August 2007

I apologize for not getting the newsletter out in July, but there were just too many things that were going on.  So, at this time, all should be back in order and you will be getting your monthly update.

I would like to thank the Modesto-Stanislaus team in Maui for sending a wonderful plant to my mother on the passing of my stepdad and Megan's grandfather while we were in Hawaii.  My mother sends her thanks to all

I would also like to thank Stephanie Giahos and Carol Solario for arranging the beautiful flowers for Rayn Dickersons funeral.  Such a tragic thing to happen to one so young and gifted.  The joy and laughter that he brought to so many will continue in our memories well into the future. 

The summer was very successful for our program.  We added a large group of new players in our younger programs that we hope will continue into the fall with us.  The attendance at the development tournaments all the way up to the open divisions was as good as it has ever been.  With over 150 participants, as well as a handful of scholarship athletes, we represented ourselves in the zone as well as we ever have. 

As many of you now start up with your high school programs, I am sure we are all looking forward the fall season.  In order to keep our club ties going we are planning on a new program that was mentioned to you in the note that I sent yesterday.  For high school aged players, Sundays beginning September 17th we will be holding "open pool" at Johansen.  Any player is welcome to come and get in and play.  This will be more of a scrimmage situation sponsored by MSWP and directed by coaches not affiliated with any high school program.  This is a great opportunity to keep your ties with others going, as well as having top notch playing with better players.  So I hope that you consider this and participate.  Time will be from 12 to 2

FreeClinic will begin  Monday, September 10th from 5:30 to 6:45.  We are trying something different with this program.  This program is just for kids who are not yet in high school.  The program will run Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and will last until the end of October.  Monday's will be devoted strictly to improving swimming skills with an emphasis on stroke technique - Tuesdays and Wednesdays will be for water polo.  This is for NEW beginners and for THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN IN OUR PROGRAM BEFORE.  We will try and arrange for games with Stockton and Sacramento.  All of this depends upon how many individuals participate.  Please pass on the information to those who you think might be interested - it would be great for our community if this program takes off.

New Zealand trip, July of 2008. Initial information was sent to you regarding the trip dates, etc.  At this time we need to start to seriously consider this tournament.  Please look over the flier and if you have any questions, please let me know.  If we have enough interest we will proceed with some sort of  fundraising ideas, etc.  I would also like someone to volunteer to help me get this process started. 

Good luck to Taylor Hanson and Brandon Duncan, selected by the zone youth coaches to travel to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs this month.  Hopefully they will be bringing back many new ideas to share with our club.  Traveling with them is our 16-under girls coach, Kenny Alfonso.

As there were some players who did not turn in their email addresses when they initially signed up with MSWP in the spring, there may be some players who will not receive this information.  Please share this with them, as well as perhaps encourage new individuals to join us. 

Good luck and I will see you soon

Brent