This season's captains have been named! Circumstances were uncommon this year in that the number of seniors was not enough to accommodate county by-laws; this is something that hasn't occurred in five or six seasons. Two of our captains this year are juniors. Prospective candidates were offered their positions, and each accepted, bringing their individual strengths forward to lead the team.

Female captains are seniors Belle Nichols, Kelly McFeely, Madeline Saxon, Olivia Massengale, and Sophia Pupo.

Male captains are seniors Luke Siler and Von Del Villar, and juniors Bradley Biles and Sawyer Mosley.

Please find the attached following about the season, and be sure to read below. This message has loads of important information that can also be found in the email I sent on Monday, September 25th.

PRESEASON
We are off and running with preseason dryland swim training underway. We averaged 22 swimmers per session last week, and we will continue training this week. We peaked at 30+ swimmers two weeks ago at one session, and I conclude that dryland training may have been hard for some. Keep in mind that it’s supposed to be difficult! It was good to see so many new swimmers. 50% of attendees are new – awesome.  We have jump rope-focused training tomorrow, USMC on Wednesday, and we will be playing handball on Thursday. We train at the track, and practice starts promptly at 3:55.

ATTENDANCE
Beginning this week, attendance will be taken each practice. There is no requirement for attending preseason practices, but I will keep a log of who is attending and when. Preseason is often an indicator of how a well the regular season will go. Any athlete participating in a fall sport does not need to attend.

ELIGIBILITY

Keep in mind that all current fall athletes’ eligibility documents are finished, and the only document that needs to be turned in is the signed policies document at the back of the swim team information sheet. I am starting to receive eligibility paperwork from new swimmers, which is awesome. Please do me a favor: bring all documents inside a folder, at the same time. While everyone can train as long as a physical and concussion statement are in-hand, once we are in the water on October 30, any swimmer lacking eligibility paperwork could be cut from the team.

You will find a number of documents attached in the email. First, there is the Swim Team Information and Expectations document. This document outlines most of the season, including attendance and eligibility policies. Every swimmer planning on participating on this team needs to read the document, sign it, and have a parent sign, too. I will not accept “I didn’t know” as an excuse when it comes to matters pertaining this document, especially if you’ve signed it. 

Second, there are eligibility documents attached. If you are already playing a fall sport, you are taken care of and do not need to submit anything related to eligibility. If swimming will be your first sport this school year, you are responsible for everything attached to the email. Complete the forms and submit them to me inside a folder. If you have questions, let me know – the eligibility process, even for those who have been through it before, can be confusing. More information is in the attached document.

SWIM MEET SCHEDULE
Our team schedule will be a work in progress for the next month or so. The dive calendar will be different, and I will talk with divers about this. That being stated, I am sharing the swim meet calendar with you.  It is not complete, but it gives you an idea of what I am considering. The calendar can be picked up here: https://gcsnccom-my.sharepoint.com/personal/bradshw_gcsnc_com/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?docid=0be1acad29182425cb0c95367dc8d7afe&authkey=AcJAMptNykWRV8RVBsV09es

CAPTAINS
I will send a separate email regarding captains.

I look forward to seeing swimmers and divers at preseason, if you are not playing a fall sport!  Recruit swimmers and divers – everyone can swim and dive.  If you need me, call or email at 336-664-1011, or email me at bradshw@gcsnc.com.  You are all awesome :)

Team, as preseason continues, we will begin training with Sergent Kilar of the United States Marine Core! Wednesday practice is an absolute must if you wish to see the greatest gains within yourself before hitting the water on October 30th.

Be sure to improve your dietary habits starting now. Daily nutrition should include mostly water, fruits and vegetables, and lean meats - eating well and staying hydrated will make working out less taxing and increase your progress. Avoid soda, sports drinks, and fried foods as much as possible.