CEO/Head Coach Message
There's a lot happening at DAM as we close out 2026 and look ahead to 2027.
Brute Squad is underway, and swimmers are already taking on the challenge and earning their dragon status. There's a Brute for everyone, so I hope you'll get involved.
This Sunday I'll be representing DAM at the Pacific Masters Annual Meeting, speaking on a panel about building strong, sustainable Masters clubs. I'm looking forward to sharing some of DAM's successes and bringing back new ideas.
We're also looking for new ways to grow DAM and connect with the community. Starting in January, we'll have a booth at the Davis Farmers Market to introduce more people to Masters swimming, and we'll need volunteers to help.
Finally, don't forget to nominate a deserving teammate for one of our annual DAM awards.
Thanks for everything you do to make DAM a great community. Let's finish the year strong.
2026 Brute Squad — Become the Dragon
The 18th Annual Ross Yancher Brute Squad is underway. You have the entire month of November to complete it, and there's a version for everyone:
Full Brute: 200 Fly + 400 IM + 1650 Free
Brute Lite: 100 Fly + 200 IM + 500 Free
Competitive: legal strokes, no equipment
Non-Competitive: modify however works for you — substitute strokes, use equipment, adjust as needed
A few reminders: you have until November 30 to complete your swim; swim first, then register, since results aren't official until you register; and consider grabbing lanemates to cheer each other on or help time/count.
Register your swim and shop Brute Squad merchandise — links in the original email.
Pacific Masters Annual Meeting
Coach Matt will join the "Stories from Off the Deck" panel at the Pacific Masters Annual Meeting and Celebration, speaking about what keeps DAM strong beyond the workouts — fundraising, membership growth, events, partnerships, financial sustainability, and the systems that keep a nearly 500-member club running. The meeting also includes Pacific Masters awards, org updates, and keynote speaker Olympian Summer Sanders. Free for Pacific Masters members, with lunch available for purchase. Registration deadline: Wednesday, November 4 at noon.
Veterans Day Schedule
Wednesday, November 11 is Veterans Day. Workouts that day: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 a.m., all at Civic.
Nominate a DAM Member for an Annual Award
DAM is accepting nominations for two annual awards: the Lillian Rowan Award (members 65 and older) and the Scott Allison Award (members 64 and younger), recognizing motivation, dedication/service to DAM, and individual achievement. Nominations are due November 15. Recipients will be recognized at the Holiday Party & Annual Meeting on December 12.
2027 USMS Registration
It's time to renew your USMS membership for 2027 — current memberships expire December 31. An active USMS membership is required to swim with DAM; it covers insurance at practice and lets you take part in meets and club events. If it lapses, you won't be able to join workouts until you renew.
Even with auto-renew on, the process isn't fully automatic — USMS asks you to log in and reconfirm some details before the renewal goes through, so don't assume you're covered.
To renew: go to usms.org and log in, confirm your personal details, select Davis Aquatic Masters as your club, and complete payment. Save your confirmation. Questions or issues — just reply to the email.
Save the Date — DAM Annual Meeting and Holiday Party: December 12
Saturday, December 12 at 6:00 p.m. — celebrating the year, looking ahead to 2027, and spending an evening together as a club. More details coming soon.
DAM on Social Media
DAM is growing its social media presence to show the Davis community what the team is about and help bring in new swimmers. No one is featured in a spotlight post without being asked first, though you may appear in the background of a pool deck photo or practice video. If you'd rather not appear at all, email Matt (mzachan@damfast.org) and you'll be left out of anything posted; you can also ask for a post to come down later.
Own a Business? Know Someone Who Does?
DAM is open to local business partnerships, reaching 450+ active members weekly. Recognition options include logo placement on a team shirt or the Lake Berryessa shirt, sponsorship of Berryessa or a swim meet, a spot on the pool's DAM banner, or a mention in the Tuesday Message. Email Andee Bell at andee@howmuchyabench.net — shirt and banner spots are limited.
DAM at the Farmers Market
DAM is looking for volunteers to staff a booth at the Davis Farmers Market starting January 2027, to promote the club and help grow membership. Sign-up link in the original email.
Upcoming Competitions
18th Annual Brute Squad — Nov 1–30, any 25-yard pool
Santa Rosa Masters Resolution Meet — Jan 23, Santa Rosa Junior College
Olympic Club 1500 Meet — Jan 30, San Francisco
USF Valentine's Affair — Feb 6, San Francisco
DAM SCY February Swim Meet — Feb 13, Schaal
Armada Sprint Pentathlon — Feb 20, Albany
The City Mile — Feb 28, San Francisco
Workout Rotation
Week of 11/2: Monday IM, Tuesday Sprint, Wednesday Distance, Thursday Kick/Pull, Friday IM, Saturday Coach Choice
Week of 11/9: Monday Sprint, Tuesday Distance, Wednesday Kick/Pull, Thursday IM, Friday Sprint, Saturday Coach Choice
DAM Board Meeting
Next board meeting: Wednesday, November 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Brady Building.
