Warm-ups
We need to start some type of discussion as to what we want exactly. In my opinion, we should order 22 warm-up sets (Jacket and Pants). We should get these embroidered with a block “M” and numbered 1, 1A, and 2-21. This set will stick with the team forever. It will be issued to members of the A team before tourneys and returned after those tourneys. This will not only give our team a professional and unified look, but it will also be a long term commitment to maintain that image. Going along with that image, I am going to apply for money that MSA allocates to clubs for team apparel (can’t apply until January 1st). With that money, I’m going to get us new caps and maybe bags. The caps that Speedo sells are numbered 1, 1A, and 2-21 (which is why I think the team warm-up sets should be numbered the same). After this year the VARSITY and SUPER PRO styles will probably be discontinued. Therefore, as a special opportunity (available only to members of this year’s team) we should allow people to order sets for their personal use with the team and Speedo discounts. Here are some questions to ponder: Do we want VARSITY or SUPER PRO? Is just having the block “M” ok for embroidery? What would you suggest for embroidery? Is my idea for the perminent warm-up set ok? What sizes should we buy? What are your thoughts?

I have a pair of VARSITY warm-ups. they are quite nice. i like the fabric. does the SUPER PRO and the VARSITY have the same fabric? if we do get the VARSITY warm-ups, the pants are long. recommend ordering pants smaller than jacket.

i do like the idea of the team buying warm-ups and assigning them to members. assigning them every tourney could be a hassle, but we can work that out later. i think it would be nice to have our warm-ups say water polo on them some where. perhaps a block M and number on the front, and "Water Polo" on the back. what do the girls warm-ups look like? do we want to look similar? are there other warm-ups that won't be discontinued right after we buy them?

Shorts vs Pants
I'd be down for saving a buck and getting matching shorts instead of pants. What do you guys think?

i think we still need to talk to the athletic department before we decide anything. i know lax has gets all their stuff through the athletic department so we should check to see what kind of deals we could get through them.

Rec Sports
If we wait till next year, then i could apply for funds from rec sports. When I talked to Cheryl Jendraka she said we could probably get about $2,000 for uniforms. If we wanted to wait we could. I was going to use that money for caps and bags. What do you guys think? Should we wait till next year, so we can use that Rec Sports money?

I am a fan of the Super Pro. I am going to have to agree with JT. Joe I don't know if you talked to the athletic department yet but if we are trying to look like a U of M varsity program shouldn't we ask the U of M athletic department to see what they can do for us? I would prefer to order warm ups this year - it will give me another year to wear them and I know JT and Kurdys will want them as well

Fiscally Conservative
An important variable to consider in our determination is money. Given that we are introducing a larger coaching expense and are facing budgetary issues with recsports, the descision for warm ups may force the elimination of our California trip. Economically it makes most sense to wait till next year when recsports can help. However, having the professional look of uniforms carries a lot of value. If we decide to get them, My vote would be the Super Pro with a block M and Men's Water Polo. Numbering the uniforms means if one is lost or damaged a new one has to be ordered, if they are left generic we can just use an extra as a replacement. Something to Consider: Talk to Coaches about limiting number of traveling players if left at 14 then this will greatly reduce cost both on vans, hotels, and uniforms Talk to recsports about ordering this year, and getting reimbursement for our order next year. Uniforms are a greater cost than caps and thus would net us out more money if recsports paid for them.

If we are waiting for funding from the school for actual "team oriented" (with numbers and such) until january? what about just letting the whole team buy just generic navy and gold warm-ups with a block M. We could buy the cheaper ones just as warm ups to wear around, to practice and places, and then everybody can keep them forever. For the time being I think we would still look real badass at tourneys all in the same warm ups

hmm
i agree with tim, although, we may want to consider maize and blue warm ups.. as they are our school colors...

Message from Different Strokes
I agree with Tim... I think we should buy warm ups now for our personal use (ones that we pay for and keep)... and then on January 1st ill apply for the Rec Sports money and then buy a set of warm-ups for the team. Here is a message one of the managers at Different Strokes sent me: " If Speedo is giving you 20% off it will be deducted off of our team price for the warmups. The warm ups are both polyester. The Varsity warm up is the warm up they went with for the teams originally. They have since added the pro. I personally like the varsity, but they are both nice. Due to the problems Speedo has had over the last year with warm ups, I would not wait to order. The sooner you can the better just so we can ensure the warm up is delivered in a timely manner. The embroidery can probably be done for under $10 per warm up. You would get 2 block "M's on jacket and pant as well as numbers. "

I think Kurdys introduced some really good points, especially concerning the numbered warm-ups. If we lose one, we will face extra costs by only replacing one of them...Then again, if/when someone loses one we will have to reorder one anyway. Maybe we should buy some extra uniforms because shiz happens. I really like Tim's idea of buying our own so we can keep them and have them now. Still, I would prefer to spend more to obtain a better-looking warm-up if we are going to wear it places, and if we want to command respect. Maybe we could give people the option of ordering a warm-up to keep in addition to the team warm-ups? Additionally, I think that there should be a maize, block 'M' on the right or left chest and Maize 'UM Water Polo' or just 'Water Polo' on the back. On the pants, it would be cool to have 'MICHIGAN' down one of the legs. If that proves too costly, we should at least have the block 'M' on one leg.

good ideas
I agree with zatkoff and tim in buying warmups for personal use... And we can also utilize these as temporary uniforms for tournaments this season only. Then, once Jan 1st rolls around, we should apply to RecSports for money to get just the one set of very professional team warmups for future teams to use. tien

Team Apparel
There will be two times to order: Aug 23rd and September 14th. You must have your form and money to me before these dates if you want to be included in that order. Obviously, those who are included in the earlier order will have their stuff earlier. Remember it will take a couple of days for your check to reach me by mail, so mail accordingly. Also we worked out a deal with Different Strokes and Speedo to get 40% off our stuff. Everyone must order the NEW team suit to be included in this pricing. All of this apparel will be yours to keep. Directions: 1. Get the order form (email joezat@umich.edu and ask for it) 2. Open attachment that I'll emailed you (Team Apparel.xls) 2. Type in the Quantity of each item you want. 3. Type in the Size you will need of each item 4. Save the file as your name (for me it would look like JoeZatkoff.xls) 5. Email the file as an attachment to joezat@umich.edu 6. Make a check for your TOTAL and make it payable to “Different Strokes Swim Shop” 7. Mail the check to the following Address: Joe Zatkoff 16366 Old Bedford ct Northville, Michigan 48168