Weekly Update: Week of October 27th

Jackson Leonard

Week of Oct 27th

 

Congratulations: 

2026 USA Swimming Club Excellence: Bronze Medal Status

 

USA Swimming annually awards 200 teams across the country with “Club Excellence” designations. Teams across the country vie for Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal Club Excellence status and celebrate their successes with recognition from our national governing body. Select teams are awarded these Gold, Silver, and Bronze statuses when USA Swimming compiles top long course meters top times from 18&Under athletes. This year, Fort Collins Area Swim Team (FAST) was awarded BRONZE MEDAL STATUS.

 

While it’s easy to see those program metrics and say, “Well, if you have more kids and focus on the fastest kids, you can be a Gold Medal team…” the truth is, it’s not that simple. Being a Gold Medal team requires team-wide success at every level. For any team, including FAST, moving up the ranks of Club Excellence rankings requires excellence at every step of our programming. Superlative organization, excellent coaching, clear and consistent communication, positive and supportive team culture, and a passion for growth and self-improvement are all essential components of our intentional development. 

 

In order to fully maximize our potential, our aim is to provide the highest quality leadership, coaching, instruction, and richest swimming experience at every level. When our Age Group program and younger age groups are successful, they are preparing for even faster growth in coming years. When our current Senior level swimmers are having fun, swimming fast, and enjoying the challenge of improving themselves- our younger swimmers will notice! When our coaching staff is dialed in to performing their duties at the highest quality, our entire team thrives. Our Masters swimmers’ presence and efforts help connect the lifelong value of the sport for our Age Group athletes and seeps into the subconscious of our entire team. 

 

To our staff and swimmers, congratulations on being recognized as one of the top 200 USA Swimming club teams in the country this past year. Your time, effort, and energy in the sport of swimming are reflected in our team recognition; we’ll wear our Bronze medal badge with pride this year! But, have no doubt- we will continue to grow, improve, and excel. We are focused- as a staff, as athletes, and as a team- on climbing the ranks of USA Swimming’s Club Excellence program and returning to Gold Medal status in the future. 

 

Character Value of the Week:

Growth Mindset: VIDEO: CLICK HERE

 

Carol Dweck, a Stanford psychologist, coined the term, “growth mindset” after years of research. Her studies led to her publication of “Mindset,” a valuable read for anyone interested in personal growth. FAST coaches will continue to reframe athletes’ self-talk and commentary in practices (and at meets) through the lens of ‘having a growth mindset.’ 

 

Those with ‘fixed mindsets’ may shy away from challenges to avoid feeling embarrassed or humiliated in front of others… a natural human feeling! The problem with a fixed mindset? Our fear and worries of making mistakes will prevent us from taking on challenges and new experiences that can help us grow, improve ourselves, and become better versions of ourselves. 

 

If, instead, we have a ‘growth mindset,’ we enjoy challenges because we value learning and growth more than we worry about how we are perceived. Approaching challenges and experiences with the belief that ‘I can improve at anything with focus and effort’ has much farther reaching 

 

When I look at our program as a whole, there’s one group that stands out as a prime example of benefitting from a positive, growth mindset. There’s one group I sincerely hope every single member of our team is a part of. There’s one group where having a “growth mindset” is the number one key to success. That group? FAST Masters swimming.

 

While every single swimmer on our team will, one day, quit racing competitively… there’s no reason that day has to be any time soon! Our FAST Masters swimmers embody what it means to live with a ‘growth mindset.’ While our Masters group has a mix of triathletes, open water swimmers, competitive USMS racers, former age group, high school, and collegiate swimmers, Coach Eric’s group also includes community members who are new to the sport, rehabbing from injuries, or looking to try a new form of exercise that suits their current lifestyle. The joys of swimming don’t end in high school or college; swimming- as a lifestyle- can continue through life.

 

Our Masters swimmers’ willingness to learn new skills (“You’re allowed to put your head underwater now? Back in my day we couldn’t do that!” is a familiar refrain…), openness to instruction and stroke correction, and courage taking on new challenges in a variety of pools across town, in a variety of weather conditions, and in- occasionally- crowded lanes is commendable. They are setting an example for all our Age Group swimmers to model themselves after. 

 

Embracing a ‘growth mindset,’ being unwilling to accept abilities and intelligence as permanent fixtures, and challenging oneself for personal growth are all skills we hope every FAST swimmer will try to emulate and implement. 

 

Practice Adjustments:

Thursday, October 30th: Nova/Fireball I.M. Showcase, 4:45 - 5:15 p.m.

    Select Ascend and Arete swimmers will also be in the water to demonstrate the strokes so parents can see what Nova/Fireball strokes will eventually look like.

 

Friday, October 31st: Arete AM practice done at 6:45 a.m. 

          Arete PM practices- canceled, intentional rest for a ‘sharper’ Saturday in preparation for PPA Finals

 

Sunday, Nov: FAST- 10 & Under ‘Popcorn’ Variety Clinic

 

  • When: Sunday, November 2nd; 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

    • Registration deadline: Friday, October 31st!

