We've had a lot of questions regarding the level of commitment for the MAC Penguin Swim Team (for those swimmers competing in weekly meets).  What exactly does it mean to be a Penguin...???

1) Swimmers are asked to attend practice at least three times a week.  The more your child swims, the more confident they will be in the water and you will see greater stroke improvement.  Kids that 'jump all in' during the summer, have a great season; learning all four strokes (depending of age), dropping a lot of time on their strokes, feeling like an accomplished swimmer, meeting new friends, and enjoy cheering on friends at the meets.  

2) Swimmers must attend at least three swim meets per season.  This is a Gateway League rule in order to attend Conference.  Our time trial meet (first meet in June) can count as one of the three.  All meets are on Monday nights and start at 5:30, but warm-up times could be 4:30 or 5:00, depending whether we are home or away.  If you have a 6 and under swimmer, please plan on being at the meet until 7:30 or 7:45.  Older swimmers can expect the meet to last until 9:30 or even later if we are swimming against a team comparable in size to our own.  It's a long night, but a fun one for the kids!  Please check the team calendar and make sure your swimmer can attend at least three meets this summer.  

3) Plan on your swimmer attending the Conference.  We invite as many swimmers as we can to Conference.  This is their time to 'shine.'  It's a privilege and an honor to attend Conference.  Please check the team calendar for Conference and block out this date now!

4) Parents must work meets during the season.  One of the main reasons our team runs so smoothly and is so successful is because we have awesome parents!!  You may have to work two or three meets (see homepage for specifics).  This means, you will have to stay until the end of the meet, even if your child is finished swimming earlier.  Parents volunteers can't just 'leave,' especially if they are timing events.  Parents in the Bullpen are essential to helping kids get to their events.  We do have a buyout program for those that are unable to work; details are on the homepage.  It is a well-oiled machine, but it only runs well if everyone participates and is dedicated.

At this time, we ask that you review the above commitments.  Our team and our parents are wonderful!  There is NO WAY we could have the team without all of your hard work, dedication, participation, patience, and mostly smiles and laughs.  We do have kids on the wait list who are anxiously and patiently waiting.  If you wish to be removed from the roster or the waitlist, please let us know ASAP.  

Thanks again and we look forward to seeing you all at the pool,

Stephanie and Alyson