By Peter Finn
The seven GRIN swimmers who competed at Summer Nationals at Auburn brought home a total of 34 medals. Exceptionally strong swims were made by Marty Mennen (INDY: Indy Aquatic Masters) and Jutta Schickore (DOC IU Masters). Marty had four Gold medals (400 and 800 free and 100 and 200 back), one Silver (50 back) and one Bronze (50 free) in the 75-79 age group. Jutta had three Gold medals (100 and 200 fly and 1500 free), a Silver in the 400 free and two Bronze medals (50 fly and 400 IM). Marty set new State records in all his events. Jutta set new State records in the 100 and 200 fly, the 1500 free and the 800 free (her split on the 1500 broke the current State record). It was really exciting to watch Marty and Jutta swim. Marty won his events by very large margins. Jutta also won the 100 and 200 fly by very large margins. In the 1500 free, Jutta came from behind and overtook the leader in the last 250 meters. Other GRIN swimmers who had strong performances included Sally Newell (INDY; 70-74 age group) with Silver medals in the 50 and 100 free and the 100 back, Bronze medals in the 50 and 100 breast, and a 4th place finish in the 50 back. Ben Christoffel (INDY; 35-39) had a Silver in the 50 breast and Bronze medals in the 50 and 100 free.
From DOC, both Robert Wright (55-59) and Peter Finn (55-59) won Bronze medals (200 fly and 50 breast respectfully). Robert also placed 5th in the 1500 free, 6th in the 400 IM and 9th in the 200 and 400 free. Peter also placed 4th in the 100 breast and 7th in the 200 breast. In the 30-34 age group, Rose Jones (INDY) placed 4th in the 200 back, 7th in the 100 back, 8th in the 50 back and 50 fly and 9th in the 50 free. It was nice to see the familiar faces of other GRIN swimmers so far from home.
The Auburn swimming facility was impressive. The competition pool was kept at 80 degrees and was fast. There was an indoor 25 yard warm-up pool just adjacent to the competition pool that was convenient for last minute warm-ups and for cool down swims. There also was a 50 m outdoor warm-up pool but relatively few swam there because it was rather hot outside (98-101 degrees). All in all, GRIN swimmers made their presence known to the nation at the meet. It was inspiring to see how well everyone placed and to see the INDY and DOC club names appearing on the score board.
Congratulations to all! We hope to see everyone, and more, at next year’s meet in Omaha!
Greater Indiana Masters Swimming 
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