Dear FBST Parents,
FBST has had a long-standing tradition in the South County/Mount Vernon/Alexandria area since 1974. The team began at the Benyaurd Pool on Fort Belvoir as a small group, and now in 2021, we carry between 200-300 athletes on the team. In recent months, COVID has undoubtedly challenged us however, we overcame and prevailed for a successful season. We are ever so thankful for our membership and your participation in our program.
Since swim meets were so scarce to participate in this past year, we want to thank the Potomac Marlins for opening the opportunity for competition. While this relationship blossomed over the indoor season, I felt it was appropriate to approach the Potomac Marlins and see if they would consider a merger with FBST, becoming a single solid unit representing the South County areas. After several meetings and discovering that both teams' philosophies were streamlined and that the Potomac Marlins also appreciate our local military families, we decided to discuss a potential merger further.
We discovered where FBST needed enhancing in our administration, the Potomac Marlins had strengths while being able to continue to provide individualized customer service. I have always had pride in FBST customer service, and having met with Potomac Marlins administrative staff, I am confident quality customer service will continue. Integrity was also a VERY important part of building a relationship with the Potomac Marlins plus, children's safety is paramount to the teams' success and, more importantly, to their lives. These aspects further aligned my initial thoughts to the merger ideology.
So what changes will happen? Not much is the answer. The same practice times/schedules will be adhered to. There will be more flexibility with what the Potomac Marlins already have in place in our areas. This, too, will allow Potomac Marlin swimmers to have more flexibility. Registration will be far easier as there will be an online registration form to eliminate paper forms. Our coaching staff plan is to remain intact, along with additional ideas and creativity from Potomac Marlins staff.
So, to sum it up, we plan to merge with the Potomac Marlins starting September 1, 2021. We plan to use the Potomac Marlins name as our presence on the Military Installation is null and void since the Army Attorney's decided they did not like Private Organizations on its grounds years ago. We will still offer you a small team environment with excellent customer service and MORE options for practices. We will provide you with MORE sound administrative options to streamline registrations and meet entries. We will still be the most convenient team on the planet with much flexibility as we know our athletes have busy schedules. I will remain on in a strong capacity with the Potomac Marlins staff and look forward to developing the relationship, even more, to offer you the best that swimming has to offer.
In short, I am excited about what we are going to be able to offer you and provide your swimmers with this merger. It will be a better situation for everyone. We will be stronger administratively, stronger with coaching, stronger with pool space, and stronger at a local, regional, and national level. Relay options will increase and create a more positive experience for a team atmosphere in what is mainly an individual sport. !!Also, discounts may be even more robust!!
"Faster, Better, Stronger, Together, Military Friendly”
Feel free to ask questions via email. I am happy to share with you the answers.
Yours in Swimming,
Mark MurrayHead Coach/CEO FBST
