Seven intrepid TWIM aquatic gladiators traveled to the Magic Island of Queen April as we swam at BAMFest 2017 on Bainbridge Island on Saturday. This meet is a PNA tradition and was hosted by BAM (Bainbridge Aquatic Masters) who did their usual spectacular job and delivered another great meet to add to the legend! Thanks to the meet officials headed by Mr. Mike Murphy and to the many volunteers who made this possible and, of course, to April Cheadle and BAM!
Two of our newest TWIMmers led the charge!
Bob Brandt (65-69) was 1st in the 200 Free and made his mark in the record books with a time that places him 11th in his age group in the All Time PNA list! He followed with a superb performance in the 100 Free which garnered him another 1st! Not bad for a guy who has taken decades off from Masters competition! Congratulations, Bob, and don’t forget to come back!
Our other new All-Star, Jenny Hernandez (40-44), won the Blue ribbon in the 100 Breast in her second meet ever! She also took 4th in the 50 Breast and 2nd in the 200 Free! Way to sizzle, Jenny 2!
Welcome to TWIM you two!!!
Valerie Powell of the Swimming Powells (18-24) turned in another three great swims, as is her wont. She took second in the 50 Back and the 100 Free and followed with a 3rd in the 100 Back! Alright Valerie! You have become our Rock!
Our beloved and irrepressible Jenny Ferries (Jenny 1) (35-39) took charge of business with power swims and bested all her seed times! Pitted against All American Kristine Cox in all her races, Jenny nabbed the silver in the 50 Breast, 100 IM, 100 Back, and 100 Breast. She seemed happiest with her 100 Back. Great swims, Jenny! You are a Force to be reckoned with, as always!
Betsey (The Machine) Kassen (65-69) gave us her usual championship level performance with Gold Medals in the 200 Free, the 500 Free, and the 100 Back!!! She swam a particularly awesome 500 Free!
Carl MC (Hit-Man) Haynie (55-59) continued his legacy of legendary swims with two 1st place and one 2nd place finish in the 200 Free, 100 Breast, and 50 Breast. And Breaststroke is just his hobby! He got a modern-day PR in the 200 Free. He is still getting faster as he gets older – we still suspect that Witchcraft may be at play.
And finally, yours truly, Thomas W. Walker (70-74) acquitted himself with honor by bettering his seed times in all his events with a 1st in the 200 Free, a 3rd in the 50 Breast, a 2nd in the 100 IM, and a 3rd in the 100 Breast. And don’t forget, it’s Be Kind to the Elderly Week 🙂
A special thanks to Frankie (The Rocket) Powell, the second half of the Swimming Powells, currently on Injured Reserve, who took over coaching duties for us. Hurry back Frankie – we need you!
So, all in all, another commanding aquatic statement by TWIM and a fantastic start to the PNA 2017 Indoor Season!!!
Hail TWIM Long Live!
COB
