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Latest Masters News Below
May 10, 2010
MEET RESULTS
April 23-25, 2010, Colonies Zone Champs (SCY) at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
Claire Russo, Betsy Turner, Kate Hibbard, Lisa Bennett, Billy Gaines, and Dave Holland competed and contributed to VMST’s team championship in the “large team” category. David Frisch had a busy weekend, helping the Quest Masters to a second place showing in the “small team” category. Special congratulations go to Kate for establishing five new LMSC records in the 25-29 category, to Lisa Bennett, who won six events (3 new zone records), and to the 25+ relay team (75% in NOVA colors) that set a new LMSC record:
Kate Hibbard, Claire Russo, Adam Barley, Billy Gaines (25+) Mixed 400 Medley Relay, 1st, 3:56.65, LMSC record
Kate Hibbard (25-29)
50 back, 1st, 28.60, LMSC record
100 back, 1st, 1:00.13, LMSC record
200 back, 1st, 2:08.48, LMSC record
100 IM, 1st, 1:02.21, LMSC record
200 IM, 1st, 2:12.34, LMSC and Zone record
Lisa Bennett (50-54)
50 free, 1st, 26.89, Zone record
100 free, 1st, 59.89
200 free, 1st, 2:12.06
500 free, 1st, 5:55.54
50 breast, 1st, 34.09, Zone record
100 breast, 1st, 1:13.46, Zone record
In addition, in the highly competitive 25-29 division, NOVA had three athletes competing: Claire Russo finished in the top 8 in six events, including a third in the 100 breast (1:14.58); Betsy Turner won two of the toughest events to be found in competitive swimming: the 200 fly (2:35.27) and 400 IM (5:25.31); and Billy Gaines swam unshaved and uncorked great times in seven events, including a win in the 500 free (4:52.42) and runner-up finishes in both the 100 and 200 free (48.64 and 1:45.99).
Dave Holland (40-44) swam one day and finished third in the 100 breast (1:12.70) and 8th in the 100 IM (1:03.29). David Frisch (60-64), a true sprinter who considers the 100 a distance event, finished second in four events: the 50 free (26.54), 50 back (31.92), 50 breast (32.93), and 100 breast (1:14.80). David came up a fingernail short in some close races all weekend, but did prevail in the 100 IM, winning in 1:06.40.
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Open water season is upon us! If you’ve never participated in an open water swim, you might enjoy the challenge. Let’s face it, if you can survive swimming 4000 yards on a crowded, choppy day at NOVA, isn’t it time to escape the (dis)comfort of lane lines and black lines and go pillaging for some new treasures out on the high seas?
July 10, 2010, USMS 2-Mile Cable National Championship, Chris Greene Lake, Charlottesville, VA. Entry and info is here: http://www.cableswim.org/
MASTER’S SPOTLIGHT- JOCELYN ADELMAN
 Jocelyn joined our group two years ago. She is a violinist in the Richmond Symphony and recently completed her doctorate at Catholic University. In this spotlight, “Doctor Jocie” gives Mark a big compliment and tells us a little about her life outside of lane nine. Jocelyn set a new standard with her response to “people might be surprised to know that…” and her scandalous list had to be pruned down to two items.
When did you join NOVA Masters and how often do you swim?
I think I remember joining Masters in the fall of 08. I swim usually 3-4 times a week. There has sporadically been a week, here and there, of being MIA.
What is your background as a swimmer and athlete?
My dad was a competitive swimmer and claims to have had me in the water swimming butterfly at age 2. I joined a summer league, Donaldson Run in Arlington, Virginia, when I was seven and continued to only compete in the summers until I was 16. It was then that I left for Interlochen Arts Academy in northern MI, where there is no sports whatsoever, for high school my junior and senior years. I picked up running there and dropped swimming all together until college, where the pool was directly across from the music school. Very convenient. I then started swimming on my own, however, nothing like what we do at NOVA. I began doing running races and triathlons in grad school (the first was the Rock n Roll tri in Cleveland, OH where we swam in Lake Erie...very eerie, indeed). I found a Masters team during grad school in Cleveland, as well. Other than doing triathlons and the Chesapeake Bay swim 4 years in a row, I hadn't competed in a swim meet until last year's NOVA meet.
