Mustang Monthly - Internet Edition

October 2001

Welcome New Dallas Mustangs Families:

 

            The 2001 –2002 swim year is off to a great start.  Our tryouts at the end of July and the first weeks in September were very successful and as a result we have many new Dallas Mustangs swimmers and families.  Our new swimmers, our returning swimmers and our coaches are all getting to know each other during their workouts.  Many of our swimmers have also been asked to submit goal sheets and the coaches are meeting individually with each swimmer to review those goals.  And – just as everyone is getting used to the workout schedule, October is time for our competitive season to begin with swim meets for all levels of our swimmers.

 

            I know that many of you had the opportunity to attend one of our new parent orientation sessions during the last week in September.  This was a great opportunity to meet some of the other parents and ask some questions.  If you did not have the opportunity to attend, or perhaps have thought of more questions – please feel free to ask.  Remember – there are no stupid questions. Everyone on the team was new at some point and even as our swimmers get older and change groups or competitive levels there are new situations that come up.  In the New Member Handbook that you received at registration there is a list of the Dallas Mustangs Parent Association Board and committee members.  All of these individuals would be happy to answer your questions and give you the benefit of their experience.  If you prefer to ask a question in person, please just ask your swimmer’s coach to point out a veteran parent sitting in the stands during workout. 

 

            We hope that all of you will take the opportunity to attend our team social functions, volunteer at our swim meets and get involved with the Dallas Mustangs.  The Dallas Mustangs are a great swim team because of our swimmers, our coaches, and our parents.  Welcome to the Dallas Mustangs family!

 

Adele Wherry, President

Dallas Mustangs Parent Association

email: pres@dmswim.com

phone: 972-418-1544

 

 

ATTENTION NEW SWIMMERS

 

If you did not have a copy of your birth certificate when you registered, please make sure this is turned in as soon as possible.  We have to have this for USA Swimming.  This needs to be sent to our Registration chairperson, Ted Shaw.  Ted’s address is: 3417 St. Johns Drive, Dallas, TX 75205.

 

HAUNTED HAT SWIM MEET

ALL PARENTS, NATIONAL & “A” SWIMMERS:

Volunteers Needed for Haunted Hat Meet

October 13-14

Parents, please sign up at all pools now to work the Dallas Mustangs’ 15th Annual Haunted Hat Meet at Loos Pool on October 13 & 14.  All parents of BB, B & C swimmers attending the meet should plan to volunteer.  (Don’t make us call out your name over the loudspeaker)  No particular skills are needed for most jobs and training is provided.  You usually work with someone who has done the job before.  Helpers are needed in Awards, Announcing, Hospitality, Safety, Clerk of Course, Head Timers, Computers, Set-up on Friday evening and Break-down on Sunday afternoon, and other tasks.  Just ask!

Remember the swim parent’s motto:

“I Have No Life, My Kid Swims!”

Actually, working at the meets we host each year is fun and a great way to earn Mustang Bucks, a.k.a. dues credits (conditions and limitations apply).  It also is a great way to meet other parents (potential car pool networking).  Also, working the meets is scientifically proven to stimulate blood flow to the feet, whereas, simply sitting in the stands hiding behind a newspaper is scientifically proven to cause a broad, flat behind, boredom, and alienation from those parents who are doing their part!  Sign up at the pool or, for more information, contact Jeff Veazey.  It really is a great way to get involved and have fun!!

This team works best, when we all work together!

 

HAUNTED HAT SWIM MEET - HOSPITALITY

 

The Haunted Hat meet is quickly approaching and the Hospitality Committee needs your help!  We must stock the hospitality room with enough food & goodies to feed all coaches, volunteers etc.  Sign-up lists of requested food items will be posted at all 3-pools.  Please sign-up to donate or...in lieu of a food contribution, a monetary donation would be appreciated (to purchase meat, ice etc).  Suggested donation:  $5 -$10 per family.  Please place cash donations in an envelope, with the words "Haunted Hat Hospitality" written on the front.  The envelope may then be dropped off at the Mustangs Office or slid under the door.

 

 

Best Regards,

The Hospitality Committee

 

BIG KICKER, LITTLE KICKER

Are you ready to have some fun???!!!  The Dallas Mustangs will start a new program to give all swimmers an opportunity to meet their teammates.  Every swimmer will receive a list of your “Kicker Buddies”.  Each Kicker Buddy group will have at least two 13 & over swimmers and at least two 12 & under swimmers. 

When you get your Kicker Buddy list, send each person on your list a note with your name, your favorite stroke, your favorite food, your favorite sport (other than swimming), where you go to school, what grade you’re in, etc.  Let them know all about you. 

We are asking each swimmer to make at least 3 contacts with all the swimmers in their group each year.  Here are some ideas:

* Make a poster for a meet                              * Learn a new cheer / Teach an old cheer

* Send a note of encouragement                      * Send your buddy a new Dallas Mustangs sticker

* Make a goody bag for your buddy                * Visit your buddy at practice

All items should be inexpensive or homemade.  As the saying goes, “It’s the thought that counts!”  When should you contact your Kicker Buddy?  Any time is good, but especially right now, around holidays and before championship meets.  You get the idea.  Get to know your Kicker Buddies!!!

These contacts can be made by any way you like.  JUST HAVE FUN and get to know your Dallas Mustangs teammates!!  We hope the parents encourage the swimmers to make contacts, but it is up to the swimmers to make it happen.  Parents will have to help facilitate transportation, etc.  We hope the swimmers will enjoy meeting their teammates.  Any questions call Cindy Woods at 972-781-1217.

 

STROKE AND TURN OFFICIALS NEEDED

 

As one of the largest clubs that hosts some of the biggest meets, we need volunteers to help officiate at these events. Anyone interested in helping is encouraged to contact James Jester, the Officials Chair for the Dallas Mustangs at james.jester@utsouthwestern.edu and he can give you all of the information. The swimmers and coaches all need you as a volunteer to ensure a fair and honest competition.  There is a certification process that learning the fundamentals of the technical rules for the different strokes and turns.

 

Being an official is fun and a great way to get involved.

 

 

SPIRIT PACKAGES

 

You heard about them at registration!  You’re wondering, “Where are they?”  They’re here and ready to be picked up!  The new Dallas Mustangs Spirit Packages.  A package chock full of items that will let you show who your favorite swim team is!!

 

If you did not get an opportunity to pick up your Spirit Packs at the picnic or the IntraSquad Meet, they are available for pickup at the Loos supply room.  We will send out information regarding additional pickup dates and times for Highland Park and CFB. 

 

 

USA SWIMMING “SWIMPOSIUM”

 

North Texas Swimming is hosting a USA Swimming "Swimposium" on October 20th at the GCISD (GCAT) Swim Center. There will be clinics for swimmers, parents, coaches, and officials.  All of our Dallas Mustang members are encouraged to attend and you can find out more detailed information about the “swimposium” on the North Texas Swimming website www.ntswim.org.  This will be a great event to attend!  See you there.