[Editor’s Note: TWIM Head Coach, Tammy Koppelberger, took time out of her busy day to coach several of us this past Sunday in Olympia. Thank you, Tammy, for your coaching, commitment, and note taking!]
TWIM had NINE swimmers compete during last Sunday’s Washington State Senior Games!
In a brief rundown of events, first we have Val Thompson, who swam nine individual events and a relay, all of which she swam beautifully. Such great swimming, Val!
Carl Haynie swam all of the Backstroke events and took first in all to include the 25, 50, 100 and 200 setting new state marks in the 60-64 age group along the way! And get this: he took his first 100 of his 200 Backstroke out in a 1:09.35, with a finishing time of 2:21.53. Way to go Carl!
Next up is Candace Jacobs, one very interested TWIM onlooker who may soon join. Candace swam a total of 5 events and also brought in the Medley Relay for the gold. Candace, I hope to see you with TWIM in your future swim meets.
Leyton Jump joined in on the fun this year. Leyton is one of TWIM South’s workout members who decided to swim all of the longest events. He started with the 500 Freestyle, finishing with a time of 11:49.14. Then the 400 IM, finishing with a 9:46.39; and then he finished his day with the 200 Breaststroke. Leyton was first off the blocks for the 200 breast and ended with the time of 4:36.73. Fantastic swims Leyton!
Next up is Mr. Thomas Walker himself. Tom also started his day with the 500 Freestyle, with a time of 12:39.77. He then went on to complete the 50, 100 and 200 breaststroke with a beautifully stretched out strong stroke. Great work Tom!
The Mighty TWIMmer Brent Barnes started his day with the 200 Freestyle, finishing with a time of 2:48.01. This guy looks good and strong! Then he swam the 50 Freestyle in a :34.44, maybe a personal best. He has been eating his spinach. Brent turned right around and kicked butt in the 50 and the 200 Breaststroke! Unfortunately, he had a goggle malfunction during the 100 IM, but he didn’t let that stop him. Brent swam hard and completed the IM with a time of 1:28.15. Quite frankly an amazing swim. He even swam straight!
Next up is Neil Reeder. Don’t underestimate him. Neil swam a total of five events and topped it off with the 100 Medley Relay. Neil is one fast breaststroker. He brought us up for the win during the breaststroke portion of the Medley Relay, then swam the 50 Breaststroke with a time of :40.63. Neil also swam the 50 back, 50 free, 25 breaststroke and 25 free. Neil’s 25 Freestyle time was :15.37. I’m sure glad he joined TWIM! He is a great guy and an even better swimmer! Neil will be off to the Huntsman World Senior Games in October 2021 and will proudly wear the TWIM colors! Go get ‘em!
Last but not least our fearless President, Dan the Ironman, started out the day before with a 10K Road Run where he apparently kept his mile pace at around 8:30! WOW! For his pre-race dinner I think he crushed glass and ate it just because he is that tough! Then race day he swam a total of six individual events and 25 Butterfly in the Medley Relay. He started his day with the 500 Freestyle of course. Then he swam the 100 breaststroke in a time of 1:30.61. Then turned around and swam the 400 IM, 100 Backstroke, 200 Backstroke and the 200 Breaststroke!
What a day it was!
~ Tamara Koppelberger, Head Coach, TWIM