What motivates you to wake up and swim at 5:45am?
Mark. I'm a big fan...maybe the biggest.
Outside of the pool, who are you?
A concert violinist and violin teacher. Specifically, a member of the Richmond Symphony and, finally, a Doctor of Musical Arts (just got my DMA from Catholic U. in DC). I love teaching and am proud of my students, including a few who swim here at NOVA.
Some people might be surprised to know that:
· In high school I was a grungy granola-type and had boy-short hair that my roommate dyed pink and red.
· At a party I was playing at a few years ago, Alan Greenspan came up to me and requested to hear a movment of Vivaldi's Four Season. I didn't get a good glimpse of who he really was and told him no because I had just played it.
Favorite Kutzism:
"To whom much rest is given, much is expected." Ironically, as the straggler of Lane 9, I get the least amount of rest.
MARCH 2010
MEET RESULTS
March 5-7, 2010, Virginia Senior Champs (SCY) in Charlottesville. What drives someone in our group to go to this highly competitive age group meet and face off against teenagers who are one-third of his age? In the case of Chris Stevenson, he’s actually outgrown the mid-life crisis. Maybe he’s just a kid at heart who loves the multiple sessions of competition, camaraderie, coaching, and chloramines. Luckily Mark was on hand wearing many hats: “that old guy’s coach”, “the pace man”, and perhaps most importantly this year, “the pool guy” who rescued the meet from noxious fumes. Despite some bad air, Chris scored some valuable points for the NOVA machine, helping the team win its 11th straight overall title. On the master’s front, he also established 3 new national USMS records, and 5 new LMSC standards in the men’s 45-49 age group. Increase your font size, don some reading glasses, and let’s look at the numbers:
200 freestyle- 16th in prelims- 1:45.92-new LMSC record
100 butterfly- 7th in finals- 51.70 (51.36 in prelims- new LMSC & USMS record)
200 butterfly- 14th in prelims- 1:57.08- new LMSC record
100 backstroke- 8th in finals- 52.06 (51.74 in prelims- new LMSC & USMS record)
400 medley relay- 3rd in finals (100 backstroke- 52.75 leadoff)
200 backstroke- 10th in prelims- 1:55.05 new LMSC & USMS record
Full Results from Senior Champs are here: http://www.virginiaswimming.org/Meets/Senior%20Champs%20Meets/Senior%20Championship%20Meets.htm#2009-2010_Short_Course_Senior_Championships
March 14, 2010, 2nd Annual Dreaming of Spring (SCY) in Warrenton, Va. Charlie Tupitza and his team up in Warrenton played host to the second annual “dreaming of spring” classic in their beautiful 11-lane, 25 yard pool on the Eve of the Ides. Dave Holland convinced Andrea Randle to take a day off from running and they made the trip up north on a rainy Sunday morning. Andrea competed in the 45-59 age group, finishing first in the 50 free (29.56) and 200 free (2:27.68), and second in the 100 fly (1:14.70). Dave swam in the 40-44 age group, taking first in the 100 (1:00.11) and 200 butterfly (2:13.81). Full Results from Warrenton are here: http://www.vaswim.org/meets/results/2010/WarrentonResults2010.html
March 20, 2010, Albatross Open (SCM) in North Bethesda, Md. The NOVA caravan left Richmond around 11am for the annual Albatross Open, negotiated the traffic around D.C., and settled in for a long afternoon filled with records, relays, and risible ridicule. Chris Stevenson, Dave Holland, Kate Hibbard, Claire Russo, and Lisa Bennett combined for 10 individual and 3 relay wins on the day, assaulting the short-course meter record books in the process. Chris won the 100 fly, and was second in the 100 IM (1:02.18, new LMSC record) and 200 IM (2:15.74, new LMSC record). Dave took first in the 200 fly, second in the 100 fly, and third in the 100 IM.
