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On behalf of the Board of Directors from the COOL Waves Swim Team and Olathe Lightning Swim Team, we are excited to announce a new era in competitive swimming as we merge our programs to become the City of Olathe Lightning (COOL) Swim Team. After extensive discussions about how to better serve our swimmers in Olathe and the surrounding community, the two Boards realized it is the “right time” to combine efforts of both programs.
With over 30 years of combined experience, a common vision, and operations which complement each other, it is clear that the two teams will be stronger together than apart.
The new team will look and feel very similar to our current teams. Quality instruction and training for swimmers of all levels, focused on technique and stroke development, will continue to be top priority of our current coaching staff. As well, we will continue to strive for a positive, family-focused atmosphere unsurpassed by any other team in the area.
We know this news may come as a surprise to many of you. On behalf of both Boards we want to assure each of you that this decision is the result of many hours of discussion with the best interest of all our swimmers always at the forefront of both organizations.
Although you will experience change over the next few months, our goal is to make this transition for our families as smooth as possible.
Listed below are a few key elements regarding the merger:
· Laurie Reaburn, the current Head Coach of the COOL Waves Swim Team who has led the team to phenomenal success in recent years, will continue her responsibilities with the new organization. Coach Reaburn has been a competitive swimmer for over 25 years and continues to swim and coach for the Prairie Life Masters. Her guiding philosophy is to make each swimmer faster and smarter by emphasizing efficient swimming technique and to help swimmers reach their goals with the right program fit to their needs, along with positive encouragement and a true belief in their abilities.
· Our swimmers will enjoy an immediate increase in the level of training by more competition in practices.
· The Swim Academy program currently offered by COOL will expand to provide our youngest and newest swimmers with a progressive Learn to Swim and stroke development program.
· The high school swimming program of the new organization will continue under the leadership of Coach Laurie Reaburn.
· We will combine practices beginning June 1, 2010 and will attend summer meets together as one team. To accommodate USA Swimming rules, the change in name and the change in the administrative details (dues, structure, etc.) will become effective at fall registration.
· We will continue to offer practices at both Indian Trail and Pioneer Trail which will allow many families additional flexibility to swim close to home and with friends.
We know you may have many more questions regarding the impact of the merger. Additional information will be forthcoming directly to all members regarding details such as coaching, practice schedules, fees, etc. We encourage you to visit the website of either team for the most up to date information including a thorough Q&A.
We are very excited about what this merger will bring to all of you as parents, swimmers, and the Olathe community. Our promise is to keep you informed throughout the summer with continued communication through email and the team websites.
As always, if you have any additional unanswered questions or concerns, feel free to contact Jenny Downey, COOL Waves President, or Alan Mercer, Olathe Lightning President.
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