We are back in town with our Brothers and Sisters of Puget Sound Masters after totally destroying it and bringing down the house at the 2016 Spring Nationals in Greensboro, North Carolina. Hallelujah, Praise Be! I remain mesmerized by the supersonic energy that transpired at that Aquatic Heaven also known as the Magnificent Greensboro Aquatic Center. I also remain energized and inspired by the valor and unsurpassed excellence of TWIM and PSM, and it looks like the dose will last awhile 🙂
Thirty-four highly gifted and determined PSM swimmers tore this baby apart! I’m so honored and humbled to report that the 7 TWIM warriors present made a significant contribution to our overall success as PSM took 5th Place Overall among the 19 regional clubs competing!!!!!!!
Six of these TWIM Champions — Vince “V- Man” Carmosino with PNA records in the 50 and 100 breaststroke events, the legendary and ever amazing Zena Courtney, affectionately known to us as “LZ” (lady Z) winning medal after medal, Brian “Coach Z” Guillen with his stellar performances in the 50 and 100 Free and 50 Fly (man, this boy can wail, Hallelujah!), Father Tom “The Swimming Priest” Fritschen with personal best after personal best, The Astounding Carl “MC” Haynie with PNA records in the 100 and 200 Backstroke events, and Yours Truly — rounded out the swimming squad while our own Heather Shields led our talented coaching staff as PSM Head Coach. My, this young lady rocks! She has made her mark on the National stage; watch out world, Praise Be!
Speaking of this rather remarkable young lady, you will be hearing more from her soon about the whole glorious experience as she is currently penning an article for us and for the PNA Wet Set to tell of these uniquely illustrious events that transpired Down South.
She was beautifully supported by the incomparable April Cheadle, Head Coach of BAM, and that wonderfully impeccable young coaching talent, Aaron Hughes, of Lake Washington Masters! Watch out for this young man- His aquatic future will blaze a meteoric path before us!
And the Two Knowing Ones, Sarah Welch and Lisa Dahl , provided a serenity of Aquatic Wisdom for us!
Kudos to All of our Swimmers and Coaches!
Twimming Highlights
Vince had PRs in all his events but one, setting PNA records in the 50 and 100 breast; he medaled just about every time he jumped in the water!
Zena medaled in all of her events and snagged a PR for her age group in the 1000 Free; she racked up the most team points of any of us!
Coach Brian had PRs in all his events but one, breaking the 58 second barrier in the 100 free and nearly breaking the 26 second barrier in the 50!
Father Tom had PRs in everything he swam and medaled in the 200 Medley Relay; the guy was a machine!
Carl had PRs and top ten performances in all his events, setting PNA records in the 100 and 200 back along the way!
Chairman Tom medaled twice with a stellar performance in the 200 breast and a courageous effort in the 400 IM that got him 5th; this was the 75th time he’s swum the 400 IM in his illustrious career!!!
Zena and Carl teamed with Don Graham and Charlotte Davis to capture the gold medal in the Mixed 200 Medley Relay (55+)!
And In Closing
Long Live TWIM! Long Live PSM! Long Live USMS! Long Live!
Now on to Long Course Nationals, TWIM Warriors, in beautiful Gresham, Oregon!!! Let’s Kill it!
Wishing you all the very Best of Everything I remain,
COB
