Oregon Swimming at the 2015 USMS Spring Nationals
By Matt Miller
Left to right: Andrew Scott, Mike Peyton, Matt Miller, John Foges, Allen Larson, Sonja Skinner, Tom Phipps, Jessica Stacy, Tessa Reeves, George Thayer, Allen Stark
There were twenty Oregon swimmers who made the trip to San Antonio, and Oregon was well represented by some very fast swimming. Throughout the entire meet, there were threats of thunderstorms, but thankfully the storms seemed to work around the meet schedule! There were some interesting nighttime storms, but thankfully nothing serious during the days. Most of the days were overcast, which helped give swimmers a much-appreciated break from the heat of Texas. But the swimming in the pool was hot and fast!
Oregon was able to put together 10 relays, most of which placed well. We had three people who were national champions, winning a total of four events. Janet Gettling was a two-time national champion, winning both the 50 breaststroke and 200 butterfly for the women 65-69 age group. Allen Stark pulled out an exciting win in the 100 breaststroke for the men 65-69 age group after narrowly being narrowly touched out in the 50 breaststroke the day before. Sonja Skinner became a first-time national champion by winning a very exciting race in the 200 IM for the women 35-39 age group on the final day of the meet. And many Oregon swimmers finished very high in their age groups in their events. What a great showing for such a small group from Oregon!
OMS Records set in 2015 through June 6
Videos of the above listed swims, along with the majority of other swims by Oregonians, can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEWUCucgkxVupVSm3pc1Y9NDdFGdqWzCl
Additionally, there were ten Oregon and two Zone records that were established. Jessica Stacy (women 25-29) set Oregon records in the 50 freestyle (24.56), 200 breaststroke (2:27.06) and 50 butterfly (25.97). Sonja Skinner (women 35-29) set an Oregon and Zone record in the 50 butterfly (26.69) and an Oregon record in the 200 IM (2:18.73). Janet Gettling (women 65-69) set an Oregon and Zone record in the 50 breaststroke (39.29) and Oregon records in the 100 butterfly (1:25.11) and 200 IM (3:03.09). And Patrick Allender (men 55-59) set Oregon records in the 100 breaststroke (1:06.06) and 200 breaststroke (2:22.46).
Oregon swam very well as a team and placed 8th out of 21 regional teams. But most importantly the group got along amazingly well and everyone had a lot of fun!
The team dinner was held on Friday evening and was well attended with 17 people, 13 swimmers and 4 supporting non-swimmers, sitting at one large table at the restaurant Aldino’s at the Vineyard. Everyone seemed to be happy with the atmosphere and food and it was a very fun evening.
I had a lot of fun serving as the head coach for the 2015 Oregon National Team. I want to take a chance to thank the OMS board for the opportunity to serve OMS in such a capacity.
— Matt Miller swims with RVM (Rouge Valley Masters)