President's Prattle : October 2022

Well the “Dream Team”. ..It has done it again! As part of Sunday’s team at the Stadium Snappers Club Challenge, Gerda, Jannie, Pauline and Lyn rewrote the National Record for the 4 x 50m relay in the 320 plus age group, smashing about 15 seconds off the previous mark. This, and Pauline equalling her own State Record for the 200m breaststroke, were the highlights for our team. Beyond these there were a number of personal bests and some competitive swimming. Our team of 12 managed a very creditable third placing over all. It was great to see the very large team from the Super Fins club take the win. Their enthusiasm is infectious.

We have a busy calendar ahead. Next Sunday 30th Oct we would like a big number to join in the Banks / Phillips Trophy. This event celebrates two past Masters and brings Rockingham and Mandurah teams together for a bit of fun. Rocky have about 25 members coming and we need to at least match them. Captain Mike has a fun program organised with a few surprise events, so come to the pool at 1.00pm ready to get involved. Members are asked to bring a plate for the afternoon tea we will host following the swimming. Deb will coordinate the clubroom action.

The WOW Masters Swimming WA open water season starts with the Lake Leschenaultia swim on Nov 13th hosted by Maida Vale. There seems to be a number from our club lining up for this event. It is a great race to start off the season and get a bit of practice in these large group swims.

Our own ABC Club Challenge will be held in our pool on Sunday 20th November with warm up at 8.00am. Entries are on line through the MSWA website. We want all fit members swimming and unfit members to volunteer on the day….ie…ALL ON DECK!! Once again we are after articles for the

raffle. Anne is again coordinating this so get your goodies to her so she can be organised early. We hope the “Dream Team” might nudge another National record in this event.

The much coveted “Golden Goggles” trophy is again up for grabs at this year’s Doddi Dash on Saturday Nov 26th. Sue Mac is now taking entries for this and beginning to observe “form” when she and Barb allocate handicaps. (Those who seek to swim slowly in their presence will be heavily penalised…they will not be fooled) Both are inscrutable and incorruptible, so don’t seek special favours here. This year’s dress parade prior to the swim has the theme “my hero”, so get the creative juices flowing. We have international and unbiased judges on tap for this event.

Greg has a venue booked for the Christmas show. While more info will come later I ask you to keep the afternoon from 1.00pm on Dec 10th available. Be aware this is a week later than our calendar shows. Those who are swimming that morning at Freo will have time to still make it.

It is encouraging to see new members swelling the Tuesday and Thursday training sessions, while the warm weather is seeing the ocean swimming numbers also beginning to grow. Until the water warms a bit more, we will maintain the official start time at 8.00am at the beach.

Well, Keep swimming, and be kind to each other….Steve C