CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SWIMMERS OF THE WEEK:

Our swimmers of the week are: Jacob Newton and Jude Galloway. Jacob did an amazing job this week of receiving feedback and putting that into improving his turns and finishes! Jude did a great job listening to instructions and was able to learn to float on his back all by himself! Swimmers of the week receive a gift card in recognition for their hard work. Congratulations Jacob and Jude!

COACH'S CORNER:

• Coach Allie: We had a very successful week working on backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly as well as starting to work on our turns and finishes! This upcoming week I want to finish working on turns/dives and move towards strengthening all four strokes in preparation for time trials. As we get farther into the season please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns @[email protected] regarding your swimmer(s). I want to meet every swimmer where they are and help them to develop throughout the season in the way that works best for them!
• Coach Sophia: Hello parents! We had a great week learning freestyle and backstroke! This upcoming week I am planning on finishing backstroke and possibly introducing breaststroke to the swimmers. Just a reminder, time trials are coming up soon and with the younger kids it always helps to mentally prepare them before so they aren’t as nervous the day of. If there are any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out at [email protected]!

Practice cancellations, delays, and updates are sent through the Swimtopia App. The app is free for basic needs (like communication). A paid subscription provides more features such as timely results of swim meets. Be sure to log in with the e-mail address used for registering for the Swampfoxxes.

Registration for the swim team remains open through May 31st.

MEMORIAL DAY PARTY: We’ll be having our annual Memorial Day Party today, Monday, May 26 from 12-3pm. 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 look forward to seeing you there!

SWAMP PUPS: The first Swamp Pup lesson will be on Monday, 6/2.

MEET VOLUNTEERS: We ask that if you have a swimmer competing, at least one parent plans to volunteer at each swim meet. We want all families to do their part to help. Swamp Pup parents who have no one swimming at the meets do not need to volunteer at meets. There is a wide variety of jobs to fit the needs of most families. Although volunteering at a meet might sound intimidating- it's not! Please take advantage of our Role Trainings scheduled for Tuesday May 27 & Thursday May 29 during both practice times, and Time Trials on Tuesday, June 3. Click to tell us what role you'd like training on.

TSA, Tarheel Swimming Association (our swim league), is offering training on Stroke & Turn, Starters, and Meet Administrators on June 7 (beginning at 8am) at Cary Park. Email Katie Richards ([email protected]) if you want more details! Another training is being offered on June 1 in Raleigh. Unfortunately, there are no virtual trainings this season.

TIME TRIALS: Time Trials are Tuesday June 3! More details will be available in next week’s news, but there are a few things to prepare now:

• MARK SWIMMER AVAILABILITY: It is important for all swimmers to declare their attendance (select meet entry for each meet online) for time trials and meets. This should always be done at least one week prior to a meet so the coaches can properly plan the heat sheets and minimize changes. Time Trials is a week from Tuesday (on Tuesday June 3), so please mark your swimmer for the meet by this Tuesday (May 27). Attendance will close on Friday 5/30 for the meet Tuesday 6/3.
• Time Trials are run like a real meet. Swimmers should wear their team suit if they have them (or a black or red suit to match the team), swim cap (which will be available at the meet), and goggles.
• Swamp Shack - will be serving food (Dominos pizza, Chick-Fil-A and Smoothie King) and snacks. This year you can pay with cash, Venmo, or purchase a $10 Swamp Shack Card on our website (https://oxxfordhunt.swimtopia.com/shop/128660).
• Parking - Home Meets we ask Swampfoxx families to walk/ride bikes to allow parking for the other team. For time trials, parking might have similar availability to practices. If you drive please obey the No Parking signs that will allow Fallsworth Drive to stay open (only park on one side of the road) and for cars to have proper access to the road.

SWAMPSHACK: Thank you to Megan VanHook, 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: We are currently working to get the official 2025 team tee shirts made and ready for our first swim meet! Each swimmer receives a shirt included in their registration, and a Swampfoxx swim cap if needed (either latex or silicone). Shirts and caps will be distributed at practices when they arrive in a few weeks. Extra 2025 shirts will also be available for sale for only $20!

TEAM SWIMSUITS: Swim suits are available at Kiefer Aquatics, located in the Harris Teeter plaza at Maynard and High House Rd. Team suits are not required, but we ask swimmers to wear black or red for meets if possible. When you go to Kiefer Aquatics, you just tell them you are on the Oxxford Hunt Swampfoxxes and they will show you the team suits. Children can try it on in the store. There is also an exchange box/tub available at practices for families to donate suits and/or swim team apparel that no longer fits. Families are welcome to take any items that might fit their child.

OTHER TEAM MERCH FOR SALE: We’re having a BIG SUMMER BLOWOUT SALE on our 2024 red lightweight performance tee shirts for only $10, and our dark gray 2023 cotton tee for only $5!! See Katie Herndon or Sally Nicol for size options and payment. Please excuse our error in last week's newsletter, customized Swampfoxx swag is available for direct order and shipping at SwimOutlet. This link can be found on our website under the Team Store tab. 

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY: We’re still looking for just ONE MORE FAMILY to join our Biggest Fan Sponsorship for just $150! It's the perfect way for families and friends of the Swampfoxxes to show a little extra love (and get a little well-deserved recognition too!).

As a Biggest Fan, you’ll get:

• A shoutout on our Swim Team Facebook page
• Your family name proudly displayed on our team website
• No business required — just your big ol’ Swampfoxx heart.

We’d LOVE to add your name to the list so we can start celebrating our biggest fans this week. And let’s be honest... you’ll be in great company. Click here to sign up! Thank you for always showing up and supporting our team — we couldn't do this without you!

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