The Mighty Musketeers

Article by Scott Neuhaus. Photos and quotables by Vic Pace

Twim’s assault on the swimming world was split between two countries on the first Sunday in February. And as a reflection of an alternate credo of the team “though there were but few that went forth, they were mighty”, the result left its effect indelibly.

The Chairman of the Board, Thomas Walker, and one of, if not his most effective lieutenants, Carl Haynie, assailed our neighbors to the north. Their exploits have been documented in a previous post. 

Here at home, it was Team Walker’s version of the Three Musketeers that made the trip to Anacortes for the short course meters meet there. With the backdrop being the sacred day of Groundhog’s Day, which fell on Super Bowl Sunday no less, it was understandable that most Twimmers bypassed the event. The utter dreariness of the weather over the past six weeks, I’m sure, also factored into many decisions to stay home. And if there had to be other considerations for hesitation, one need only look at the excess of front page news in the month of January. It’s a wonder anybody left their house! But leave they did and there was a meet.

Dan Underbrink, Val Thompson and Scott Neuhaus represented the team and represented it well. And Val’s hubby, Vic, was there to make sure all went off according to script. Vic was also our official photographer once again. He would go on to document that “Punxsutawney Phil would have predicted only six more weeks of winter had the little guy been present.”

Ironman Dan swam six events, placed first in the 100 & 200 Breast, and second in the 100 back, 200 back, 50 breast and 400 free. Though he had no best times he was close in all but one. He also collected 34 points for the team. And on a side note he beat Scott Neuhaus in the 100 breast by 0.51 seconds, pushing his lead in head to head matchups over the past 12 years to 22-15 in all races breaststroke. During that time the two have had many a side by side meetings that have come down to less than that half second margin with a couple decided by less than a tenth! Lots of fun!

Valerie, usually the freestyle queen, sampled an IM event (the 100), and came away with a first. I have a feeling there may be more non-freestyle events in her future. In her other events, the 50, 100, 200 & 400 free, she went 3rd, 3rd, 1st and 1st respectively. She collected 29 points for the team and despite no best times, was close in all. According to Vic, “I know for a fact that Val felt pretty good; she had a great night’s sleep and a great continental breakfast before leaving the hotel.”

For yours truly, Scott Neuhaus, it was exhausting to swim 6 events. The meet was shorter than most and the events I prefer were clustered so swimming the 100 IM right after the 200 breast was grueling and resulted in a time nearly ten seconds off my best. The 200 breast was a best time though, so, that’s something. In the 50 free and 50 breast I was very close to best times but hit the wall thereafter being not very close in the 100 free and 100 breast. And though I captured 36 points (3 firsts, 3 seconds) for the TWIM banner, I think I’ll leave the “Ironman” stuff to Dan next time.

Twim, as usual, would like to express deep gratitude to the town of Anacortes for allowing the use of their pool. It was opened in 1975 and has hosted over one thousand competitive events over the last 45 years! Very impressive. Having the facility has led to many state championships for the High School (single A) and, certainly has saved countless lives by allowing so many to learn to swim there.

Also, to Meet Director Calvin Milbach and Meet Referee Heather Brennan, our esteemed thanks. And of course, our acknowledgement to all the volunteers timers, IT people and lifeguards. As usual, without them, we would’ve been arrested for breaking and entering.

In closing, remember, success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts. And about that “success”. . .it usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.

’Til we Meet again.