2006-03-28
Updated Wiki
When you have a moment, check out our entry on Wikipedia. It has updated information and links that provide additional information about swimming. With over a million English entries, Wikipedia is the largest free, online, open-source dictionary on Earth. It is a great source to gather information about a myriad of topics, so add it to your favorite links on your web browser.
2006-03-27
AZ Open Water Swim
With the arrival of spring, it is time to turn our attention towards open water swimming. One of the first races of the year took place Sunday in Tempe, AZ under sunny skies and 80 degree temperatures.
Nathan Freeman emerged victorious beating over 350 athletes in the 2.4 Mile AZ Open Water Swim. The 19 year old from Phoenix won in a time of 47:34.0. He was followed a little over 30 seconds behind by Temujin Gold in a 48:06.6 and Bill Daniel in 49:27.7.
For the women, former ASU swimmer Susie Fawcett came in first in 52:29.9. Twelve seconds after her was McCall Dorr in a 52:41.0 and Claire Moty in 53:15.8. Claire was one of the youngest competitors at age 15. Interestingly, the top three women were also among the top 6 finishers overall.
The race, put on by DCB Extreme Adventures, is the largest open water swim and one of the largest swimming events ever held for adults Arizona. Only the 1994 and 2003 USMS Short Course National Championships have had more participants.
Dr. Mark Gill
University of Louisville
Nathan Freeman emerged victorious beating over 350 athletes in the 2.4 Mile AZ Open Water Swim. The 19 year old from Phoenix won in a time of 47:34.0. He was followed a little over 30 seconds behind by Temujin Gold in a 48:06.6 and Bill Daniel in 49:27.7.
For the women, former ASU swimmer Susie Fawcett came in first in 52:29.9. Twelve seconds after her was McCall Dorr in a 52:41.0 and Claire Moty in 53:15.8. Claire was one of the youngest competitors at age 15. Interestingly, the top three women were also among the top 6 finishers overall.
The race, put on by DCB Extreme Adventures, is the largest open water swim and one of the largest swimming events ever held for adults Arizona. Only the 1994 and 2003 USMS Short Course National Championships have had more participants.
Dr. Mark Gill
University of Louisville
2006-03-26
SCY State Championship Results
Over the weekend, Ford Aquatics hosted the Arizona Short Course State Chamionships at the Hillenbrand Aquatic Center on the University of Arizona campus. Here are the team scores:
Ford Aquatics - 1561
Sun Devil Masters - 630
Phoenix Sunfish - 488
Brophy East Swim Team - 462
Heartland Swim Association - 363
Prescott Masters - 235
Sun City Grand Masters - 167
Colorado Masters Swimming - 163
Swimmers Plus Green Valley - 119
Highland Ranch Masters - 76
Metro Masters Swim Club - 73
Sunwest Swimming - 66
Northwest YMCA - 55
Scottsdale Aquatic Club - 36
Westside Silver Fins - 32
Tucson Jewish Community Center - 20
Federal Way Kings - 18
Desert Thunder Aquatics - 11
The full results have been posted on the Ford Aquatics website.
Ford Aquatics - 1561
Sun Devil Masters - 630
Phoenix Sunfish - 488
Brophy East Swim Team - 462
Heartland Swim Association - 363
Prescott Masters - 235
Sun City Grand Masters - 167
Colorado Masters Swimming - 163
Swimmers Plus Green Valley - 119
Highland Ranch Masters - 76
Metro Masters Swim Club - 73
Sunwest Swimming - 66
Northwest YMCA - 55
Scottsdale Aquatic Club - 36
Westside Silver Fins - 32
Tucson Jewish Community Center - 20
Federal Way Kings - 18
Desert Thunder Aquatics - 11
The full results have been posted on the Ford Aquatics website.
2006-03-25
SCM Top Ten
The preliminary Short Course Meters Top-10 times have been posted here. Arizona Masters has a lot of entries so you will have to scroll down a few pages to see them all...
2006-03-23
Deadline for Nationals
The deadline for entering the 2006 USMS Short Course Nationals is approaching quickly. The postmark deadline is March 30 and the online entry deadline is April 6.
The atmosphere promises to be electrifying and exciting for competitors and spectators alike. The already spectacular Aquatic Complex in Coral Springs, FL just has been upgraded with new grandstands, two new scoreboards, additional shading, tables and chairs. Last weekend, the facility and the equipment were tested when the Coral Springs Swim Club hosted the Florida Gold Coast Junior Olympics with almost 1000 swimmers. From many FGC coaches you could hear “This was the best JOs ever and CSSC did an awesome job. It is just fun to compete in this Aquatic Complex. There is no way you don't swim fast here.”
