CEO/Head Coach Message

We've got a seriously fun stretch of summer ahead, and there's something for everyone—whether you're a racer, a first-timer, or just looking to sharpen up.

On the racing side, we've got three meets worth circling:

• Pacific Masters LCM Championships in July

• USMS Summer Nationals in Sacramento in August

• DAM Short Course Meters September Classic at Schaal in September

That last one is the first SCM meet we've hosted in a while, and I'd love to see DAM show up strong for a home meet!

Not a meet person? No problem. On July 29, we're teaming up with Yolo Berry for a fundraiser—easy, delicious, and a great way to support the club. More on that soon.

And if you want to get dialed in for these races (or you're just curious how your stroke looks on video), sign up for a Stroke Analysis Session with Coach Matt on August 1. More information and registration are below.

Lots to be excited about. Let's make the most of it!

This Week's Schedule

It's 4th of July week, but since the holiday falls on a Saturday, we'll be on our regular schedule all week, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Don't forget we're on our summer schedule through August 9. Our fall schedule begins the week of August 10, 2026.

Summer Schedule Reminders

• No 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM workouts at Civic

• Added 7:00 AM workout on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at Arroyo

• Schaal workouts on Tuesdays and Thursdays:

  • 5:50 AM

  • 6:50 AM

  • 6:15 PM

• No Arroyo workouts on Tuesdays and Thursdays—please attend Schaal instead.

• No Tuesday or Thursday evening workout at Civic—please attend Schaal.

Join Our Membership Committee

We're forming a Membership Committee to grow our community and highlight what DAM offers—fitness, expert coaching, a welcoming team, competition, and more.

We're looking for 2–3 members to work with Matt on recruitment projects, including:

• Staffing a booth at the Davis Farmers Market

• Creating team and targeted flyers (such as for UC Davis students and staff)

• Building a new-member packet and buddy system

Interested?

Self-nominate by emailing admin@damfast.org.

Invitations will go out in July, and committee work begins in August.

Thank you for helping shape DAM's future!

USMS Summer National Championships

The 2026 USMS Summer National Championship is coming to Sacramento August 5–9. That's basically our backyard. This is a rare chance to swim a national-level meet without needing a hotel stay, and we'd love to bring a big DAM crew.

Date: August 5–9, 2026

Location: Sacramento, CA

Start thinking about your events, and let's make some noise at Nationals!

Volunteers Needed

If you're available to help with timing, hospitality, or other volunteer roles, we'd love your help running this meet.

Pacific Masters LCM Championships

This year's Long Course Championships are split across two weekends because of scheduling at Soda Aquatic Center.

Sunday, July 12

Distance Events Only

• 400 IM

• 1500 Free

• 800 Free Relay

Saturday–Sunday, July 18–19

All remaining events.

DAM SCM September Classic Meet

We're excited to host a Short Course Meters meet on September 12 at Schaal.

This is a great opportunity to race SCM while supporting the club—all proceeds benefit DAM.

Registration opens soon.

We'll also need volunteers, so watch for a Sign-Up Genius where you can claim a job.

Thank you for your support!

New: Stroke Analysis Sessions

Many swimmers have asked about getting video of their stroke, so I'm excited to pilot a new format that combines underwater video with real-time coaching feedback.

On Saturday, August 1, I'll be offering six 30-minute Stroke Analysis Sessions at Civic Pool.

During your session, I will:

• Film your stroke above and below the water

• Review the video with you immediately afterward

• Identify what's working well

• Highlight your biggest opportunities for improvement

• Build a personalized drill plan you can immediately use in practice

Since this is the first time I'm offering this format, these pilot sessions are priced at $99.

Only six spots are available, so register soon if you're interested.

Lane Etiquette: Using the Pace Clock

The pace clock is your best friend in the water—but only if you use it.

Leave on a Good Number

Start your swim on a number ending in 0 or 5. Leaving on the top (:00) or bottom (:30) makes your interval much easier to track.

Stagger by Five Seconds

Each swimmer should leave five seconds behind the swimmer in front to maintain proper spacing.

Drop Down One Second Early

If your send-off is the :00, step onto the wall at :59 and push off exactly on the :00.

Check the Clock When You Finish

The clock tells you:

• Your swim time

• When to leave for your next repeat

If you don't know when you left, you won't know when to go again.

Keep Watching the Clock

Staying on the clock keeps your pace consistent, keeps practice moving, and keeps your lane organized.

If using the pace clock feels confusing, ask a lane mate or one of the coaches—we're always happy to help.

Check Us Out on TV

I tried embedding our TV spot directly into last week's newsletter...and it didn't work. That's what I get for trying to be technological.

So we'll keep it simple.

Click HERE to check out Coach Matt and DAM on Good Morning Sacramento.

Julie Veress Celebration of Life

The DAM community is invited to celebrate the life of Julie Veress.

Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM

Location: Ruhstaller, Dixon

The Veress family has long been a part of the Davis swimming community, and Julie will be dearly missed. We hope to see a strong DAM presence to honor her memory and support the family.

Competitions

2026 Distance Non-Free Virtual Challenge

• Date: May 1–June 30, 2026

• Location: Any SCY pool

2026 Silver State Meet

• Date: June 28, 2026

• Location: Reno, NV

2026 Pacific Masters LCM Championship Meet

• Date: July 12 & July 18–19, 2026

• Location: Moraga, CA

2026 USMS Summer National Championship

• Date: August 5–9, 2026

• Location: Sacramento, CA

2026 Donner Lake Open Water Swim

• Date: August 8, 2026

• Location: Donner Lake

2026 Santa Cruz Open Water Weekend

• Date: August 15–16, 2026

• Location: Santa Cruz, CA

2026 Santa Rosa Masters Pentathlon

• Date: August 22, 2026

• Location: Santa Rosa, CA

Workout Rotation

Week of June 29, 2026

• Monday – Distance

• Tuesday – SCY: Kick/Pull | LCM: Mid Distance

• Wednesday – IM

• Thursday – SCY: Sprint | LCM: Mid Distance

• Friday – Distance

• Saturday – Coach's Choice

Week of July 6, 2026

• Monday – Kick/Pull

• Tuesday – SCY: IM | LCM: IM

• Wednesday – Sprint

• Thursday – SCY: Distance | LCM: Mid Distance

• Friday – Kick/Pull

• Saturday – Coach's Choice

Grand Prix Opportunities

Earn Grand Prix points during July by participating in the following events:

• July 12: Pacific Masters LCM Championships – Moraga

• July 18–19: Pacific Masters LCM Championships – Moraga

• July 29: Yolo Berry Frozen Yogurt Fundraiser

DAM Board Meeting

Our next board meeting will be held:

Date: July 8, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Brady Building