  • Where: EPIC

  • Who: 10&Under swimmers; select space remaining!

  • What: An age-appropriate teaching clinic, designed to hold the attention of our youngest swimmers and swimmers newest to the sport. We’ll have dedicated ‘water time’ where we will review drills, practice concepts, and spend more time on specific swimming skills than we can usually allot during practice hours. 

    • Topics / Blocks:

    • Racing Starts                       9:00 - 9:15 a.m.

    • Underwater (UW) Skills + Butterfly Breakouts         9:20 - 9:35 a.m.

    • UW Skills + Backstroke ‘Reach-n-Roll’               9:40 - 9:55 a.m.

    • Breaststroke Pulldowns & Open Turns             10:00 - 10:15 a.m.

    • Freestyle Flipturn & Speedy Breakouts             10:20 - 10:35 a.m.

    • Championship Relay Exchanges & Finishes            10:40 - 10:55 a.m.

Each topic/block is broken into:

  • 4 minutes of teaching, discussion, video

  • 6 minutes of drills, skills, movement

  • 5 minutes of ‘practice at speed’

  • Cost: $100, charged to monthly invoices

  • Includes: popcorn snack, blue & white arena microfiber towel, frisbee, water bottle, and coupon for free Ferris Wheel ride at SCHEELS

  •  

Will there be future 10&Under Clinics if we can’t make this one? 

Yes! We’ll offer 10&Under Clinics every few months and cover a variety of skills

 

Why is the clinic broken up into different segments? 

To keep the attention of novice swimmers! We’ll break every 20 minutes for time to check in with family, use the restroom, and relax. Swimmers and families will select 3 or 4 of the 6 blocks to participate in. Swimmers can sit in a controlled space to listen to the information in the blocks they don’t participate in, or they can sit with their family members for a quick break.

 

What do we need to bring?

Cap, goggles, swim gear, two towels (one to sit on, one to dry off with), warm clothes, athletic shoes, a water bottle, and a healthy snack. We will provide each attendee with a bag of popcorn and a ‘goodie bag.’ 

 

How do I register? Log in to your TeamUnify account. Under “Classes,” you’ll find our registration page. Your account will be billed. If you encounter any technological issues, please reach out to our Bookkeeper ([email protected]) 
 

Upcoming Events:

 

Private Lessons: new FAST coaches available for sign-ups in November and December

 

Beginning November 1st, 2025

When a topic in class at school is challenging, private tutoring can be a boost!

To navigate complicated situations, community members may seek legal advice from lawyers or explore job opportunities by soliciting the assistance of an executive recruiter.

 

Every sport has different nuances. Swimming? Swimming is one of the few sports that is 100% technique based. 

Since we aren't born knowing how to swim (nor do we naturally develop to swim), we have to learn how to move our bodies with the greatest of ease.

 

Our student-athletes learn mastery of the sport through repetition and opportunities to practice.

Since no two people learn at the exact same rate, we want to provide additional structured learning opportunities outside of our normal practice hours. Our dedicated, professional, ASCA certified coaches are excited to connect with swimmers in a more concentrated and focused space. Our coaches will provide their availability on a monthly basis, which will be visible on the "Bookings" tab of the website. Families are welcome to register for as many lessons as desired. 

 

Please keep in mind, Private Lessons should NOT replace regular practices. Consistency and attention are key to mastery!

 

If FAST members are not present for their registered time, to ensure our coaches' time is respected, FAST members will be held accountable for 100% of the invoiced amount.

With written notice- more than 24 hours in advance- to the Private Lesson coach, accounts will only be charged a $5.00 administrative fee.

 

 

What does a Private Lesson entail?

 

Coach-Athlete-Family Discussion

Prior to the Private Lesson, the FAST coach assisting you will connect with your athlete and your family to learn exactly how we can help.

Our goal is to provide detailed, age-appropriate feedback. Identifying specific concerns, poor habits, or inefficiencies before spending time in the pool helps our coaches prepare a structured lesson tailored for you.

 

Coach Preparation

In advance of your lesson, our coaches will compile specific drills and skills that match the needs of your athlete. 

Coaches may use pre-prepared videos to help show FAST athletes what someone their size looks like doing a drill correctly. It can be frustrating for a child to watch videos of Olympians; their bodies look like aliens to 14&Unders!

 

Pool Time:

Swimmers will follow coach lesson plans to learn, practice, refine, and tinker with drills for specific strokes.

Video feedback will be taken and shown to the athlete on deck. Our Private Lesson footage can be shared in-person with family members who bring their child, but any footage taken is always deleted immediately following the lesson.

Our Private Lesson attendees will go home with a notecard listing drills to remember to implement at practice and any specific details discussed in the water.