Several hotels were just added to the list, due to the high demand. Food for volunteers and Gold Medal Sponsors will be provided by Outback Steakhouse, Shell's Seafood, Red Lobster, Starbucks, Sweet Tomato, Chili's, Buffalo's, Rotelli's Pizzeria, McDonald's and others. Shuttle service between the Coral Springs hotels and the Aquatic Complex will be starting on Wednesday, May 10th, 2006, at 4pm. Be sure you get your entries in on time so you don’t miss the fun!
Tracy Grilli
United States Masters Swimming
The atmosphere promises to be electrifying and exciting for competitors and spectators alike. The already spectacular Aquatic Complex in Coral Springs, FL just has been upgraded with new grandstands, two new scoreboards, additional shading, tables and chairs. Last weekend, the facility and the equipment were tested when the Coral Springs Swim Club hosted the Florida Gold Coast Junior Olympics with almost 1000 swimmers. From many FGC coaches you could hear “This was the best JOs ever and CSSC did an awesome job. It is just fun to compete in this Aquatic Complex. There is no way you don't swim fast here.”
- For hotel and other information and an aerial view of the Aquatic Complex, go to the club's web site at
Tracy Grilli
United States Masters Swimming
2006-03-18
Laura Wilkinson - Sullivan Award - Call to Action
USA Diving is pleased to announce that 2000 Olympic platform Gold Medalist and 2005 World Platform Champion Laura Wilkinson has been named a finalist for the 76th annual Sullivan Award. The Sullivan Award is the premier award for amateur athletes in the United States. The winner will be announced on April 12, and one-third of the vote will be determined by the public (voting open through end of March). Please click on the following link and show your support for Laura by giving her your vote.
The last diver to win this award was Greg Louganis in 1984 and only three divers in all have claimed this prestigious award (the other two were Patricia McCormick in 1956 and Sammy Lee in 1953).
The last diver to win this award was Greg Louganis in 1984 and only three divers in all have claimed this prestigious award (the other two were Patricia McCormick in 1956 and Sammy Lee in 1953).
We hope you will agree that Laura Wilkinson is an excellent choice for the 76th James E. Sullivan Award. We encourage you to go to USA Today’s website to vote for Laura and forward this message to others in the aquatics community and ask them to vote for Laura as well.
Thanks for supporting Laura for this award.
Jim Quinlivan, USA Diving
2006-03-17
Free Tool
I wanted to mention a really useful tool that I have used to resolve computer virus issues. It is from Trend Micro, the world's leading anti-virus and internet security company. HouseCall scans your computer for viruses and spyware, best of all it is free! So if your antivirus software subscription has expired and you need to scan your computer, give this a try.
2006-03-13
Swimming and Training Website
Hop Bailey from Ford Aquatics has established a website where he will be posting articles he has written about swimming and training. His first article is about Energy Sources and can be viewed with the following link Bucket of Bolts. Check it out and learn more about this important subject.
2006-03-12
Fresh Fundraiser, Round III
Don't forget that this coming Saturday is the third Baja Fresh Fundraiser! You can help Arizona Masters Swimming by eating any of the Phoenix-area locations. The money earned during this fundraiser will be used to help AZ LMSC grow and promote the sport of masters swimming throughout the state. If you don't have the form, email me and I will send it to you. The form was also attached to the last edition of the newsletter. Bring it with you and Baja Fresh does the rest. It is a win-win-win for everybody involved. So make sure you mark March 18th on your calendar and bring your appetite.2006-03-11
SW Zone Meet
The SW Zone meet this spring is in La Jolla, CA April 8-10. Meet entries are due on March 29, so if you are interested in this meet you will need to get them in soon. This will be the last major meet in the zone before Nationals, click here for the information sheet and here for the list of events.
2006-03-10
Mountain Man Events
Arizona Masters Swimming is pleased to announce a sponsorship agreement with Mountain Man Events. They are a Flagstaff-based company that has been organizing triathlons for twenty-two years. Arizona Masters will have sign-up forms in the goodie bags at their upcoming triathlons and will also list the events on our calendar. Our logo is also on their website along with the other big-name sponsors.
Mountain Man Events is hosting two triathlons in Arizona this year. One will be in the cool pines of Flagstaff during the summer, the other one will be in Parker during the early fall. Both events attract hundreds of the best triathletes from Arizona, California, Nevada, and other nearby states. So mark these dates on your calendar and start training.
