Northwest Witches Karen Andrus-Hughes, Colette Crabbe, Arlene Delmage, Valerie Jenkins
The “Northwest Witches” got together and shared a lane during a recent workout. The above picture of that workout was posted on Facebook, so Karen shared the history behind the title.
About 6-7 years ago, Karen, Colette, Arlene and Valerie swam on several relays together – and broke several National and World records (they still hold the National 400 yard Medley Relay record for 45+; SCY; 4:12.53; set 4/11/2010). This caught the attention of a Northern California Masters Swimmer in the same age group who posted a message on Facebook asking if the “Witches of the Northwest” were coming to USMS Nationals in Clovis, CA? “So,” as Karen tells it, “over the years we’ll chuckle about this, and re-use this ‘Term of Endearment’ ”. The California swimmer meant it in good way … and in fact “Liked” the FB post with the above picture.