Fast times at the season opener
Michael Rubottom, Meet Director
The 2016 OMS swimming season kicked off in Newberg on January 30, 2016. The annual Chehalem meet hosted 113 competitors from Oregon and Washington, and Linda Larson coming from Florida. The meet started with the 400 IM, the most exciting race of the meet with Grant Aldred and David Hathaway battling it out until the end. There were several close races and a lot of fast times. The meet concluded with a dual to the finish in the 500 Freestyle, between Tom Phipps and Tessa Reeves with Tom edging out Tessa by .05 second. The University of Oregon, Sandy Tritons, and the Oregon City Tankers were well represented at this meet. It was great to see so many coaches on deck. It looks like OMS is going to have a really great year of swimming, while training hard for the 2016 Summer Nationals being held at Mt. Hood Aquatic Center.
Sara Shepherd set a new OMS record in the Women’s 30-34 100 SCY Backstroke, posting a time of 1:02.22. Chris Hiatt, swimming in the men’s 75-79 age group, set new records in three events: 50 SCY Backstroke 35.75 (Oregon, NW Zone), 200 SCY Backstroke 2:51.07 (Oregon),w and the 100 SCY Individual Medley 1:20.09 (Oregon, Zone). Special thanks to Meet Director Michael Rubottom and his team of volunteers from Chehalem Swim Team. The pool was cool and fast this year. OMS Officials Pat and Jacki Allender made the trip from Corvallis to ensure the smooth running of the meet.
Mickey Aberle (Oregon City Tanker) and his wife Daro. Mickey returns to swimming after a 15 year break. Mickey’s daughters are Mia and Tessa, they both compete on Oregon City Swim Team.
Next up, March 5 & 6, is the Oregon City Spring Ahead meet. This is a Dual Sanctioned USA Swimming and US Masters Swimming competition. The young ones swim in the morning and the seasoned swimmers swim in the afternoon. Several World Records have been set in Oregon City the past 3 years, and a women’s relay from California will be attempting to set World Records in the 200 and 400 Freestyle and Medley relays.