Important Information!

I know this is a long email - you are responsible for all of the information on this email so please take the time to read the entire thing!

Blake Meet

We are rescheduling the meet with Blake because their space is not available. It is now Wednesday Jan 28, not Thursday Jan 29. It is the same time and same everything else. Sorry for the change. Hopefully it will be the last! :)

Practice start time clarification!

Practice for everyone starts at 3:30. That means dressed (athletic clothing), shoes on, ready to go. There are a few of you who have already checked with me or Jenni about alternative warm up options. Only those people who have already checked with us have permission to be 10 minutes late. We expect you to attend footwork. You are only missing warm ups. This means ready to go (dressed, shoes on) at 3:40. Footwork IS an important part of the training.

Equipment reminder!

With our team so large this year we need to enforce our policies. This week we will begin getting equipment back from fencers who are expected to purchase some equipment on their own. If this is a hardship, please let us know. We are not trying to force people off the team, we just need to provide equipment for everyone.

These are the purchases you are expected to have made:

1st years - glove and underarm protector (chest plate for girls)

2nd year - fencing bag, 1 weapon and 1 body/mask cord

3rd year - an additional weapon and body/mask cord

4th year - an additional weapon and body/mask cord - each additional year - weapon and body/mask cord

This is what we'll provide: - if you don't have something from this list, I need to know as soon as possible so I can find/ order you the equipment.

6th graders - bag, jacket, mask, knickers, lame- if applicable, 1 blade and 1 body cord.

1st years that are not 6th graders - bag, jacket, mask, knickers, lame- if applicable, 2 blades and 2 body/mask cords.

2nd year - jacket, mask, knickers and lame if applicable, 1 blade and 1 body/mask cord (you should have a set of your own)

3rd year and above - jacket, mask, knickers and lame if applicable - you should have 2 of your own weapons and body cords.

Team Socks

You are required to wear SPA team socks at all of our meets. I will order those this week, if you do not have any team socks please email me your shoe size. You will be billed for the cost of the socks.

Team Gear

We will be gathering sizes for team gear this week, they are grey sweats with navy writing. The captains will have more information soon.

JO's

If you are planning on attending JO's and would like Bob and I to attend, please let us know this week so we can make plans.

Midwest High School Championships

If you are in High School and are planning on attending the Midwest High School Championships in Gurnee IL on January 24th, please let me know this week so I can start to make hotel arrangements.

Practice this Week

This is your last week of practice before our next meet on January 4th at SPA. You must register at www.askfred.net this week, this includes the new fencers, grades 7-12. Each weapon will fence electrically one day this week. Parent's Day is Friday.

Set Up for Ares Meet

The USFA is looking for 10 volunteers to help set up the Ares meet on Saturday, January 3rd at 2:15. We are working on getting an entry fee reduction for those of you who volunteer, please email me if you're interested.