Dear Parents and Swimmers:

Another year has passed, it's time for another Nauticat swim season, and boy what a year it has been. Like most people in the Clear Lake area, hurricane Ike landed a punch on Nassau Bay and the Nauticats. Our concession stand suffered considerable damage, and we lost our starting system, refrigerator, and microwave. Our starting blocks were missing in action for several days and then miraculously appeared it the pool gate.

Every year we stress how important parent volunteers are for the success of the program. This year that will be especially true as we recover from Ike. The concession stand and guard shack have already been repaired by a dedicated group of volunteers. It is this willingness to serve and NASA "can do" spirit that will bring continued success to the program again this year. Each volunteer job is essential to putting on a meet. By volunteering you not only contribute to the successful outcome of the meet, you also get to associate with neighbors and develop some new friendships. Much of the closeness that Nassau Bay is known for was spawned through participation in the Nauticat swim program. When you register, or when our volunteer coordinator contacts you, please be willing to sign up and contribute. You will have more fun, and the meets will run smoother.

Another aspect of the team is the scholarship program for graduating seniors. It is described elsewhere in this handbook. Continuation of this program is based on sponsorship of the team. Whether it's a half page family add for the handbook or a full sponsorship with banner, raising money ensures that the scholarship program will continue. Patronizing our sponsors is important and will assist in their continued support.

So let's get those hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses out and have another great season of Nauticat swimming.

Frank Richter
President