Good Wednesday Morning: 

Seems like this time of year gets really hectic, what starting up the new season, getting communication organized – heck, getting to know all the kids names!  From my vantage point things are going well in the water.  It seems the kids have come to work this year and the coaches are doing a great job.

On the parent side of things there has been a big change:  Cathy Dufour stepped down as SCAY President (her daughter decided not to swim this year).  Jenny Koberna agreed to take over this position.  Let’s all work to make Jenny’s job easier – if she calls, please respond to help with what she asks she to do.  At every banquet in April I ask the kids to stand and give the parents a standing ovation.  I do this because, as I explain to the kids, none of what happens with SCAY happens without what our parents do.  So, ahead of time, I will thank all of you for your continued support of the swimmers and coaches.           

This will be a busy note, so, please, read it carefully.  Should you have questions about anything to do with what goes on in the water:  practices, meets, Aqualaps, etc., please feel free to contact me:  231-0340, and you have my email address.           

Now, on to business….. 

Y CHANGE -  If you don’t know, there has been a change with State College and Bellefonte YMCAs.  We have formed an association called YMCA of Centre County with the two branches being State College and Bellefonte.  This will have no effect on the two teams and we will remain separate.  Our team will still be called SCAY and we will retain our mascot, logo, cap, suit, team wear, identity number, etc. 

AQUALAPS  -  This is one of our two main fundraisers, the other being co-hosting PA East-West State Championships with Bellefonte, in March.  It is very important that all families participate in this event.  Starting tomorrow coaches will be giving swimmers their packet that will include information that should be self-explanatory.  Please remember that pledges can be obtained by door-to-door solicitation and through the mail (friends, relatives).  There is the 500 Club – swimmers obtaining 0 or more in pledges receive a special T-Shirt.  Two things that will come from Aqualaps money are all scheduled Y meets that require fees will be paid by the team, and each swimmer earning pledges will receive a free latex SCAY cap.  Please make sure your swimmers participate in this event – and the relay is a blast!  Aqualaps is on Sunday, October 25, 1:00 at the Y.  You should figure 1 ½ or so. 

HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST/APPLE BOB - On Thursday, October 29 we will have our annual Halloween Costume Contest and Apple Bob.  (We are doing this on Thursday because we have some kids in a meet on Friday night.  This will take place from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m., on deck at the Y.  All practices are cancelled this night.  Categories will be announced soon.  

MEET SCHEDULE - I will get out to you our final meet schedule next week.  However, there are a couple meets coming up in the next few weeks you should know about: 

Williamsport Halloween Invitational - This meet is on Sunday, November 1.  Information for this meet will be posted on the bulletin board at the Y.  Entries for this meet must be submitted on our Meet Entry Forms, located in our wall rack.  I am asking for entries into the Meet Entries folder by Friday, October 16, after practice.  I will be submitting these before practice the following day. 

SCAY Invitational - This meet is on Sunday, November 8.  I will get meet information out to you soon.  We will be swimming our normal dual meet events, and entries will be due Friday, October 30. 

USA REGISTRATION - For those interested in USA registration, you will need to get your registration form and your check into my folder by Friday, October 16.  I will be submitting these the next day.  All information regarding USA registration is on the Mid-Atlantic website:  maswim.org.  Go to forms depot, athlete registration.  Registration at this time covers you through the end of 2010.  I will only be submitting these registration at the one time. 

MEET ENTRIES - Other than our KYSL dual meets, I will only be entering invitational meets once.  Please get your meet entries in on time. 

OFFICIALS TRAINING - There will be a training for Level one officials in Hollidaysburg on November 7.  Information is in the wall rack at the Y.  This is a great way to watch a meet. 

COMMUNICATION - If you are receiving my messages and are no longer involved with the team, let me know and I will remove your address from my list.  If the name on your email address is incorrect, let me know and I will change it. 

Whew!  I think that is all for now.  Remember to contact me with questions. SP