CMSC's "Miles for Marly" Raises $2,000!

Cambridge Masters Swim Club hosted its 4th annual 100x100s "Miles for Marly" on January 4th. Miles for Marly rasies money for the Marly Pineda Scholarship Fund at Smith College in honor and memory of our friend and coach Marly Pineda. 

This year's event attracted 108 swimmers and raised $2,000 for a cause close to our hearts. Many thanks to CMSC Head Coach Abe Rogers for coordinating this event, Rick Osterberg for setting up the scoreboard counting system and all of the volunteers. 

Until next year! 

NELMSC Celebrates Four Newly Frozen "Ice Milers"!

On December 14th, four NE-LMSC swimmers - NEM President Helen Lin, Kellie Joyce, Rena Demeo and Paula Yankauskas - became official Ice Milers when they completed one mile of outdoor open water swimming wearing only a swimsuit, cap and goggles in water under 41 degrees. Swimmers were not allowed to touch any other person or escort kayak and could not stand until the swim was complete.

The MA Open Water Association organized the event at the L Street Bath house in S. Boston, supplying EMTs and escorts for the four ladies. Helen, Kellie, Rena and Paula swam eight lengths of the beach between two fences, equaling about 1,800 meters. The water that day was 40 degrees; the air, 41 degrees.

Congratulations to all four ladies for doing something few of us can imagine, but all of us respect and celebrate!

Breaststroke Rule Change - Effective Immediately

There is an immediate rule change in the breaststroke:  

“101.2.3 Kick — After the start and after each turn, at any time prior to the first breaststroke kick, a single butterfly (dolphin) kick is permitted, following which, all movements of the legs shall be simultaneous and in the same horizontal plane without alternating movement.  The feet must be turned outwards during the propulsive part of the kick. Scissors, alternating movements, or downward butterfly (dolphin) kicks are not permitted except as provided herein. Breaking the surface of the water with the feet is allowed unless followed by a downward butterfly (dolphin) kick.” 

Click on the photo to the right for a fuller description. If anyone has questions or wishes to discuss this or other USMS rules, contact Officials Chair Bill Ewan at Bill.Ewan.W1VH@gmail.com.

Another Fantastic NE SCM Championships at BU!

Results

Congrats to everyone who swam at this weekend’s New England SCM Championships hosted at the Boston University pool. As usual, there was a large turnout of swimmers from all across New England.

Cambridge Masters Swim Club took top honors with 4,299 points; Great Bay Masters was second with 3,105 and Worcester Area Masters was third with 2,651. 

David Russel of CMSC took home swimmer of the meet honors.

The weekend saw numerous New England records fall, and three Masters Age Group World Records!
Men 25-29 100-meter back set by David Russell from CMSC (53.88).
Women 100-119 400-meter free relay set by NEM-BUMS (4:04.38)
Men 50-54 50-meter back set by Frit Bedford of the UV Rays. Frit lowered his own world record from 2013 to 27.28.

Thanks to all of the volunteers who worked so hard to plan and run another spectacular meet! Special shout-outs to the BU Fit Rec Center staff; Doug Sayles, NEM Registrar; the officials, led by Bob and Priscilla; Simmons Swim & Crew for the back-up timing; Joe Fraier from Swimwear in Motion; Bart, Jacqui and other Great Bay Masters volunteers for running the concessions and finally the NE-LMSC and NEM for the support.

Happy Holidays to all! 

NE-LMSC Chair Bill Meier Wins Prestigious USMS Donnelly Service Award!

PRESS RELEASE

Prepared by Rich Burns
Swimmer Gives Back – and Gets Recognized!

United States Masters Swimming (USMS) is a membership-operated nonprofit organization of
over 60,000 swimmers from across the country. USMS’s mission is to encourage adults to swim.
From beginners who enjoy the camaraderie of fellow swimmers to those who like the challenge of competition there’s a place for everyone.

Masters Swimmers don’t just confine their participation to the pool. There are many volunteer
opportunities for the talent, expertise and generosity of its members. USMS recognizes the
commitment of those who give back with the Dorothy Donnelly Service Award, honoring one of
USMS's outstanding volunteers. The award recognizes those whose contributions stand out in
service to local, regional, and national programs. Up to 15 people are selected each year with
nominations coming from LMSCs, clubs, and individuals.

Bill Meier is an early crusader for the adult Learn-To-Swim programs promoted by USMS’s
Swimming Saves Lives Foundation.

Based on the success of Bill's program over the last two years at the Bard College PaceMaker
Swim Club, he received a $5,000 grant from the Foundation to develop and support adult swim
lessons throughout New England. He created New England’s "April is Adult Learn-to-Swim
Month" campaign. Under Bill's leadership, eight New England Masters teams will be conducting
Swimming Saves Lives programs during the year, using Masters Swimming volunteers to teach
over 400 people how to swim.

The Swimming Saves Lives Foundation has officially adopted Bill’s "April is Adult Learn-to-Swim
Month" concept as a national campaign. At Bill's urging, the governors of Massachusetts, Maine,
New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont have proclaimed April as "Adult Learn-to-Swim
month." Bill’s dreams and vision have greatly expanded awareness of U.S. Masters Swimming’s
program for the lifesaving benefits of swimming for adults.