Upcoming Events:
Mountain Man Triathlon - July 16, 2006
Blue Water Triathlon - November 12, 2006
Mountain Man Events is hosting two triathlons in Arizona this year. One will be in the cool pines of Flagstaff during the summer, the other one will be in Parker during the early fall. Both events attract hundreds of the best triathletes from Arizona, California, Nevada, and other nearby states. So mark these dates on your calendar and start training.Upcoming Events:
Mountain Man Triathlon - July 16, 2006
Blue Water Triathlon - November 12, 2006
2006-03-08
IMAZ, DCB, and AZ LMSC
Arizona Masters Swimming is joining with DCB Adventures to sponsor the upcoming Iron Man Arizona (IMAZ) Open Water Swim on Saturday March 25th at Tempe Town Lake. About 500 triathletes of all levels and ages will be there ready to conquer the 4km (2.4 mile) course just north of downtown Tempe. Event details can be found here and if you are planning on swimming, you can register here.
NOTE: This is a USA Triathlon (USAT) sanctioned event. If you are a registered member of Arizona Masters and have your USMS card, you will need to purchase a one-day USAT membership.
If you want to be a part of this event but don't want to swim, why not volunteer? DCB is always looking for helping hands to make their events a success, so why not assist in some way. If you will be available on Saturday and want to help, go here to get in touch with their volunteer coordinator. Your time and assistance will be greatly appreciated by both the athletes and the organizers.
Good luck to everybody!
NOTE: This is a USA Triathlon (USAT) sanctioned event. If you are a registered member of Arizona Masters and have your USMS card, you will need to purchase a one-day USAT membership.
If you want to be a part of this event but don't want to swim, why not volunteer? DCB is always looking for helping hands to make their events a success, so why not assist in some way. If you will be available on Saturday and want to help, go here to get in touch with their volunteer coordinator. Your time and assistance will be greatly appreciated by both the athletes and the organizers.
Good luck to everybody!
2006-03-07
Haiku
Anybody have any good swimming-related haikus that you want to share? Here is one I came up with that might apply to some members...
Nothing is better
Than swimming at Nationals
Unless you false start
All you have to do is adhere to the 5-7-5 syllable format and you will have a one of your own. Send me your haikus and I'll post the best ones.
2006-03-06
Stroke Clinics
This year, Sun Devil Masters will host a series of clinics for swimmers who wish to improve their strokes. Clinic Coordinator is Simon Percy and the Coach Presentor is Ron Johnson.
All five clinics will be conducted at the ASU Student Recreational Center pool. The event will have both classroom and pool sessions, the entire clinic will last around five hours. Participants will all receive an underwater video tape of yourself included in the cost of the clinic. The clinics are limited to 40 participants, so if you are interested contact make sure you sign-up early.
Stroke Clinic Dates:
Freestyle - April 15, 2006
Open Water Swimming - April 22, 2006
Backstroke - May 27, 2006
Breaststroke - June 24, 2006
Butterfly - September 16, 2006
As many of you know, Ron Johnson is a legend of Masters and World Swimming. He has coached 14 Olympic Medallists and 29 Olympic Finalists. During his tenure as ASU Head Coach he was the NCAA Coach of the Year and coached countless NCAA finalists and All Americans. As a Masters coach he has been the USMS Coach of the Year and holds numerous USMS World Records. His 50 years of coaching experience make him one of the most experienced coaches alive. His enduring passion for the sport makes him one of the best-informed and best clinician’s around.
If you have any questions, please call 602-224-4845 or email Simon Percy.
All five clinics will be conducted at the ASU Student Recreational Center pool. The event will have both classroom and pool sessions, the entire clinic will last around five hours. Participants will all receive an underwater video tape of yourself included in the cost of the clinic. The clinics are limited to 40 participants, so if you are interested contact make sure you sign-up early.
Stroke Clinic Dates:
Freestyle - April 15, 2006
Open Water Swimming - April 22, 2006
Backstroke - May 27, 2006
Breaststroke - June 24, 2006
Butterfly - September 16, 2006
As many of you know, Ron Johnson is a legend of Masters and World Swimming. He has coached 14 Olympic Medallists and 29 Olympic Finalists. During his tenure as ASU Head Coach he was the NCAA Coach of the Year and coached countless NCAA finalists and All Americans. As a Masters coach he has been the USMS Coach of the Year and holds numerous USMS World Records. His 50 years of coaching experience make him one of the most experienced coaches alive. His enduring passion for the sport makes him one of the best-informed and best clinician’s around.
If you have any questions, please call 602-224-4845 or email Simon Percy.
