by Holly Lickwala
The 13th Annual Bend All-Around Meet on 12/10/2022 was not a meet that was supposed to be on our calendar. We had collectively decided that we did not want to deal with going to Central Oregon and traveling through what is often some sort of snowstorm. But as the sign-up deadline neared, we received a nudge and a great proposition. Two of our favorite PSM teammates, Erik Peterson and Morena Calvo, let us know that they were committed to go to the meet, and if we went, we could swim some relays together. It did not take much coaxing and we were sold! That relay proposal had special meaning to use which we will get to in just a moment.
As anticipated, winter storm warnings loomed over the Cascade passes the weekend of the meet. We watched the weather carefully to make sure that the trek would be doable and as a last-minute call, took the long way around Mt. Hood going through The Dalles. Thankfully, warnings of rain turning to ice did not affect the drive, but we did get to see a good amount of snow. Think of the song, “Over the Mountain and Through the Woods” here because off to Grandmother’s we were going. This is another reason which makes this meet special to use, family who live just outside of Bend.
This meet, held at the Juniper Aquatic Center, has an afternoon start time for which we are always thankful to get some extra sleep. The meet is in a pentathlon format and awards prizes for completing one of four categories: the four strokes plus associated IM (50s, 100s or 200s) and the “brute squad” consisting of a grueling trio of 200 fly, 400IM and 1500m free. It is a beautiful facility at 3,623 feet elevation to add to the fun. While not a huge amount of elevation, it is enough to make any 200 meter and greater race just a bit harder. It also makes recovery a little but more challenging so extra cool down can be important. With the meet only having 47 entrants and some not making it due to weather, there was always a lot of space in the cool down pool of which to take advantage. The small amount of entrants also made it feel very relaxed and like a family as Oregon announced that PSM was their favorite traveling team… aww, thanks!
A total of six PSM swimmers competed with one, Brittany Granger from Anacortes, swimming her first meet as a Master’s swimmer. Brent and Holly focused on a few key events as this was the last SCM meet for the year. Brent tackled the 50 free, 200 free and 200 breast with the two latter resulting in best times. Holly chose the 100 fly and ventured into new territory with the 400 IM. Holly’s 100 fly was a new PSM record which had been a couple year goal and exciting to watch!
While the 400 IM was chosen due to the encouragement of her two kids stating, “Mom, do something to challenge yourself” she admitted that she had to convince herself to not stop after the 300-meter mark.
The end of the meet contained all the relays possible and created a time for redemption. We adoringly call this the “couples relay” with Brent, Holly, Erik and Morena. Where else but in Masters swimming do you get to do something like that? There was one other occasion where this team came together to represent PSM which was at the 2019 Long Course Nationals….and we DQ’d. This is where the redemption came in resulting in the 400 free and 200 medley relays both being deemed legal to go in the books! What a wonderful weekend swimming with friends and entering into new challenges.
We love coming to this meet, both because Bend is a fun and beautiful four-season destination and as the Juniper Aquatic center is an outstanding facility to swim at. Thank you to Oregon Swimming, COMA and Bob Bruce for welcoming us with open arms as they always do and putting on such a fun meet. It feels like extended family when we swim at an Oregon meet and a joy being around so many friends.
