DELAYED POOL OPENING: As you are probably aware, our pool did not open this past weekend as planned. The OXH Pool Committee emailed: “We are ready to open, but are at the mercy of the Wake County inspections office before we can let residents into the water. We are unsure of an exact date at this time, but will keep you informed as we learn more, via email as well as our socials: Twitter/X, Facebook, and NextDoor.”

Until the pool opens, swimmers can expect to have dry land practices. Please come to practice in sneakers and athletic wear!

COACHES CORNER

• Coach Audrey: Hello families! For those who might not know me yet, I recently moved from Rochester, New York, to beautiful North Carolina. I'm currently a Fifth Grade Teacher, with a background in teaching swim lessons, coaching, and assisting with summer swim camps. Each experience has been a great learning opportunity for me as well as allowing me to deepen my passion for swimming. I'm eager to continue fostering impressive sportsmanship and refining the techniques of our Swampfoxxes. While we wait for access to the pool, we will integrate dryland exercises and runs into our practice routines. Plus, we'll include team-building activities in each session. I kindly request that swimmers come prepared with sneakers and water for our dryland sessions this week. I am sure we can dive back into the pool soon! If you need to communicate anything with me you can contact me at [email protected].

• Coach Sophia: Hello Parents! As some of you might have noticed I was not able to make it to the last few practices last week due to a cold. I am feeling better now and plan to be back for practices this week. This next week, I plan to start to try to incorporate some activities to prepare for being in the water. There’s only so much we can do out of the water but hopefully we can get some stuff out of the way so when the pool does open we are ready to get in and start. I’d recommend for swimmers to bring towels so we can potentially lay down on the grass/concrete. I look forward to seeing everyone at practice this week! Feel free to reach out with questions or concerns at [email protected]

MEMORIAL DAY PARTY: We’ll be having our annual Memorial Day Party on Monday, May 27 from 12-4pm. The SwampShack will be open throughout the event. We'll have a DJ from 12-2pm and fun pool games starting at 1pm. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the start of the season with your neighbors and to raise money for the Swampfoxxes. We are looking for folks to volunteer for jobs at the event and donate food goodies to sell- anything from your favorite BBQ-friendly crock pot dishes to desserts. Please go to https://oxxfordhunt.swimtopia.com/swim_meets to sign up. We look forward to seeing you there!

SWAMP PUPS: The Swamp Pups begin their practices next week, on 5/29. More information about the Swamp Pups program is available on our website at: https://oxxfordhunt.swimtopia.com/swamp-pups-program. Briefly, pups will have 30 minute sessions twice weekly (M, W, Th). Parents were asked to select their preferred days at registration. It is suggested that pups bring swim goggles that fit and since the pool is still a bit cool early in the season, having an extra towel is also recommended. Parents, please have patience with the coaching staff as we start our Swamp Pups program. It may take a lesson or 2 to get everything running smoothly with enough coaches to have all of our Pups in the appropriate skill level groups. The goal is for all of the Pups to have a great time!

MEET VOLUNTEER TRAINING: Parents should be prepared to volunteer for at least one job per meet that you have a child swimming in. Swamp Pup parents who have no one swimming at the meets do not need to volunteer at meets. Although volunteering at a meet might sound intimidating- it's not! Please take advantage of our Role Trainings scheduled for Wednesdays May 22 & May 29 during both practice times, and Time Trials on Tuesday, June 4. Click to tell us what role you'd like training on.

SWAMPSHACK: Thank you to Isabelle Walsh, who has been hard at work getting the Swamp Shack ready for business. We are officially open for the season!! Swamp Shack snack cards can be purchased with a credit card online at: https://oxxfordhunt.swimtopia.com/shop. Just show the lifeguard your receipt and he/she will write out your card.

TEAM SHIRTS & SWIM CAPS: Thank you to everyone who voted for our 2024 shirt design on our Swampfoxx Parents Forum Facebook page! The winner is option 2 (see attached image) and we are currently working to get tee shirts made and ready for our first swim meet! Each swimmer receives a shirt included in their registration, and a Swampfoxx swim cap (either latex or silicone). Shirts and caps will be distributed at practices when they arrive in a few weeks. Extra 2024 shirts will also be available for sale at that time for parents and other supporters.

OTHER TEAM MERCH FOR SALE: Custom Swampfoxx Swag will be available through Squadlocker once we get our new logo uploaded and items added to our store.

Please let us know what questions you may have or use other parents as a resource, either in person at the practice or via our FB parents forum!

Your Oxxford Hunt Swim Team Board