Kate and Claire, each competing in the 25-29 age groups, were phenomenal. Claire swept the top spot in the 50-100-200 breaststrokes (38.31, 1:22.93, and 2:58.53), and added a runner-up finish in the 200 free (2:25.50). Kate swam like a collegian, winning the 100 back (1:07.86), 200 back (2:25.05), and 200 IM (2:28.82), setting new LMSC records in each. She and Claire worked their congeniality and charm and recruited two young guys off the deck to join them for a relay, thereby allowing Kate to add the 50 back LMSC record (31.77) while leading off the VMST 200 medley relay. Claire blazed through her breaststroke leg in a sparkling 37.23 split, helping the team achieve a new LMSC record in the 100-119 200 mixed medley (2:02.65). Lisa Bennett, who comes over to NOVA and swims with Mark on occasion (Lisa and Mark are the same age and swam on the same AAU team in New Jersey back when lane lines were ropes and goggles were for the ski slope, but that’s another story…), was resplendent as usual, winning the 50 breast and 100 free in the 50-54 division.
Lisa joined forces with Dave, Chris, and Shirley Loftus-Charley to win the 200 (2:05.35) and 400 (4:35.02) mixed medley relays in the 200-239 age group. The latter relay established a new USMS and World record! The spry 202-year-old foursome can be seen posing poolside here: http://www.vaswim.org/photos/AlbatrossRelay.jpg
Full results are here: http://www.pvmasters.org/results/ancm0310.htm
UPCOMING MEETS ANDCLINICS FOR YOUR CALENDAR
April 10, 2010, Sunfish Masters Spring Splas (SCY) at the Freedom Center in Manassas, Virginia. Paper entries are here:http://www.vaswim.org/meets/2010/SUNFISH%20 SWIM%2010%20April%202010.pdf
MASTER’S SPOTLIGHT- CLAIRE RUSSO
 Claire joined our group last November and has been plugging away quietly ever since, progressing from lane 9 to 8, and sometimes 7. Claire works at the NatureCenter at Maymont, where she gets to observe the aquatic skills of turtles and otters on a daily basis. About the accompanying photo, Claire reports: “That water is the cooold Maine ocean on New Year's day, I did not swim in it, just put my hands in, and that was enough!!”
When did you join NOVAMasters and how often do you swim?
I joined NOVA Masters in the middle of November 2009. I swim 3 days a week, sometimes 4, depending on how tired I am.
What is your background as a swimmer and athlete?
As long as I can remember I've always been in or around water: pools, lakes, ponds, the ocean. I started swimming in water babies and swim lessons at my local YMCA in Athol, MA where I grew up. My Dad tried to get me to join the swim team when I was 6, but after watching one practice I said "No it looks too hard" and decided to stick to swimming lessons for several more years. I finally came around from the dark side in middle school and swam in a summer league. I really started swimming my freshman year of high school for our YMCA team. I've never looked back.
I swam in college at the University of New England, in Biddeford, ME. My first 3 years we were a club team and did a lot of work to finally earn varisty status for my senior year. After college I took 5-6 months off from swimming and then joined USMS and started competing in Masters meets in 2006. Since then I've trained by myself in Maine and North Carolina and competed in several meets a year. It was great to find NOVA where I can train with a coach and a team! :-)
Aside from swimming, when I was really little I also tried gymnastics and indoor soccer, which also didn't work out: I was scared of the balance beam, and wasn't aggressive enough for soccer. I ran track in high school, and was never very good at that. I've run off and on since college, doing a few 5Ks. I've also done several mini/sprint triathlons.
What motivates you to wake up and swim at 5:45am?
I really just love to swim. Seeing everyone else and their bright smiling faces! :-) Being able to push myself to do things I didn't think I could do, or do them better than I thought possible. I like the feeling of accomplishment at the end of a practice, stress relief, and endorphins.
Outside of the pool, who are you?
