Otter Nation,

The wait is finally over… Time Trials is HERE!

For our returning families, you know what that means. For our new families, welcome to one of our favorite Otter traditions!

Time Trials is our official season kick-off and gives both swimmers and parents a chance to experience a swim meet before the regular season begins. We’ll run things as close to a real dual meet as possible so everyone can practice, learn, ask questions, and shake off any offseason rust.

Most importantly, it’s our first chance to come together as a team and officially start what we know will be another incredible summer.

Meet Declaration Reminder

You MUST declare your swimmer for Time Trials, even if they aren't attending. As with all of our meets, every athlete must declare whether or not they will be attending each meet. If you haven't declared for time trials yet, the deadline is 12 noon, tomorrow, Friday, 6.12.26.

Need a refresher on how to declare?

• Go to the Home tab in SwimTopia
• Head to the Documents section
• Look for the Tips Sheet with step-by-step instructions
• Hint --- I'm attaching it here....

Time Trials Schedule

13 & Over
• Arrival: 7:15 AM
• Warm-Ups: 7:30 AM

12 & Under
• Arrival: 7:45 AM
• Warm-Ups: 8:00 AM

Meet Start Time: 8:30 AM

Parent Meeting During Warm-Ups

If you’re new to the team, or even if you’ve been around for years and could use a quick refresher, we invite all parents to join us on the hillside during swim warm-ups for a brief parent meeting.

We’ll cover:

• How meets work
• Volunteer expectations
• Team communication
• Important season information
• And answer any questions you may have

Think of it as the “Everything You Wanted to Know About Summer Swim But Were Afraid to Ask” session.

Meet Logistics

Even though we’re only competing against ourselves, we’re treating this like a real meet, so both athletes and parents can practice.

• Set up on the grove side of the pool (diving well side)
• Pop-up tents are welcome (please place them against the fence)
• Bring chairs (although you’ll probably spend most of the night cheering)
• Bring your Otter spirit and energy
• All swimmer events will be updated and posted to SwimTopia by Friday evening. 
• As you all know, the grove is undergoing a renovation to make our summers here even better. With any renovation, there are a few growing pains... While the concrete that was just poured cures properly, we ask that everyone come in through the breezeway and make their way to the grass on the dive side of the pool, like usual. 

Hospitality & Season Kick-Off Gathering

One of the best parts of summer swim isn’t just the swimming, it’s the friendships, conversations, and community that happen around the pool.

This year, we’d love to kick off the season with a small hospitality gathering for parents, coaches, and families.

We’ll have coffee, water, and light refreshments available, and we’d love your help making it special.

Please consider signing up to bring a breakfast item, snack, fruit tray, pastries, donuts, or other treats to share.

Sign-Up Here

Many hands make light work, and sharing a little something helps us create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

Why We Love Time Trials

Time Trials isn’t about winning.

It’s about seeing old friends, meeting new teammates, learning the ropes, cheering loudly, and officially starting another summer together.

It’s the first step toward friendships, personal bests, exciting meets, championship dreams, post-practice laughs, and all the memories that make being an Otter so special.

We are incredibly excited to see everyone at the pool and kick off what promises to be an amazing 2026 season filled with fast swims, high dives, loud cheers, and plenty of Otter pride.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.

Go Otters!

Jessie