Brute Squad
The 18th Annual Ross Yancher Brute Squad starts this Sunday, November 1st, with this year's theme "Become the Dragon." You can take on the Full Brute (200 Fly + 400 IM + 1650 Free) or Brute Lite (100 Fly + 200 IM + 500 Free), either competitively (swum legally, no equipment, official time submitted) or non-competitively (modify it however fits your ability). You have all of November to complete it — sign up on the Brute Squad sheet at the podium at Civic during a regular workout, do it during lap swim (no sign-up needed, but normal lap-swim rules apply), or join Brute Day on Saturday, November 21st. Register your swim after you finish, starting 11/1.
Annual Award Nominations
DAM is accepting nominations for two annual awards: the Lillian Rowan Award (members 65+) and the Scott Allison Award (members 64 and under), recognizing motivation, dedication/service to DAM, and individual achievement. Nominations are due November 15th, and winners will be recognized at the Holiday Party & Annual Meeting on December 12th.
Pacific Masters Annual Meeting
Coach Matt will join the "Stories from Off the Deck" panel at the Pacific Masters Annual Meeting and Celebration on November 8th, talking about what keeps DAM strong beyond the workouts — fundraising, membership growth, events, partnerships, and day-to-day systems. The meeting also includes Pacific Masters awards, org updates, and keynote speaker Olympian Summer Sanders. It's free for Pacific Masters members, with lunch available for purchase. Registration deadline: Wednesday, November 4th at noon.
Welcoming New Swimmers
If someone new ends up in your lane, a little help goes a long way: introduce yourself, help them read the board, explain the drills, let them know it's okay to modify distances/intervals/strokes, point them toward the right gear, and be patient if they miss an interval or need extra time. The goal is for every new swimmer to leave their first few workouts feeling like they belong at DAM.
Pool Covers
As it gets colder, the pool covers are back in regular use — help is needed before the first workout and after the last one each day, plus especially at the start and end of weekend lap swim.
Business Partnerships
If you own a business or know someone who does, DAM is open to partnerships — logo placement on a team shirt or the Berryessa shirt, sponsorship of Berryessa or a meet, a spot on the pool banner, or a shoutout in the Tuesday Message. Reach out to Andee Bell at andee@howmuchyabench.net.
Save the Date
DAM's Annual Meeting and Holiday Party is Saturday, December 12th at 6:00 PM — celebrating the year and looking ahead to 2027. More details to come.
Social Media
DAM is growing its social media presence to show off the team and bring in new swimmers. No one gets featured without being asked first, though you might show up in the background of a pool deck photo or video; if you'd rather not appear at all, email Matt at mzachan@damfast.org.
Upcoming Competitions
18th Annual Brute Squad — Nov 1–30, any 25-yard pool
Santa Rosa Masters Resolution Meet — Jan 23, Santa Rosa Junior College
Olympic Club 1500 Meet — Jan 30, San Francisco
USF Valentine's Affair — Feb 6, San Francisco
DAM SCY February Swim Meet — Feb 13, Schaal
Armada Sprint Pentathlon — Feb 20, Albany
The City Mile — Feb 28, San Francisco
Workout Rotation
Week of 10/26: Monday Kick/Pull, Tuesday IM, Wednesday Sprint, Thursday Distance, Friday Kick/Pull, Saturday Coach Choice
Week of 11/2: Monday IM, Tuesday Sprint, Wednesday Distance, Thursday Kick/Pull, Friday IM, Saturday Coach Choice
Board Meeting
Next board meeting: Monday, November 9th at 6:30 PM in the Brady Building.