Being relatively new to Richmond, I'm enjoying getting to know the city and the surrounding area. I work at the MaymontNatureCenter, so I enjoy nature and spend as much time outside as possible. I like traveling: especially camping and road trips. The ocean is one of my favorite places to be: I really wish Richmond had an ocean, but alas, no such luck.
Some people might be surprised to know that:
I went to the MA State Geography Bee twice in elementary school. I've gone skydiving, been to both Alaska and Hawai'i, driven the entire Blue Ridge Parkway, been to all the North Carolina lighthouses, and I like to cook a lot and am always looking for new receipes to try.
Favorite Kutzism:
Finish like a champ, not a chump.
February 17, 2010
MEET RESULTS
Feb 13-14, 2010. The annual David Gregg III Memorial Meet at NOVA was attended very well by the NOVA group. There were many highlights. Here’s a list of the top ten, in quasi- particular order:
10. Maura’s 200 fly. Oh, how reckless the youth can be these days! She was out in 1:03 at the halfway point, and we watched with smiles and cringes. The current 25-29 LMSC record holder (Diane Caycee, 2:14.8 from 1984) was on hand to observe history in the making, and then, wait, a collective “oh, poor Maura” as Diane’s jinx took over. In Maura’s own words: “I felt like someone had grabbed my arms and was holding them against my body.” She finished in 2:17 but was laughing about it later, which means she learned her lesson and perhaps next time that record will belong to the perky compliance gal who was splashing around the baby pool back in 1984.
9. Nine of our people swam the 500 free, but only two of them managed to tie for first. Betsy Turner and Claire Russo both finished in 5:59.12 to share the podium for the 25-29 women.
8. Allison Czapracki doing best times in all her events (100 free, 500 free, 100 back, 50-100-200 breast). Unrelenting hard work pays off. That could be a Kutzism…
7. Claire Russo earning career best times in the 50-100-200 breast (34.3, 1:14.9, 2:41.1). Who says you can’t get faster after college?
6. Chris Stevenson’s national record in the 200 back (1:56.05), swimming unshaved. Now that Chris has aged up to 45, the record books are in serious trouble.
5. Five. That’s the number of events that Bud Swiger swam on Saturday within the space of two and a half hours (200 fly- 1000 free-1650 free-400 IM- 500 free). No, he doesn’t swim for NOVA, but Mark was watching, so look for this set in a future workout.
4. Billy’s 100 and 200 free were impressive (49.1 and 1:47.2). He was just trying to impress Kim, who maintains some sort of informal “stud muffin” list. Billy was at # 3 before the meet and as far as we know, he remains there. The inside scoop is that Billy might have to shave his chest and/or break a record if he wants the #2 spot.
3. Betsy and Jocelyn’s 100 free. They were both 1:03’s, which means the one minute barrier is within striking distance if they just started doing doubles.
2. John Bullard opting to try a meet… for the first time. He’s 50 but looks 10 years younger. Swimming can do that. Good meet, John!
1. What else… Quad’s 100 free. He has a real name, by the way: it’s Ed Bush. He also now has his own video on youtube. The third try was the charm as Quadman broke through the one minute barrier and kept going, recording a 58.41. The video is here:
UPCOMING MEETS FOR YOUR CALENDAR
February 27, 2010, Frank Clark Masters Open (SCY) in Greensboro, NC. Entry is here:
Please visit the new VMST website (www.vmst.org) for the full list of upcoming meets.
MASTER’S SPOTLIGHT- MIKE WREN
Mike is one of the original members of our group. His two sons grew up in the NOVA program and both compete at UVA on the varsity team (Garrett is a senior and David is a sophomore). They were recently highlighted in the Richmond Times-Dispatch (Feb. 11, 2010) in the “Around Campus” section of the sports page. Now it’s their father’s turn, as Mike was chosen as this month’s Master’s Spotlight, the most esteemed accolade known to the senior grays!!
When did you join NOVA Masters and how often do you swim?
I joined NOVA Masters 3 or 4 years ago. I had been swimming in lane 10 during NOVAFit when Mark put the sales pitch on me to try the group and I wasn't too old to still compete. My goal is to swim at least 3 days per week depending on my work & travel schedules.
