Teamwork, treasure and trust exemplify the SCM Sprint Pentathlon in Folsom. No one could deny the excellent teamwork between Sacramento Masters and Sierra Marlin Masters as they joined forces to host this meet. From the moment you parked your car at the Folsom Aquatic Center and walked towards the pool, there was a sense that something very special was about to take place.

The first impression of this pool was a sparkling, clean facility populated by welcoming and sincerely hospitable folks, attentive to incoming guests. We felt treasured. The Meet Director actually smiled as he juggled a new USMS registration with cell phone in hand and a lineup of questions from different people. Throughout the meet, the announcer was witty and shared bits and facts about our world.

St.nLouis, Missouri, Gateway to the West, was the location of the 2019 USMS Annual Convention. Under the shadow of the amazing Gateway Arch from September 11 to 15, committee meetings were conducted, rules were clarified and elections were held as swimmers of all backgrounds and abilities were celebrated. Delegates and representatives of Local Masters Swimming Committees (LMSC) had a great time meeting old and new friends, while learning about the hard work that goes into keeping USMS such a vibrant organization.

This was the last annual meeting of the first half century of Masters Swimming! Established in 1970, 2020 will be our 50^th year. 2020 is also an Olympic year, so expect to see “50 years of USMS” branding prominently displayed throughout the year!

Tim Edmonds of Stanford Masters Swimming has been selected as the 2019 Pacific Masters Swimming Coach of the Year.  This award recognizes excellence in coaching skills and inspiration, as reflected by individual and club performance at sanctioned events, club vigor, size and growth, and service to the Masters swimming community.

A new year is here and the 2019 Age Groups Standings page is active. Final Standings for 2018 aren’t quite in final form as we wait for USMS to publish its short course meters top ten list. That list is expected in late February.

As a 503(c)(3) non-profit, Pacific Masters by-laws require that an annual meeting open to all members be held.  For years, the annual meeting was just another monthly get-together of the board and committee chairs for approving the budget and a few other mandatory business items. In 2012, the decision to turn this meeting into a celebration of all things Pacific Masters gave rise to the extraordinary gathering that took place at St Mary’s College last week.

The Annual Celebration and Meeting is a full day of activities in which we enjoy our swimming community, commemorate the prior year, and recognize all the things we love about our sport. The ambitious program began with morning workouts.