CLUB SPIRIT

DAM Looks Back on a Strong Fall, Ahead to a Big 2027

Davis, Calif. — DAM's Head Coach and CEO is thanking members for a warm Coach Appreciation Week and a well-attended Fall Picnic, calling the club "a special community" built on the support of its members. More social events outside the pool are planned through the year for anyone who missed the picnic.

Looking ahead, Brute Squad opens November 1st, and the club will close out the year with its Holiday Party in December. "I think 2027 is going to be another big DAM year," the club's leadership said, pointing to a full slate of plans heading into year's end and beyond.

RECORD BOOK

DAM Swimmers Rewrite the SCM Record Book

DAM swimmers put up a wave of new short course meters records at the DAM September Classic and the Pacific Masters SCM Championship. Matt Roper led all swimmers with six new records — the 400, 800, and 1500 Free, plus the 50, 100, and 200 Back. Emma Garforth added five of her own, in the 50, 100, and 200 Free, the 50 Breast, and the 100 Back, while Jane Russell set four, in the 200 Back, the 100 and 200 Breast, and the 50 Fly. Gianluca Urlando cleared the 100 and 200 Fly by wide margins.

Additional record-setters included Emmie Appl (200 Free, 50 Breast), Chelsea Schiano (400 Free, 200 IM), Helene Nehrebecki (200 Free, 100 Fly), Kristin Duby (50 and 200 Breast), Greg Menna (50 Fly), Linda Buchanan (50 Free), Cecily Sprouse (200 Breast), David Woodruff (100 Breast), and Andrew McPherson (50 Fly).

COMING THIS FALL

18th Annual Brute Squad Opens November 1

The Ross Yancher Brute Squad, one of DAM's longest-running traditions, begins November 1st. Swimmers can take it on as the Full Brute (200 Fly, 400 IM, 1650 Freestyle) or Brute Light (100 Fly, 200 IM, 500 Freestyle), each completed either competitively — swum legally, without equipment — or non-competitively, where swimmers can use equipment, modify strokes, or adjust the challenge to fit their own ability. "You do not have to be an IM swimmer to participate," the club said.

The event doubles as a club fundraiser, and new Brute Squad T-shirts are on the way this year. Workouts will build toward the challenge through longer IM and freestyle work in October, with sign-up sheets at the podium starting November 1st, chances to complete the Brute during regular workouts or lap swim, and a dedicated Brute Day later in the month.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Matt Roper Named 2026 Dorothy Donnelly Service Award Recipient

DAM is congratulating Matt Roper on being named a 2026 recipient of U.S. Masters Swimming's Dorothy Donnelly Service Award, one of USMS's top honors for volunteers whose service has made a significant impact at the local, regional, and national levels of Masters Swimming. "Thank you for everything you do for Masters Swimming and our community," the club said.

LOCAL PARTNER

Members Save 10% on Gear at Swim America Davis

DAM is encouraging members to shop local for goggles, caps, and fins at Swim America Davis, located at 2121 2nd Street, Suite A101. The shop stocks the same equipment used at DAM workouts, and DAM members receive 10% off equipment purchases, with additional holiday discounts expected later in the year.

UPCOMING COMPETITIONS

18th Annual Brute Squad — November 1–30, Any 25-Yard Pool

Registration and event details are coming soon.

Santa Rosa Masters Resolution Meet — January 23, Santa Rosa Junior College

Olympic Club 1500 Meet — January 30, San Francisco

USF Valentine's Affair — February 6, San Francisco

Info and registration coming soon.

DAM SCY February Swim Meet — February 13, Schaal (Davis)

Info and registration coming soon.

Armada Sprint Pentathlon — February 20, Albany

Info and registration coming soon.

The City Mile — February 28, San Francisco

Info and registration coming soon.

ON DECK

Workout Rotation: Weeks of October 12 and 19

Week of 10/12: Monday – Sprint · Tuesday – Distance · Wednesday – Kick/Pull · Thursday – IM · Friday – Sprint · Saturday – Coach Choice

Week of 10/19: Monday – Distance · Tuesday – Kick/Pull · Wednesday – IM · Thursday – Sprint · Friday – Distance · Saturday – Coach Choice

CLUB CALENDAR

Next Board Meeting: October 14 at the Brady Building

The DAM Board of Directors will meet Wednesday, October 14th, at 6:30 p.m. in the Brady Building.