What is your background as a swimmer and athlete?
It's all genetics. My dad swam and ran track at Michigan State 1938 to 1947. World War II interrupted his college years. I started competitive swimming at age 8 at Ridge Top pool and was followed by my sister Linda along with brothers Andy & Matt. Linda stopped at age 15 because she thought boys were more interesting. Andy, Matt, and I continued swimming at Dolphin Club and eventually at Briar Wood which is now ACAC. From there, I went on the the University of Richmond as a scholarship athlete. Andy and Matt went on to UVA as scholarship athletes.
What motivates you to wake up and swim at 5:45am?
Quad (Ed Bush), Dave Fellowes, and the whole group. It takes a dedicated individual to train this way and we have a great group of swimmers at NOVA Masters. The overall health benefits and weight control are also motivating factors. Being a "baby boomer" I am fighting the aging process all the way, every day.
Outside of the pool, who are you?
I am the Regional Marketing Manager for a medium size P&C insurance company. My travels take me to West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and sometimes Ohio. I married my college sweetheart, Ann. We have 2 children in college with 1 about to graduate in May 2010.
Some people might be surprised to know that:
That Mark Kutz and I swam against each other while in college. I don't recall ever losing a freestyle event to him.
Favorite Kutzism:
To whom much rest is given, much is expected.
December 31, 2009
MEET RESULTS
Dec. 13 , 2009: Last Chance SCM Meet, Wilson Aquatic Center, Washington, D.C. Michelle Kitt attended this meet at a new pool in northwest D.C., winning 3 events (50 free, 100 free, 50 back) in the 35-39 age group. Michelle reports that she dropped times from last February, and now she is less than 10 seconds away from Dara Torres’ national record in the 50 free. Bring it on, Dara! Pit the two of them against each other on “The Weakest Link” and my money is on Michelle. Results are here:
USMS 2009 Top Ten LCM
Each year, U.S. Masters Swimming publishes a list of the Top Ten times that have been swum in every event for each of the three pool courses. The list includes relays. As 2009 comes to a close, the top 10 times for long course (LCM) has been posted. NOVA was fortunate to have two athletes make the list: Dave Holland and Chris Stevenson. Dave was 4th in the 200 fly and 8th in the 100 fly. Chris finished tops in the nation in the 50-100-200 back and 100 fly, earning him the “All-American” designation. He was also third in the 200 free and 400 free.
UPCOMING MEETS FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Feb. 13-14, 2010, VMST Winter Meet (SCY) at NOVA. Our meet in our home pool. Look for the entry in next month’s Wet Gazette newsletter.
April 23-25, 2010, Colonies Zone Champs (SCY) will be at GeorgeMasonUniversity in Fairfax, Virginia. Visit the Patriot Masters website for the entry: http://www.patriotmasters.org/
MASTER’S SPOTLIGHT- TOMAS PEREZ
 Tomas is a recent addition to our group. He attended Washington & LeeUniversity, where he competed on the swimming and water polo teams. He works at DuPont. We subjected him to the usual barrage of questions:
When did you join NOVA Masters?
I joined NOVA Masters in September of 2009. It is a nice group of people
and the pool is fantastic. Mark Kutz does a great job coaching. I have
enjoyed myself over the last four months swimming three or four times a
week for about 60 minutes each practice.
What is your background as a swimmer and athlete?
I retired from swimming in 1991 after a long career. Alas, my success
as a youth did not translate into fame as a college swimmer. After around
15 years of year-round swimming in the Shenandoah Valley it was nice
to hang up the goggles.
I picked up water polo in college and enjoyed myself immensely playing
at Washington and LeeUniversity. I also used to play pick-up basketball
and intramural soccer as well as jog.
Why did I un-retire? Many people who retired and then successfully
came back to achieve excellence inspired me to return to the water. Some of
my role models were Michael Jordan, Silvio Berlusconi, Rocky Balboa, Rambo,
Marion Berry, Britney Spears, Lindsey Lo ... (wait, I am getting carried away!).