 

Follow Up:

Two to three weeks following your Private Lesson, FAST will follow up via email to hear how your child is feeling after implementing lesson skills in practice.

 

Age Group & Senior Clinic: Racing Starts

    Date: Sunday, Nov. 30, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

    Coach: HC Jackson Leonard, FAST Assistants: TBD

 

Advanced Stroke Clinic: Breaststroke with Lucy Bell

Date: Sunday, Dec. 21, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

     Coaches: 

HC Jackson Leonard

FAST Alum & Stanford NCAA Champion Lucy Bell

FAST Assistants: TBD

Swimming in College: Informational Talk

Where: EPIC classroom

When: Dec. 2nd, 6:00 -7:00 p.m.

Who: All interested families & athletes (information most pertinent to 7th grade and older)

   Guest Speaker: Coach Chris "Woody" Woodard

   Virtual Panel: Olivia Asay (current University of Iowa Hawkeye varsity senior)

Katie Rogers (former Southern Sectional level swimmer; former UVA club swimmer)

Join Coach Jackson and Coach Woody, with CSU Women's Swimming, to hear helpful information about applying and possibly swimming in College. Parents, guardians and swimmers are encouraged to attend even if you may not continue swimming in college. Topics may include but not limited to touch on recruiting timeline, NCAA rules, financial aid, how to contact a college coach, and other helpful information.

To submit questions ahead of the meeting, please use the linked Google Form:

QUESTION SUBMISSION

Administrative Reminders:

Corporate Sponsorship Program:

As we continue to identify ways we can continue to enrich the FAST team experience, the impact of corporate sponsorships grows! To facilitate corporate sponsorship agreements, we have updated our Sponsorship Program information and submission form. 

 

If you own a small business in Ft. Collins…

If you work for an organization that values character development & community…

If you are connected with local business owners looking to expand their community connection…

 

Please peruse our FAST Sponsorship Program and share the submission form!

 

Partnerships:

What a treat it was to have hospitality provided by the Mactavish and Sisemore families, who generously provided hospitality for officials and coaches, as well as drinks and refreshments for volunteers on the pool deck. Judging by the speed at which food went flying out the window, families enjoyed Pig Pickin’ BBQ served by Justin Sellers at our Scary FAST meet, too! Thank you to all for adding to the Scary FAST meet experience!

 

We look forward to future home-hosted meets with a rotation of food trucks providing a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. It feels good to connect our spectators and community members at our home swim meets with local entrepreneurs and food truck options; we want to continue to build those community bonds!

 

As not every business is ready to commit to a year-long sponsorship, FAST recognizes it may make more sense to connect with local businesses & instructors to offer one-time or intermittent services, products, and opportunities. Partnerships with FAST create opportunities for businesses or content experts to share their contributions with the team and gain exposure to our fantastic membership. 

 

Former partnerships that have benefitted athletes and staff:

  • Food truck businesses; restauranters

  • Nutritionists, dieticians

  • Certified yoga instructors; sport psychologists

  • Professionals with swimming backgrounds willing to share their journey

  • Swimming-specific training equipment manufacturers

 

If you know someone who would be interested in partnering with FAST to enhance our team’s swimming experience, via physical donations, time commitments, experience-sharing, or small group instruction/education- please share the FAST Partnership packet and application form with them!

 

Donations and Philanthropic Giving:

 

We are careful to approach each season with fiscal responsibility in mind; we want to maximize all tools, space, knowledge, and opportunities available to us. With the generosity of benefactors though, donations and philanthropic giving immediately enhances our program’s resources and accelerates our progress- as individuals and as a team. 

There are a variety of tools, resources, and experiences we want to provide our athletes. When a family member or someone you know donates to FAST, they can direct their donation to specific capital projects and ‘wish-list’ items/experiences. 

 

Learn about what capital projects are on our list by visiting our “Support The Team” tab on our website. 

 

You can now choose where your donation gift is directed:

  • Athlete Travel Team Fund

This fund exists to accept charitable donations and provide financial assistance for eligible athletes’ travel and participation in travel swim meets sanctioned by USA Swimming. Swimmers eligible for Team Travel Funds will receive a percentage, depending on the type of meet, of their travel expenses reimbursed.

  • Athletic Performance Fund

Funds a variety of programs supporting high-performance athletics at the Zone, National, and International levels. This fund also supports athletic enrichment programs such as nutrition, mental and technical training, FAST training camps, and any other program designated as “beneficial to FAST student-athlete athletic achievement.”

 

  • Facilities & Equipment Capital Fund

Exists to accept charitable donations and provide financial assistance to improve, update, and replace training equipment, teaching materials, technological tools, and facility updates

  • Scholarship Fund

The Scholarship Fund exists to accept charitable donations and provide financial assistance for eligible families to ensure athletes’ participation in swim practices without concern of financial hardship. 

Choose to donate with acknowledgement, or keep your gift anonymous; we THANK YOU either way! Your generosity is helping us share our love and passion for developing champions in life.