Nine Lives in Juanita

No fewer than nine of us arrived at the Juanita Aquatics Center last Sunday to partake in the Lake Washington Masters Invitational. Despite our bodies telling our minds in more than a couple instances “you want me to do what?!”, TWIM not only persevered but excelled.

Plus, the Lake Washington meet is always a fun one. This year was no exception thanks to Meet Director, Linda Chapman, and Meet Referee, Dick Chapman, making it run so smooth. Approximately 130 masters swimmers competed in this year’s meet.

Before we begin the rundown, congratulations are in order to our very own Betsey Kassen in establishing a new PNA record in the 200 breast! Her time of 3:27.82 eclipsed the old record by almost 3 and 1/2 seconds in the 65-69 age group (AG). Well done, Betsey! She also finished 1st in her AG in the 100 free and 100 IM.

Now for the rest of us mere mortals – alphabetically by last name – here are but a few of the highlights:

Vince Carmosino was the fastest finisher at the meet in the 50 breast and finished the day with 3 golds and a silver in his events. Kudos, Vince!

Jenny Ferries amassed 28 points by finishing first in her AG in all four of her events. She bettered her seed times in the 50 breast and 100 IM. Great job, Jenny!

Father Tom Fritschen logged his best time in the 500 free by almost 15 seconds. Way to go, Tom!

I was lucky to touch the wall first in the 50, 100, and 200 back; I was happiest about my 50 and 100 times, both season bests.

Ben Hohmann secured a best time in the 50 back finishing first in his age group. Awesome, Ben!

Jim Mange finished first in his age group in the 50 back as well. Nicely done, Jim!

Dan Underbrink gets the “animal” award…yet again! He competed in the 400 IM, 200 Back, 100 back, 200 breast, and 100 breast and accumulated 27 points in the process. Way to go, Dan!

And last but certainly not least, Thomas W Walker bested all of his seed times in the 4 events he swam including a first place finish in his AG in the 200 IM. Superbly done, COB!

In summary, fun times were had by all. Now, onto the next adventure!