:: USMS National Championships (May 7th - 11th)

Coaches Mark and Dana competed as a part of Team Colorado in the United States Masters Swimming Short Course National Championships over the weekend in Fresno, California.

It was a great event culminated by Team Colorado winning the overall title!

Mark & Dana with Vicki & Andy Dewey after taking 6th Place in the Mixed Medley Relay

Fifty-one swimmers made up team CMS (Colorado Masters Swimming), and several national champions and national record setters came from our team.

There were a few highlights of your "Swim Dogs," coaches Mark & Dana:

  • Our 6th Place in the 45+ Mixed Medley Relay with good friends Vicki and Andy Dewey (picture above).

  • Dana's 4th Place in the 45+ Women's Free Relay

  • Mark's 4th Place in the 45-49 Year-Old 200 Fly.

  • Mark's National Championships (1st Place) in the 45+ Men's Free Relay AND the 45+ Mixed Free Relay.

  • Mark's 7th Place in the 45-49 Year-Old Open Water Mile on Monday....followed by a rupture of his Achilles tendon.

Coach Dana with several other CO teammates

Coach Mark with Steve Kahl, Greg Scott, and Michael as the National Champion 45+ Men's Free Relay

Heidi Crino and Betsy Riner celebrate good swims

Marca Anziano warming up

Matt Eisenhuth, Kelly Seavall, Karl Stewart & Susan Von Der Lippe as National Champion 35+ Relay Team

CMS Celebrates

It's not all fun and games.  Andy Dewey conducts business during the meet.

Coach Mark's 200 Fly was a highlight

The meet culminated on Monday, May 11th with the National Championship Open Water Swim, called the Millerton Mile.

Millerton Lake just north of Fresno

Competitors at the start of the race

Check-in and instructions

Mark's Injury

Coach Mark got 7th in his age group (45 to 49), but unfortunately, partially ruptured his Achilles tendon at the very finish of the race.  The cold water and lack of a kick contributed to his injury.  20-minutes of a good swim followed by a tragic first step through the finish-line.

To see the final results, click on this link:  RESULTS