In addition, my doctor told me the water would be better for my creaky
back than land sports.
I hope to keep swimming for a long time. If I can get into decent shape
maybe 2010 will see me compete in races again. My goal is to get lifetime
best times for my age group.
What motivates you to wake up and swim at 5:45am?
When I exercise, I can eat more food without gaining weight.
Outside of the pool, who are you?
I am the same person as in the pool! I enjoy spending time with my wife and
young daughter when I am not busy with my Marketing job.
Favorite Kutzism:
Don't fear swimming butterfly!
November 24, 2009
MEET RESULTS
Sept 12, 2009: 19th Annual Big Shoulders 5K in Chicago. Bill Winters finished 10th overall in his age group (40-44) in 1:09:08. The event was a national championship this year. Congrats to Bill on his top ten national finish! Pictures and full results can be found at: http://www.bigshoulders.org/
Oct. 25, 2009: Sprint Classic at GMU. Katie Webb and Kim Krongaard attended and represented us with high distinction. Competing in the 30-34 age group, Katie finished 4th in the 50 free (29.01), third in the 100 free (1:04.79), and 4th in the 100 IM (1:15.23). Kim went 4-for-4 with no DQ’s !! She dominated the 40-44 age group with wins in the 100 free (1:10.23), 50 breast (37.67), 100 breast (1:24.15), and 100 IM (1:19.44). Results are here: http://www.patriotmasters.org/Sprint.Classic.2009.OfficialResults.htm
Nov. 8, 2009: VMST Fall Classic in Virginia Beach. Lucy Carrig, Chris Stevenson, and Dave Holland trekked down to the Bayside Y for the annual SCM meet. Chris broke his own World Record in the 200 back, and also set two WRs in relays. FINA decided this past October to start keeping WRs in the 400 and 800 relays. Chris, Dave, and Lucy joined with Kitten Braaten to set a WR in a 400 mixed medley relay (160-199), and Chris and Dave joined with Charlie Cockrell and Michael Picotte to set one in the men’s 800 free relay (160-199). Results are here: http://www.vaswim.org/meets/results/2009/resultswebsite.pdf
UPCOMING MEETS FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Feb. 13-14, 2010, VMST David Gregg III Memorial Meet (SCY) at NOVA. Our meet in our home pool. Look for the entry in the January newsletter. This is the year that Quad goes under a minute !!
March 20, 2010, Albatross Open (SCM) in North Bethesda, Md. Entry will be online in early 2010.
April 23-25, 2010, Colonies Zone Champs (SCY) will be at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Visit the Patriot Masters website for the entry: http://www.patriotmasters.org/
MASTER’S SPOTLIGHT- BILLY GAINES
 Billy is a 28-year old graduate of Carnegie Mellon, where he competed as a distance swimmer. He went to law school at University of Richmond and worked at a law firm in Chicago before launching his own business. He is the co-owner of bpong.com
When did you join NOVA Masters? I began mentally swimming with the group once I knew I was moving to the area and found the program sometime over the summer of '09. I physically showed up and started swimming mid-September 2009
What is your background as a swimmer and athlete? I have always been drawn to the water and been comfortable in it and on it. However, I did not first swim competitively until fifth grade – if you count a one-month long middle school season as swimming competitively. (Hint: it’s not; it’s getting wet for a month.)
Things shifted after my eighth grade year because a new coach came and resurrected a year-round club program. During that summer, I also played AAU basketball, but for my freshman year of high school, I had to make a decision between swimming and basketball because they had conflicting seasons. It was a tough choice, and had the new coach not come and started a year-round program, I probably would have chosen basketball. Any guesses which one I chose?
I then had another tough choice for college. I wanted a school with a strong engineering program, which severely limited choices because many strong engineering schools do not have strong swimming programs. I ended up swimming for Carnegie Mellon University. (I guess I didn't choose basketball, eh?) Unfortunately, this year, the new suits these days allowed a group of four less talented individuals to take down the one remaining record I had (the 800 free relay), but as much as I peed in that pool, I feel like a part of me has got to still be living on in the CMU pool.
