Storm Watch Weekly

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Hello Lincoln Lightning Families,

This week, we’ll be reviewing all four strokes, starts, and turns on different days, while continuing to practice IM turns. We’ll also be incorporating training of different energy systems throughout the week. Some practices will have a greater technique focus, while others will be more endurance- or sprint-based.

Please read below for important information about Time Trials, Tie Dye Day, the Swimmer Video of the Week, swim meet volunteer positions, and swimmer community service opportunities.

⏱️ Time Trials — Monday, September 28

Time Trials are quickly approaching! Time Trials will take place instead of our normal practices on Monday.

Thank you to everyone who has declared their swimmers. If your swimmer gets sick or is unable to attend on Monday, please let me know so I can remove them from the meet and avoid having empty lanes.

We are still looking for a few more timers. If you are available to help, please email Megan at [email protected].

Meet Timeline

• 3:00 PM: Gates open- You may set up inside the splash pad area, by the picnic tables, or outside the gate.
• 3:00–3:15 PM: Check-in- Team caps will be given to new swimmers who have not yet received one.
• 3:15 PM: Warm-ups begin
• 3:50 PM: Timer call and timer training
• 4:00 PM: Meet begins
• 5:30 PM: All 6 & under swimmers should be finished
• 6:30 PM: Meet ends (estimated, may be earlier, but probably not later)

Warm-Up Schedule

• 3:15–3:25 PM: 10 & Under — White, Blue & Yellow Groups
• 3:25–3:35 PM: Ages 9–12 — Black & Green Groups
• 3:35–3:50 PM: Ages 11–18 — Gold Group

What to Bring to Time Trials

• Swimsuit
• Swim cap
• Goggles
• 2–3 towels
• Blanket, sleeping bag, and/or chairs to sit on
• Snacks and water
• Games, cards, or coloring supplies*

*Swimmers will have approximately 15–20 minutes between races, so it’s a good idea to bring something they can do with friends.

Time Trial Results

We will not have immediate official results for this meet. Swimmers should ask their timers for their time after completing each race.

Official results will be available on Swimtopia on Tuesday or Wednesday, as results will need to be manually entered into the system. We do not currently have the staffing needed to run our electronic timing system, so we will be using stopwatches.

🎨 Tie Dye Day — Monday, October 5

We’ll be tie-dyeing team shirts before or after practice, depending on your swimmer’s group.

We could use help from a few parents to make this activity run smoothly. The commitment will be approximately 20 minutes.

Please sign up in Swimtopia by going to the Team Calendar and clicking on Tie Dye Day. You may also email Megan at [email protected].

🏊 Swimmer Video of the Week

Breaststroke Underwater Pullout

Watch this video to review the steps of the underwater pullout we’ve been practicing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4pHKBmxqd0  

🙋 Volunteering at Swim Meets & Time Trials

The main volunteer position we need to fill is timer. We are hoping to have three timers per lane, plus a backup timer for each shift.

Don’t worry if you’ve never timed before! We’ll explain everything before the meet begins, and there are multiple timers in each lane.

Once you’ve worked a meet, you may want to try another volunteer position. Here’s a quick overview:

Timers

Timers sit behind the starting blocks for approximately half of the meet and are responsible for timing races. Depending on the lane, you will either use a stopwatch or push a button on our Timedrops timing system when the swimmer finishes.

One timer in each lane will also record the stopwatch times. Backup timers are available in case a stopwatch doesn’t start or a button is accidentally pushed early.

Backup Timer

The backup timer stands near the starting end of the pool with a stopwatch and starts the watch each time a race begins. If a timer’s watch doesn’t start, the backup timer will switch stopwatches with them so the race can still be timed accurately.

Ready Bench

The Ready Bench volunteer uses the meet heat sheet to organize swimmers and send them to the starting blocks. This helps keep the meet running smoothly. At least one coach will also assist in this area.

Starter

The starter is responsible for starting each race using a whistle, the command “Take your mark,” and the starting system. We will train you and/or have you shadow an experienced starter until you feel comfortable.

Stroke & Turn Judge

This position requires more training than the other volunteer positions. Before working in this role, you must watch the training videos under the Resources tab on the team website.

Stroke & Turn officials help keep competition fair by watching swimmers for legal stroke and turn technique and identifying any rule violations during races.

📱 Facebook Group — Lincoln Lightning Parents

The Lincoln Lightning Parent Committee started a Facebook group this summer, and we’d love to have you join!

The group is a helpful place for reminders, communication, and trading or swapping swim gear. For example, if you purchase a swimsuit or fins that don’t fit your child, you can post in the group to see if another family may be interested in trading.

Search Lincoln Lightning Parents on Facebook and join today!

🏊 Swimmer Volunteer Hours Available

A few swimmers have expressed interest in earning community service hours. If any of our older swimmers would like to volunteer at practice, please email me at [email protected]. Parent emails are welcome as well.

I’ll schedule volunteers for one or two practices per week, depending on interest.

This is a great opportunity for swimmers to:

• Earn volunteer/community service hours
• Develop a deeper understanding of the sport
• Gain experience that may be helpful for future jobs

🏊 Practice Times

Thank you all for being flexible with the recent practice-time changes. Here is the current schedule for reference:

• Ages 4–6 & 7–10: 4:15–5:00 PM
• Ages 11–12 & 13–18: 5:00–6:10 PM
• Ages 9–12: 6:10–7:00 PM

📅 October Parent Board Meeting

Wednesday, October 7 | 5:30–7:00 PM McBean Pool

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and flexibility. Let’s have a great week!

Go Lightning! ⚡💙

Coach Megan and Staff

Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!

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