Chair’s Corner – November 2019 1

Greetings Fellow Masters Swimmers,

I hope you’re enjoying the fall weather outside.  I always enjoy the start of a new swimming season and the excitement that comes from planning a new year.  This September, six members of the OMS Board travelled to St. Louis, Missouri, for the annual United States Aquatic Sports convention: Bob Bruce-Open Water Committee Chair, MJ Caswell-Records and Tabulation Chair, Christina Fox-Rules Committee, Matt Miller-USMS Board of Directors, Sandi Rousseau-Championship Committee, and Tim Waud-Coaches Committee.  Oregon delegates spent the week attending committee meetings, workshops, and rules and legislation reviews.  This annual convention is like swim camp for nerds and I enjoy seeing all my swimming friends from around the United States.  On behalf of Oregon Masters Swimming, I would like to thank the 2019 delegates for their tireless work and dedication to our organization and U. S. Masters Swimming.

Willard and Doug Lamb came to St. Louis for Willard’s induction into the Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame on Friday night.  Willard and Doug enjoyed seeing the sights of St. Louis and even attended a few sessions of the House of Delegates on Thursday and Friday.  Friday night’s induction ceremony was a special evening for everyone who attended.  Willard was on top of the world and I think a little overwhelmed by the attention he received that night.  Although his speech was short, the video presentation representing his lifetime achievement captured his momentous achievement.  Fellow Class of 2019 inductee Rowdy Gaines summed up the evening by commenting, “I want to be like Willard when I grow up.”  Congratulations to the Class of 2019 and Willard Lamb.

Bob Bruce received the Long Distance National Championship Award.  This award is presented annually to a USMS registered individual or group who has made significant contributions to the success and promotion of USMS Long Distance National Championship events.  This includes five ePostals and six open water events.  Congratulations to Bob Bruce.

The Oregon LMSC was also awarded two of the six Open Water National Championship events for the 2020 Open Water season including the USMS 2-Mile Cable Open Water Nationals on June 26 in Sweet Home, Oregon, and the USMS Marathon-Distance Open Water Nationals on July 17 or July 18 in Applegate Lake, Oregon.

The Oregon LMSC will host the USMS 1-Hour ePostal Nationals on Jan. 1–Feb. 28, 2021.  Hosting this event will require a team effort much like Oregon hosting a pool National Championship.  We will be seeking volunteers to help make this another memorable event.  Please contact Bob Bruce if you are interested in volunteering.

Later this month, the OMS Board of Directors will be meeting for our annual retreat.  We will be planning for the 2020 season by developing a budget and working with committee chairs to further enhance your swimming experience.

Swimmingly,

Tim Waud/OMS Chair