I continued swimming off and on since college, but work, among other things, has made it difficult to keep up a regular training schedule. Whenever I started to feel like I was getting back in shape, work would get overwhelming, thereby forcing me to take a break again. The plan is to now get back into a more regular rhythm and train for some lifetime bests.
What motivates you to wake up and swim at 5:45am: I guess I have a dependency on pool chemicals, or maybe it’s only because that’s the only time the group swims. I miss swimming. I miss pushing myself in the water to do things I never thought were possible. I miss the pain. Who wouldn’t get up at 5:00 in the morning to get in the cold water by 5:45 for that?
Outside of the pool, who are you? My personality outside the pool probably reflects my personality in the pool – it’s just a little easier to talk when my face isn’t in the water. I’m an entrepreneur and creative person who likes to be different. Tell me it can’t be done, and I’ll find a way to prove you wrong. (And if I can’t, well . . . you’re wrong, ok?) I have a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering and a law degree. I practiced law with a large firm in Chicago for two and a half years, focusing my practice on intellectual property. But while the law firm paid extremely well, it prevented me from being myself. I quit practicing law at the end of 2008, have refused to put a straight razor to my face since then (at least for the time being), and am now focusing on what I want to be doing, not what a bunch of partners in a large law firm want me to be doing. I think I may have also forgotten to cut my hair since then, too.
Favorite Kutzism: There are so many to choose from here. There are the obvious ones, but two of my favorites are probably a little less obvious: (1) “When you hold back a little, you're preventing progress”; and (2) "If you’re not going hard, you’re wasting this set.”
August 2009
RECOVERING AT HOME
Shelley Lantz had surgery last week at St. Mary’s to correct scoliosis. She is at home now and her mother (Cynthia) reports that she is doing well, up and walking around. She will be out of the water for about 6 months. I have a card that I’ll bring to practice tomorrow morning for us to sign and send. If you would like to send a personal card, the Lantzes are at 9512 Pine Shadow Dr., Richmond, VA23238.
MEET RESULTS
June 28: I Love The Tavern Triathlon, in Richmond. Kim Krongaard won the aquabike division for women, and Leigh Robbins was 6th in her age group for the tri.
July 11: ChrisGreeneLakeSwim, Charlottesville. Six members of our team (Chris Stevenson, Heather Stevenson, Betsy Turner, David Fellowes, Ed Bush, Michelle Kitt), our coach Mark Kutz, and NOVA business manager Scott Campbell competed at the annual Chris Green e Lake cable swim. For Mark, it was his first time back to CGL since 1983. In the 1-mile race, Dave Fellowes won his age group (45-49), Heather Stevenson was second (45-49), and Michelle Kitt was third (30-34). In the 2-mile race, Betsy Turner finished second among women 25-29, Quad was fifth (35-39), Chris was first (40-44), Scott was sixth (45-49), and Mark was second (50-54). Congrats to Chris for breaking his own national record (41:03.05) and for finishing second overall (NOVA’s own Abby Nunn won the event in 40:39.67). Full results and the press release are here: http://www.cableswim.org/
Dave Fellowes took photos and a few can be seen here:
If anyone has some more, please send them my way!
Aug. 6-9: U.S.Masters LC Championships, Indianapolis. Dave Holland and Chris Stevenson made the long drive to the Midwest together (12 hours in a Honda Civic, and still friends J ). Dave defected from VMST for this meet to compete with a group of IndianaUniversity alumni (Doc IU Masters). He finished 2nd in the 200 fly (2:21.38), 3rd in the 100 fly (1:02.26), and208th in the 50 fly (28.02). The highlight for him was swimming on the 1st place 400 medley relay (160-199 age group) with former Sullivan Award winner and marathoner John Kinsella.
