Our very own Erin McPeak had a long-held vision, and that vision gave birth to the First Annual 10K Swim at the venerable Thorbeckes Aquatics Center in Centralia, which took place on Sunday, Dec 31st. She rang out 2017 for us with a huge burst of energy and enthusiasm, not to mention Big Time Masters swimming!
Special thanks to Thorbeckes owner, Matt Noren, for opening up the pool on this special day — just for us!
The indomitable aquatic warriors who swam were:
Doug Brooks
Bri Culp
Theodore Even
Fr. Tom Fritschen
Jessi Gable
Carl Haynie
Jennifer Hernandez
Jason Knispel
Jason Koppelberger
Tammy Koppelberger
Paul Masiello
Erin McPeak
Sean McPeak
Samantha Mitchel
Rachel Roberts
Heather Shields
Valerie Thompson
Tom Walker
Melanie Winning
The incredible support and hospitality staff included:
Donna McPeak (mom) – cooked & baked all the food
Pat McPeak (dad) – kept count for the entire group
Sean McPeak – in charge of music and photos
Jared Wenzelburger – The Chronicle photographer
Michael Newman & Kelaiah Iselin – lifeguards
Kendra Bottenburg & Heather Shields – in charge of sending swimmers off
Other special contributors, spectators, or supporters included:
Betsey Kassen – instrumental in helping Erin sign-up swimmers and prepare for this day
Todd Mason
Voni Oerman
Vic Pace
Bret Bryan
It indeed set the stage for what will no doubt become an Aquatic tradition! Erin led the group – including members of Thorbeckes Masters and several TWIMmers – through three hours and twenty minutes of swimming on a 2 minute interval. There was an opportunity to swim 100x100s, 100x75s, or 100x50s. The 50s seemed to be a very popular option that day, but Erin and an intrepid band blasted through as many as 40 of them at the 125 distance!
It was a delightful event from beginning to end and supported beautifully by Erin’s mom and dad, by friends and family of the swimmers and by a great staff at Thorbeckes! There was a real family spirit at work there, and we lucky swimmers were treated to on-deck snacks as the swimming progressed by a gang of awesome volunteers.
We concluded by partaking of a marvelous feast prepared by Erin’s mom, Donna, and sharing in the glow of conquest!
Thank you, Erin, for the vision, dedication and passion that made this event such a memorable one!
Check out more about this event in The Chronicle!
See you on December 31st!
COB Tom
One thought on “TWIM South Rocks in the New Year with the Thorbeckes 10K!”
What an incredible way to bring in the New Year!