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Striper Swimming
Individual
focus on improving stroke technique is part of the
story. Specific and measurable goals with progress
charted are more of the story. Challenges which include swim meet preparation and readiness are
encouraged, but optional. Parties and
social times. Mutual support. Yes indeed!
If
your goals do not include competition, Masters will
still address your personal needs, and help improve your
swimming in an enjoyable team environment. Gains in aerobic
fitness, flexibility and strength are a sure thing.
The
team is organized within United States Masters Swimming
Association, and as part of the Virginia state local
association. Its members have participated competitively
at several levels and receive the benefits of their
umbrella affiliations, which include YMCA Aquatics.
Stripers in four national meets, numerous regional meets
and triathlons have consistently placed well.
Team
registrations began August 24 and first practice
of 2010-1011 is September 7. For more information
you may contact the Northern Neck Family YMCA at
(804)435-0223.
STRIPER
2010 Season Ends With Flourish
Ray
Funkhouser, Donna Funkhouser, Will Stallings, Susan
Stallings, Nick Borst, Andrea Latell, and Esther Platsis
(not pictured) swam the Bay course.
On June 27 a team
social,
with a Chesapeake Bay swim, was held at the waterfront
home of Susan and Leon Stallings. Under breezy
conditions, an approximate 1500-yard open water course
was completed by Andrea Latell, Esther Platsis,
Will Stallings, Ray Funkhouser, and Nick Borst.
Donna Funkhouser and Susan Stalling swam to the second
buoy for about 900 yards. Joe Stallings, Michele
Faulkner and Kathryn Gregory provided safety support
from kayaks. The party also honored Mary Helne and Dick
Scott for their milestone birthdays.
Latell completed in the
Richmond "I Love the Tavern" triathlon earlier
the same day. She finished 7th out of 25
contenders in her age group. Platsis and Sue McKerns
swam the Virginia Beach “Jack King” 1-Mile Ocean
event on June 27, Platsis finishing third out
of eight, McKerns finishing 3rd out of 14, in their
respective age groups. Michelle Lybarger came in first
at a Pennsylvania triathlon also on June 27.
Scott
collected six Virginia state record times in long course
meters events during June.
On July 10 McKerns swam the
2-mile Chris Greene Lake Open Water Championship event
in Charlottesville, where she placed seventh. She is
completing the annual United States Masters “Go the
Distance Challenge”, which continues from January
through December, where, as of July 27, her ranking is
9th of 172 women in her age group, with a total 322.87
miles. She is ahead of last year's pace, and of
her goal pace for this year.
Rookie Striper, Pat Sikora,
was awarded an “IM:Do It All” t-shirt for her
individual medley performance in the Virginia Senior
Games, where she and Lybarger, a noted marathon
runner and first-year team member, racked up a
total three firsts, three seconds, three thirds, two
fourths, and one fifth, places. Latell placed
third in the Rocketts Landing Olympic Distance Triathlon
on July 25. On July
29 Jessica Servis completed 1000 yards in a personal
record time, which was more than a full minute faster
than previously. Will Stallings and Lybarger also did
1000-yard personal record swims.
Team workouts have included
such challenges as an “All event” practice, where
participants could opt to do all 18 competitive yard
events; a sprint time trial; a100-yard freestyle time
trial; timed distance swims; plus continued drill
and technique emphasis.
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