Thank you to all of the swimmers who have already completed the BS or BSL. It is exciting to see DAM get pumped up for this event!
How many Brutes can we have this year? My goal is for our club to have over 180 swimmers do the Brute Squad. There's a way for all of us to become a Brute this year - Brute Squad, Brute Squad Lite, and the all-new non-competetive option. With all of the options available, it is worth the journey for all of us to do.
Have you been thinking about your swimming goals? Starting next week I'll be asking you for them, and I'll provide a forum for you to share them with the coaching staff. I look forward to reading all of your goals for 2022 and beyond!
Everyone can do the Brute Squad or Brute Squad Lite this year! How? By entering the NEW Non-Competition Category!
You can DO IT YOUR WAY!
No Timer required.
Use fins, paddles, snorkel, wetsuit.
Yes, swim one-arm Butterfly
Yes, this Brute's for You!
When the coach announces it's a "Brute Squad Workout", simply swim the workout as written.
Enter online or complete an Entry Form (also available at Civic and Arroyo). Follow the steps outlined on the Entry Form.
Your submitted time can be 45:00.0 minutes = 60-min workout - 15 warm-up & announcments = 45 min Brute Squad.
All Brutes can order Brute Gear. Brute Store Grand Opening coming soon.
All Brutes are invited to the traditional Spring celebration at a local Brewery.
Sign-up sheets for your swim are posted at Civic Center and Arroyo.
Volunteer timer sign-ups are on the pool window at Civic.
Contact Lynda ( yancher@aol.com) or Sharon (brutesquad@damfast.org)
if you are in need of a timer OR with any questions.
Any questions? Contact Lynda Yancher ( yancher @aol.com)
DAM Annual Meeting
The DAM Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at the Davis Senior Center. Its been a while since we've done this, so mark your calendars! More information to follow.
Board Candidate Statements
There are three candidates for the upcoming DAM Board election. Their statements are below. There are three open seats on the board, and three candidates for those seats. Our bylaws require that we hold an election, though, even if it seems pointless. We will send a link to your ballot the week of November 29. Stay tuned.
Even though the election seems pointless, this is the time of the year that a new board will form to lead DAM for the next year. Its a good time to think about the DAM things that are important to you, and share those thoughts with one of these candidates, or with another board member.
Stuart Kahn
In 1997 our family moved to Davis to lead the Aquadart youth program and I have been a swimmer and coach for DAM since then. I was an assistant and substitute coach at DAM for 10 years before taking the head coach position in 2008, which continued through my retirement last April. My 30-year experience serving on aquatic boards of directors include positions with Sierra Nevada Swimming, Pacific Masters Swimming, and US Masters Swimming. During my tenure as DAM head coach, I attended 148 board meetings and am well-versed in club policies, procedures, and local politics. My first interest as a board member will be participating in the recruitment process currently underway for a permanent head coach. I will also propose investigating the creation of a new DAM position encompassing the roles of webmaster, communications director, and office manager. With membership numbers over 500 and nearly 50 coached practices per week, the need for consistent communication and administration is paramount. I am committed to seeing DAM reorganize itself back to full-time leadership and along with my wife, Mary, plan on staying with the club for the foreseeable future.
Dan Sperka
My name is Dan Sperka and I would like to serve on the DAM board for a two year term. I’ve been on the board for the past two years, and I also served two terms from 2011 through 2014. I’ve been heavily involved with DAM’s back-office operations, website, and COVID-era scheduling. I have been a DAM member since 2004, and you’ll find me at Arroyo during the week, and at the Saturday morning Civic workouts. Over the years I’ve met a lot of great people through DAM, had great coaches, and had some great times. Serving on the board is my way of giving back. The past two years have been difficult for all of us. DAM has definitely had its share of troubles. But DAM is a terrific group of people with a deep well of knowledge, experience, energy, and dedication, and together we’ve managed to do all right. I think we are emerging from the pandemic stronger than ever, and I’d like to continue to build on what we’ve done. It has been a privilege to help guide DAM through it all, and I'd like an opportunity to continue serving on the board.
Kevin Waterson
The past four years of serving DAM as a member of the board of directors has been both incredibly taxing and incredibly rewarding. The tireless efforts it takes to run a club of this size are only outweighed by the incredible sense of community this club offers its members. There is no organization to which I would rather give my heart and soul. The many challenges we have had, and will continue to face, are no match for a passionate and hardworking group, and I hope to continue the amazing work of representing DAM members for one more term.
If you don't receive a confirmation email of your lane and station, or can't find it by 3pm Friday, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us (webmaster@damfast.org or djsperka@gmail.com).
