CEO/Head Coach Message
November is off to a busy start. Brute Squad is underway, annual award nominations are closing soon, and we're getting ready for our Holiday Party and Annual Meeting.
This past weekend, I represented DAM at the Pacific Masters Annual Meeting, where I spoke about the work that goes into building and sustaining a strong Masters swimming club. I was also honored to receive the Pacific Masters Coach of the Year Award.
I'm incredibly grateful to our swimmers for the opportunity to lead this organization, and especially to those who took the time to nominate me. DAM is a special place because of the people in this community, and I'm fortunate to be part of it. Thank you.
We have a lot to look forward to as we finish out 2026. I hope you'll take part in Brute Squad, nominate a deserving teammate for an annual award, and join us for the Holiday Party on December 12.
Pacific Masters Coach of the Year
Congratulations to Coach Matt, who was named 2026 Pacific Masters Coach of the Year at Sunday's Pacific Masters Annual Meeting. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to Masters swimming through coaching, leadership, and service. We're proud to see DAM's leadership recognized by the broader Masters swimming community.
Veterans Day Schedule
In observance of Veterans Day, DAM will run a modified workout schedule tomorrow, Wednesday, November 11. All workouts will be at Civic Pool: 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00 a.m. Thank you to all of our veterans for your service.
2026 Brute Squad: Become the Dragon
The 18th Annual Ross Yancher Brute Squad is underway, and we have some work to do to reach our participation goals. So far, 21 DAM swimmers have completed the challenge (goal: 100), and 29 total swimmers have completed it (goal: 200).
There's still plenty of time. You have until November 30 to complete your swim, and there's a Brute for everyone:
Full Brute: 200 Fly + 400 IM + 1650 Free
Brute Lite: 100 Fly + 200 IM + 500 Free
Both challenges have competitive and non-competitive options. The non-competitive versions let you substitute strokes, use equipment, or make other modifications to fit your abilities.
Special Brute Squad Workout: Saturday, November 21 at 8 a.m. We're dedicating the 8 a.m. workout at Civic to swimmers completing their Brute Squad challenge. It's a great chance to tackle it with friends and lanemates, and you can sign up at Civic Pool to reserve your spot. If you're swimming the competitive version, please bring someone who can help time and count for you.
Swim first, then register so you can submit your results. Your swim isn't official until you've registered.
Register your Brute: (link)
Shop Brute Squad merchandise: (link)
Become an Honorary Brute by donating to DAM: (link)
Nominate a DAM Member for an Annual Award: Last Chance
Each year, DAM recognizes members who make a meaningful impact on the club through their attitude, dedication, service, and example. We're accepting nominations for two annual awards:
Lillian Rowan Award: for a DAM member age 65 or older
Scott Allison Award: for a DAM member age 64 or younger
Both awards recognize members who demonstrate motivation through their example and philosophy, dedication and service to DAM, and achievement based on their individual abilities. Think about the teammate who encourages others, volunteers their time, supports the club, or consistently sets a great example.
Nominations are due November 15. Recipients will be recognized at the DAM Holiday Party and Annual Meeting on December 12.
Save the Date: DAM Annual Meeting and Holiday Party
Date: Saturday, December 12
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Davis Senior Center
Food: Potluck, so bring a dish to share
We'll celebrate the year's accomplishments, recognize our annual award winners, look ahead to 2027, and enjoy an evening together outside the pool. It's a great chance to connect with teammates you might only see for a few minutes between workouts. More details coming soon.
Giving Tuesday: December 1
DAM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and on Tuesday, December 1, we'll be participating in Giving Tuesday, a global day dedicated to supporting nonprofits and the communities they serve. Membership dues cover our regular operating expenses, but donations let DAM do even more. They can help us:
Maintain and improve the facilities and equipment we use every day
Support programs that introduce new swimmers to our sport
Provide scholarships and make swimming more accessible
Invest in the long-term sustainability of the club
As a registered nonprofit, DAM can receive tax-deductible charitable donations, subject to applicable tax rules. Many employers also offer matching gift programs, which could double the impact of your gift. We'll share more details as Giving Tuesday approaches. Even if you can't donate, you can help by spreading the word about DAM.
2027 USMS Registration
It's time to renew your USMS membership for 2027. Your current membership expires December 31, and an active USMS membership is required to participate in DAM workouts. Even with auto-renew enabled, you may still need to log in and confirm your information before your renewal is processed. Visit usms.org to renew, and select Davis Aquatic Masters as your club. Please don't wait until January 1 to discover your membership has expired.
DAM at the Farmers Market: Volunteers Needed
Starting in January, DAM will have a booth at the Davis Farmers Market to introduce our program to more of the community. We're looking for volunteers to spend time at the booth, share their DAM experiences, and welcome potential new swimmers. Sign up here: (link)
Own a Business? Know Someone Who Does?
DAM is looking for local business partners and sponsors. With more than 450 active members, DAM offers a great way for local businesses to connect with the community. Opportunities include team shirts, the Lake Berryessa Swim, DAM swim meets, poolside banners, and recognition in the Tuesday Message. Interested? Contact Andee Bell at andee@howmuchyabench.net.
DAM on Social Media
We're growing DAM's social media presence to show the Davis community what this team is all about (the workouts, the meets, the people) and help bring new swimmers to the pool.
If you'd prefer not to appear in any DAM photos or videos, email Matt (mzachan@damfast.org) at any time, and we'll make sure you're left out of anything we post. No one will be featured without being asked first, you may appear in the background of a pool deck photo or practice video, and if you change your mind later, we'll take down any post you're in.
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 (Davis)
Armada Sprint Pentathlon: Feb 20, Albany
The City Mile: Feb 28, San Francisco
Workout Rotation
Week of 11/9: Monday Sprint, Tuesday Distance, Wednesday Kick/Pull, Thursday IM, Friday Sprint, Saturday Coach Choice
Week of 11/16: Monday Distance, Tuesday Kick/Pull, Wednesday IM, Thursday Sprint, Friday Distance, Saturday Coach Choice
DAM Board Meeting
The next board meeting is Wednesday, November 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Brady Building.
