levels of certification: Local, National, and National Championship.
	OTHER EXPECTATIONS: GOOD TIMES & GOOD FRIENDS
MORE INFO:	Officials clinics are offered seasonally. Clinics will be offered in the spring. If you have interest to learn more about the opportunity or would like to express interest to participate, contact Georgia Officials Training Chair, Rob Schreer (h2oref@bellsouth.net). Rob is a STINGRAY J Check it out at http://www.gaswim.org/officials.htm.

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25 Board Meeting	26	27	28 Deadline for Metro	29 AG State	Mar 1 AG State	2 AG State
3	4	5	6 Sectionals	7 Sectionals	8 Sectionals North Open House @9am-Noon	9 Sectionals
10 Banquet Photo Dealine	11 Deadline for 10 & Under Metro	12	13	14 Metro Div WU 7am Finals WU 4:30pm @MVAC	15 Metro Div WU 7am Finals WU 4:30pm @MVAC	16 Metro Div WU 7am Finals WU 4:30pm @MVAC
17	18 RAYS-A-Thon	19 RAYS-A-Thon Junior Nationals	20 RAYS-A-Thon Junior Nationals	21 Junior Nationals	22 Junior Nationals	23
24 Board Meeting	25	26	27	28	29 10 & Under Metro @MVAC	30

RAYS-A-Thon – Watch out for information coming to your door

Practice Schedule Changes

Site & Practice Group

ALL LOCATIONS

Friday 04/4 to

Sunday 4/13

SPRING BREAK FOR ALL LOCATIONS – No Practices

STINGRAYS 22nd ANNUAL BANQUET

“Together Perpetuating Excellence”

DATE: Monday, April 28, 2008

TIME: 6:30 p.m.

PLACE: NorthStar Church, 3143 Blue Springs Rd., Acworth, GA

COST: $15.00 per person (everyone attending the banquet

must pay even if only attending the program) Program includes recognition of seniors and testimonies, awards of excellence and other individual awards. This program is a rewarding experience for all Stingray swimmers.

MENU: FROM CARRABAS:

Chicken Marsala, Penne Pomodora Pasta, Caesar Salad, Dessert, and Drinks.

TICKETS: Order form below: Please keep upper section for

your records. Tickets will be distributed by mail to the first 300 people. Dress will be semi-formal.

Please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope

with your order.

DEADLINE FOR ALL TICKET ORDERS: Monday, April 7, 2008

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RETURN THIS PORTION WITH TICKET ORDER

Number attending banquet: ______

Amount enclosed: _____________ ($15.00 per person) CHECKS ONLY

Make checks payable to: Stingrays, Inc.

Or pay with credit card: Info needed; name on card, type, number, and exp date.

Mail to: Karen Echard

1509 Kimberly Place

Canton, GA 30114

Orders will only be accepted at the above address. REMEMBER TO ENCLOSE A SELF ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE

SWIMMERS NAME ______________________________________