Phil Simpson
Sunday, February 19 dawned gray and ominous in SaddleBrooke. A light rain was falling, carried by a gathering breeze presaging the cutting, icy gusts to follow. A wonderful morning to sleep in, perhaps partake in a late brunch at the club. But wait. For more than 50 intrepid souls, members of the SaddleBrooke Swim Club’s Masters Swim Team, there was work to be done. For on that day, SaddleBrooke was hosting the SaddleBrooke Masters Relay Meet at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center. And for these hardy, warrior/athletes, such a competition, notwithstanding the challenging conditions, was business as usual.
The meet comprised 15 relays including women’s, men’s and mixed medley and freestyle events. On this very frigid morning, the warmest refuge was in the pool. However, competing in multiple events, the swimmers entered and exited the water with a frequency that denied their recouping warmth. Shivering, glistening bodies were seen huddling between swims. Not surprisingly, despite the abundance of chattering, pearly whites, one could clearly hear good natured give and take, evidencing the strong camaraderie that is the hallmark of this close-knit group.
This meet marked the first SaddleBrooke masters competition for six swimmers, as Uma Bacso, Ann Lowry, Dave McCleery, Terry Ludwig, Doug Trenkle and Mike Buckley braved the elements to turn in strong, inaugural performances. SaddleBrooke swimmers again distinguished themselves, posting 29 top ten national relay times. And in an exceptional showing in the over 75 age group, Jill Fritz, Corinna Goodman, Ken McKinney and Al Worth bettered their own national record in the 400 yard medley relay in a time of seven minutes flat.
Particularly noteworthy were the performances of the butterfly stroke swimmers in the grueling 400 yard relay events. Swimming four lengths of the pool in this demanding, exhausting discipline, with a number of competitors repeating the fete in a second event, is a testament to the rigorous training and the drive of these swimmers. Able to claim this accomplishment are Lyn Moreno, Terese Butler, Joyce Howard, Corinna Goodman, Jim Spiegel, Steve Willer, Craig Shaffer and Glenn Tewksbury.
As the meet neared its close, the sun was seen to peek through the cloud cover, casting some welcomed warmth on the swimmers as they climbed from the pool to claim the protection of their swim parkas and to head for well-deserved hot showers and perhaps that brunch they so richly earned.
The success of the meet reflected a total team effort. Providing invaluable support were club members and/or spouses who volunteered their time to ensure a professional, smooth-flowing operation. Bill Ton with his dulcit tones, served as the meet announcer while Nancy Springer, Linda Merritt, Gail Kolenda, Debi Truesdale, Gail Goede, Leslie Kurywchak, Gail Hildreth and Diane Buckley were timers. We apologize if we have failed to name all of our volunteers. Thank you all for your generous and much appreciated efforts.
Congratulations, SaddleBrooke!