If you’re a frequent reader of this publication, you’ll know that the SaddleBrooke Swim Club (SSC) has a large and positive presence in the area. SSC has a diverse membership of both recreational and competitive swimmers, with experienced and understanding coaching available for everyone. One of the annual events that the SSC hosts is the 2024 Winter Masters Distance Invitational. This event is held at the Oro Valley Aquatics Center and gives local swimmers a chance to compete close to home. Although it’s a local event for SSC; it also attracts masters swimmers from around the country and even internationally.
Last year saw cold temperatures and a blizzard on Sunday morning. This year, the weather was perfect with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
The Oro Valley Aquatic Center provides an excellent facility for local meets. It has an Olympic size pool that can be converted from meters to yards, plenty of locker room space and ample room for spectators. Their new Facility Manager, Kelsey Ottosen, was only on her second week at the pool and did a great job making sure everything was ready.
Overall, 76 swimmers registered. Three were from outside the United States (two from Canada and one from the United Kingdom). Twenty-one swimmers from 10 states other than Arizona were represented. The majority of these swimmers were from Colorado. Thirteen SSC members competed, and along with individual events, competed in nine relay teams. SaddleBrooke Swim Club members who did not compete, participated by volunteering.
If you’ve never been to a swim meet, it’s a fascinating experience! Two timers are needed in every swim lane; as well as lap counters, computer operators and stroke and turn judges/officials. A swim meet is truly a community endeavor!
Susan Bryant managed the design, purchase and handing out of the meet T-shirts. Along with Lisa and John, Susan was also the welcoming committee, giving everyone a big smile when they entered the pool deck. Rome Yount oversaw the performance of the officials and the operation of the automatic timing system. The automatic timing system team was Paige Szajnuk, Diana Wilson, Melissa Roberts and Jay Selnick. Shawne Cryderman led the timers, giving great training for running stopwatches and timing for a swim meet.
Along with SB Swim Club volunteers, Shawne arranged for members of the local High School National Honor Society members to help. She coordinated four shifts of volunteer timers throughout the weekend. All the timers had a great time and many plan to return for the upcoming Arizona State Championships in April. Mark Randall ensured each lane had a person to count the laps for the swimmers. He also oversaw the counting to make sure each count was accurate. Mike Schwarz handled the hospitality, ensuring all the volunteers were well fed with tasty food and drink. For the first time, Nautical Bowls of Oro Valley provided healthy and delicious snacks for sale.
Longtime Tucson bar sold, to be redeveloped
