At the U.S. Masters Swimming annual meeting in late September, GRIN was honored by the recognition of the achievements of two of our members.
Lisa Brown, Zionsville Aquatic Masters Coach and Aquatics Director for Zionsville Community Schools was elevated to Coach Level 4. This level is rewarded upon completion of high levels of leadership contributions, education, achievement and growth and retention.
Michelle Harter, Indy Aquatic Masters Executive Director, received the June Krauser Communications Award which is presented annually to someone whose work in communications has contributed to the growth, improvement, or success of U.S. Masters Swimming locally, regionally or nationally.
GRIN is considering changing the rules governing how state records are recorded. As it stands now, anyone can join GRIN and set state records regardless whether they live in Indiana or set the records in Indiana. This means that out-of-state swimmers can set GRIN records at out-of-state meets. There is no other LMSC in the U.S. that requires residency in their respective state or that a swimmer be registered so many days/weeks or months in advance to setting a record. Currently, the rules for LMSC membership in the United States allow a swimmer to swim with up to six different LMSCs in a period of one year. The GRIN board is considering changing this rule so that only people with an Indiana address or those who have been GRIN members for at least six months prior to setting a state record. What do you think?
Congrats to all who participated in the U of Indy and the GRIN Fall Classic meets; quite a few new records were set (see below). These are still preliminary records at this time, but should be official soon! Great swims!
Forest Park Aquatic Center and the NASTI Masters (Noblesville Adult Swim Team Inc.) have announced the 2011 Noblesville Brewfest as a fundraiser for the Forest Park Pool.
The event will once again be held at the Moose Lodge, 950 Field Drive in Noblesville, IN, on September 24 from 3:00-7:00 PM. Last year’s inaugural event drew a great crowd of thirsty beer fans, and the lineup for this year is better than ever! There will be lots of fun, prizes, a live band, a silent auction, and of course dozens of beers to sample for free. All participants will recieve a commemorative sampling glass, while supplies last.
Advance sale tickets are available now for $20.00 each and can be purchased at the Forest Park Pool office, or at one of the Vintage Spirits stores in Noblesville. Tickets the day of the event will be $25.00 each. All proceeds will go to The Forest Park Aquatic Center. You can also visit the website, check us out on Facebook or download a flyer for the event.
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!
Results for the 2011 USMS 25K Solo and 15K & 20K Relays are posted. Thanks to Dick Sidner and his incredible supporting cast for being such great hosts and putting on such a wonderful event! Even with a delay caused by early morning storms, the fun and sportsmanship experienced by the participants and workers shows why open water swimming has become such a popular sport.
Indy Aquatic Masters – Healthy Lifestyles One Stroke At A Time
There’s a new US Master’s Swimming Club in town – Indy Aquatic Masters has launched, and they are excited to be serving the Indianapolis area. Indy Aquatic Masters is an adult aquatic program dedicated to helping swimmers of all ages and abilities incorporate healthier lifestyles through swimming. The team provides an inspiring atmosphere that combines camaraderie, fun, and motivation for fitness swimmers, multisport athletes, and competitive swimmers.
The coaching staff together brings over 80 years of coaching experience with distinctive national awards. All coaches are certified by the American Swim Coaches Association, up to maximum Level 5. Coached workouts are offered at multiple locations throughout the area providing over 40 quality workouts/week.
Lisa Brown, Zionsville Aquatic Masters Coach and Aquatics Director for Zionsville Community Schools was elevated to Coach Level 4. This level is rewarded upon completion of high levels of leadership contributions, education, achievement and growth and retention. 
Michelle Harter, Indy Aquatic Masters Executive Director, received the June Krauser Communications Award which is presented annually to someone whose work in communications has contributed to the growth, improvement, or success of U.S. Masters Swimming locally, regionally or nationally.
Greater Indiana Masters Swimming 