Notes from Coach Ben:

Thanks to everyone for a great first week of practice! Allie, Lana, and I were absolutely thrilled by everyone's positive and attentive attitudes. At times the whole team was cheering, at others times laughing, and still at others giving mindful focus to swimming skills and concepts that will greatly increase their effectiveness in the sport. As long as we can keep that up, there's no doubt in my mind the entire HVA swim season will be a total blast.

Last Thursday we were able to separate into two different training groups for the first time. As time goes on, we will do this more and more often and in many different ways. Some evenings we may separate by grade, speed, best stroke, or even worst stroke. Some evenings we won't separate at all, and will instead focus on team building and swimming concepts which apply across the board. We appreciate everyone's flexibility and understanding as we find and strive toward what is best for each swimmer.

We want to every single swimmer (and parent) to know and feel they are a valued part of the team. If you were at practice last week, you'll know numbers are good. The best teams have the best relationships--please be patient as we get to know each swimmer, and always encourage each other to take a moment to talk with the coaches before, during, and/or after practice.

That's all for now. Let's make it a great season!Go Hawks!

• TEAM APPAREL– Please follow the link to order team apparel.  Deadline to order is September 29^th!

  https://hvaswim2019.itemorder.com

• PARKING – We have turned in a roster of all those registered with the team to UT parking services.This does NOT mean that you have to purchase a parking pass.This does make sure that if you decide at any time that you would like to purchase a pass you can.Please see the attached instructions for purchasing a pass if you are interested.

2019-2020 HVA MEET SCHEDULE (times TBD)

• October 27 – Berean Middle/High at Boy’s & Girl’s Club
• November 10 – West High/Bearden Middle at Allan Jones
• December 1 – Maryville Middle/High at Boy’s & Girl’s Club
• December 14 – Ray Bussard Meet at Allan Jones
• January 5 – Farragut High/Farragut Middle at SAC
• TBD – Oak Ridge at Oak Ridge Civic Center (*High School Only meet)
• January 25 – High School/Middle School Diving Championship Meet at Allan Jones
• January 25 – High School/Middle School Swimming Championship Meet at Allan Jones
• February 7-8 – TISCA State Championship Meet in Knoxville (High School qualifiers)

• HIGH SCHOOL DIVING - There is a high school diving informational meeting at Allan Jones on Tues, Sept 24^th at 5:30pm.There is also a two day free trial for those interested Wed & Thurs, Sept 25-26^th.For more information go to the diving tab on the TN Aquatics website (https://www.teamunify.com/SubTabGeneric.jsp?team=sepac&_stabid_=192839)

• TEAM WEBSITE:https://hardinvalleyaquatics.swimtopia.com/Please COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION ONLINE at https://hardinvalleyaquatics.swimtopia.com/ You will still need to turn in your physical forms (signed by a doctor), but all other forms will be completed online.SUBMIT YOUR TEAM PAYMENT by check (payable to HVA Aquatics) to a parent representative or coach or through the sale of a banner.All important season info can also be found on the team website.

• HVAAC banner forms are also available on the website.This is a great way to fundraise and cover the swim fees for the year. PLEASE make sure your banner form is completely filled out before it is sent in and please email us a copy of your form for our records in case of any mix ups with the banners.THE SALE OF ONE BANNER COVERS YOUR SWIMMER’S FEES FOR THE YEAR!