Hi Dolphin families!

We know this is an absolute mountain of information coming at you all at once —but hang in there! This is the most important week of the season, and everything below is what you will need to know for a smooth, successful, and incredibly fun Champs weekend. Let's get into it!

❤️ Coaches Appreciation Week (All Week Long!)

This week is Coach Appreciation Week, and it’s our chance to say a massive thank you to the incredible coaches who pour their time, energy, and heart into our swimmers every single day! From early morning practices to cheering loudly at the finish line, our coaches make Del Norte Dolphins the amazing community it is.

• What to do: Have your swimmer write a card, draw a picture, or grab a small gift card/token of thanks.
• Where to put it: Please drop it in the Appreciation Box on the pool deck.

🍝 Champs Rally & Pasta Feed (Thursday, July 16)

Get hyped, get fed, and get informed!

• When & Where: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Arcade Church (3927 Marconi Ave.).
• The Fun: Car decorating 🚗, poster making 🎨, temporary tattoos ⚓, and signing up for the Saturday Parent Relay! 🏊♂️
• The Food: Potluck style (bring enough to feed 10–12 people based on your last name):
  • A–J: Pasta | K–M: Salad/Side | N–S: Dessert | T–Z: Bread

⏱️ CHAMPIONSHIPS!

Please see the attached newsletter with full details for our upcoming championship meet this weekend at American River College! As a reminder, volunteer jobs are now closed and cannot be changed. If you need to communicate about your shift, please email [email protected].

• Location: American River College (4700 College Oak Drive, Sac, CA 95841)

• Tent Set up: Friday, July 17, 6-7pm (please DO NOT set up prior to this time).
  • Security will be on site all night Saturday, but please do not leave any valuables in your tent.
• Check-In: 6:30 AM (Both Saturday & Sunday)
• Del Norte Warm-Up Times (Lanes 1–5):
  • Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:35 AM
  • Sunday: 7:35 AM – 8:00 AM
• Meet Starts: 8:30 AM both days.

🤝 Dolphin Pride & Sportsmanship

As we head into each swim, let's remember what being a Dolphin is all about! It is incredibly important that we model excellent sportsmanship all weekend long, to other teams, and especially to our own teammates. Please remind your swimmers to shake hands with the competitors in the lanes next to them at the end of every single race. Win or lose, we are so incredibly proud to represent Del Norte, and we want our team spirit and respect for others to shine brighter than the scoreboard! 🌟

🏊Swimmer Readiness

• Arm Marking: your swimmer's arm will be marked with their initial, last name, and event info. Right arm on Saturday, Left arm on Sunday.
• Ready Bench: Mandatory for all relays and swimmers 14 & under.
• Closed Deck: The pool deck behind the blocks is strictly closed to parents. Only swimmers, coaches, current-shift volunteers, and deck pass holders are allowed.
  • Note, swimmers, please remember to visit the coaches table after your swim!

🅿️ Parking Guide

• Free Parking: Strictly limited to Levels 1–3 in the parking garage and the sectioned-off open lot next to the stadium. (Surrounding neighborhood parking is also free, just follow street laws).
• Paid Parking: All other campus lots are $2 per day.
• Warning: Do not park in "Staff" spots. Enforcement is strict; you will be ticketed or towed.

🎪 Team Area & What to Bring

• Where to find us: Look for the Pink section on the map near the ARC Learning Resource Center.
• WATER: Please be sure to bring lots of water - there are some water fountains, but no refilling stations
• Canopies & Seating: No tarps or tarp-bottom tents allowed on the grass—only breathable outdoor carpets or towels. No large pop-ups or large umbrellas in the spectator bleachers.
• Prohibited: No alcohol, smoking, vaping, marijuana, dogs, skateboards, bicycles, or noise-making devices during races.

🏆 Awards

• 6 & Under: Saturday right after Backstroke Finals.
• 7 & Up: Sunday afternoon in the bleachers, only after full team clean-up and teardown are completely finished. These will be awards for individuals, as well as for the team, so please stay to support!

Please reach out with ANY questions - we’re here to help.

Good luck to all of our amazing Dolphin swimmers! Let's bring the energy and finish this season strong! 🐬💙