2006-03-05
Tucson Triathlons
We are proud to announce a new partnership with Tucson Triathlon. Arizona Masters will have sign-up forms in the goodie bags at upcoming events and will also list the triathlons on our calendar. There are four events scheduled for this year, mark them on your calendar if you are interested in participating.
Tucson Triathlon - March 12, 2006
Sahuarita Lake Triathlon - May 29, 2006
Firecracker Triathlon - July 2, 2006
Tinfoilman Triathlon - October 10, 2006
As many of you know, Coach Jim Stites is involved in triathlons as well as swimming in that part of the state. These events are well-run and very popular, so if you are interested make sure you enter early. Good luck to all of our members (both current and prospective) at these events.
Tucson Triathlon - March 12, 2006
Sahuarita Lake Triathlon - May 29, 2006
Firecracker Triathlon - July 2, 2006
Tinfoilman Triathlon - October 10, 2006
As many of you know, Coach Jim Stites is involved in triathlons as well as swimming in that part of the state. These events are well-run and very popular, so if you are interested make sure you enter early. Good luck to all of our members (both current and prospective) at these events.
Blog 2.0
As you can see, the blog has been updated! It now uses the colors and other graphical elements that we will use in our other communication tools (ex. newsletter, brochures, fliers, posters, etc.). To use a corporate buzzword, our website now has a branded look. Well, a close approximation of one at least...
This is what the updated website will look like too. Our intrepid webmaster is hard at work getting the new site up and running. It is AMAZING, you will be stunned at the quality and professionalism of the site. Once that is up and running we will announce it so you can take a look. Until then, enjoy the new look and feel of the blog.
This is what the updated website will look like too. Our intrepid webmaster is hard at work getting the new site up and running. It is AMAZING, you will be stunned at the quality and professionalism of the site. Once that is up and running we will announce it so you can take a look. Until then, enjoy the new look and feel of the blog.
2006-03-04
Cog
Here is a post that has nothing to do with swimming, fitness, or anything else that is normally covered by this blog. It is included because it is both fascinating and entertaining, I think you will like it.
A little over two years ago when I was in England, I saw this commercial on ITV. It is the most amazing ad I have ever seen, words can't describe it. One might say it is an automotive Rube Goldberg device, but that does not do it justice. Just watch it and you will see.
BTW, you can get more information by going to Snopes.
A little over two years ago when I was in England, I saw this commercial on ITV. It is the most amazing ad I have ever seen, words can't describe it. One might say it is an automotive Rube Goldberg device, but that does not do it justice. Just watch it and you will see.
BTW, you can get more information by going to Snopes.
2006-03-03
Teams
If you scroll down a bit, you will see a list of teams on the right. That list represents the most up to date listing of teams, if your team is not on this list you will need to let our Registrar know. Furthermore, not all of the teams have websites associated with them. If your team is listed but not linked to your official website, then let me know so I can update it.
In the near future, I would like to feature each team so that members of the blogsphere (which includes prospective members) can get to know each one. Coaches, this is your chance to tell the outside world about your team! The only restriction on your posting is keep it short, so don't go over 200 words. If you have a logo, phone number, address, etc. that you want to include, I will make sure those appear with your article.
Free advertising, is it worth it to you?
In the near future, I would like to feature each team so that members of the blogsphere (which includes prospective members) can get to know each one. Coaches, this is your chance to tell the outside world about your team! The only restriction on your posting is keep it short, so don't go over 200 words. If you have a logo, phone number, address, etc. that you want to include, I will make sure those appear with your article.
Free advertising, is it worth it to you?
2006-03-01
The count...
As of today, Arizona Masters has 542 registered members! If you swim for a masters team or wish to participate in an LMSC-sanctioned event, you must be registered. So if you have not registered or renewed your membership yet, do so ASAP. The forms are on the website and if you have any questions, you can call 480-365-0037 or email Mitch.
Remember that membership has it privileges. As a member of AZ LMSC you receive USMS Swimmer magazine and the Swim Arizona newsletter. You also are a part of the Corporate Perks program, which means you can receive discounts on thousands of different items from hundreds of retailers. In the near future, we will also announce new programs for our members that will include discounts on services and special deals from companies that partner with Arizona Masters.
So make sure your membership is current and let us know if you have any questions.
Remember that membership has it privileges. As a member of AZ LMSC you receive USMS Swimmer magazine and the Swim Arizona newsletter. You also are a part of the Corporate Perks program, which means you can receive discounts on thousands of different items from hundreds of retailers. In the near future, we will also announce new programs for our members that will include discounts on services and special deals from companies that partner with Arizona Masters.
So make sure your membership is current and let us know if you have any questions.