Chris had a phenomenal 200 backstroke, going 2:12 in his first event and obliterating the world record (45-49) by 6 seconds. Unfortunately, he was disqualified for going past 15 meters on the start. He handled the news much better than the rest of us, claiming it was “easy come, easy go”. Chris rebounded to win the 100 back (1:00.55) and 100 fly (59.10), and also finished 2nd in the 200 free (2:01.76), and 3rd in the 400 free (4:21.26). All four of his times were new LMSC records for men 45-49.
UPCOMING MEETS AND OPEN WATER SWIMS FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Sept. 12, 2009, Chicago: 19th annual Big Shoulders 5K Swim. This year the event is also a U.S. Masters 3-6 mile National Championship. Bill Winters has competed several times and will return this year. Enter now if you’re interested as the cap is fast approaching: http://www.bigshoulders.org/
Sept. 26-27, 2009: SmithMountainLake swims (5K on Saturday, 1 mile on Sunday). Info and entry form is here: http://www.lakeswim.net/
October 25, 2009: Sprint Classic at George Mason. This meet has Rob B. written all over it. The 25 breaststroke is on! Entry details later.
NOVA MASTERS MAKES THE COVER OF USMS SWIMMER
If you’ve already received your May issue of the magazine, you might have noticed that the cover photo shows a cartilaginous creature emitting bubbles in a familiar setting. Yes, it’s none other than Chris Stevenson! Although we get the opportunity to observe his underwater proficiency on a regular basis, it is nice to see him in focus for once. In addition, the feature article is written by our very own Mark Kutz. Congratulations to both Chris and Mark for some well-deserved recognition.
A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST REGULARS
Daniel Owens, Betsy Turner, and all the young college kids who try to keep up with us.
MEET RESULTS
On May 3, Allison Czapracki competed in the Nanticoke River 3-mile swim and sprint triathlon” in Bivalve, MD. She finished 6th in her age group in 1:38:42. Results can be found here: https://www.lin-mark.us/results_files/resnan09.htm and more info about open water can be found on Allison’s blog: http://owswimrva.wordpress.com/
Allison Czapracki, Kim Krongaard, and Dave Holland traveled up the road to George Mason University for the annual Colonies Zones Championships April 24-26. Kim had the best cheering squad as her parents were in the stands. They didn’t seem to notice when she false started in her 200 breaststroke. Unfortunately, both officials on deck did. You should have seen Kim’s expression when the Referee broke the news to her with a polite “ma’am”. Full results can be found here: http://www.patriotmasters.org/Colonies.2009.Results.htm
Last week, our underwater superhero, Christopher Stevenson, represented us quite well at the U.S. Masters National Championship (SCY), held in Fresno, California. Swimming at the “top” end of the 40-44 age group, Chris put up quite a showing against the younger forty-somethings. Of the 1,582 participants in the meet, Chris was one of a handful to win multiple events. His individual results were as follows:
200 free: 2nd, 1:45.55, 100 back: 1st, 50.97, 200 back: 1st, 1:51.10 (LMSC record), 100 fly: 1st, 50.81 (LMSC record), 500 free: 3rd, 4:42.67 (LMSC record), 200 fly: 2nd, 1:54.85 (LMSC record).
Another noteworthy performance that must be mentioned here was the 100 breaststroke turned in by Richmonder and LMSC Registrar Lisa Bennett, who set a NATIONAL record in the women’s 50-54 100 breast (1:12.85). As an aside, Lisa grew up swimming in New Jersey on an AAU team with Mark Kutz. Congrats, Lisa!
Full results from the meet are here: http://www.usms.org/comp/scnats09/realtime/
UPCOMING MEETS AND OPEN WATER SWIMS FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Saturday, July 11: Chris Greene Lake 1 & 2 Mile Cable Swims in Charlottesville:http://www.cableswim.org/ (HOSTED BY VIRGINIA MASTERS)
MASTER’S SPOTLIGHT- DAVID FELLOWES
· Swimming with NOVA Masters since: I joined NOVA about 1.5yrs ago and have enjoyed it ever since.
· What is your background as a swimmer and athlete? I started swimming in small summer programs when I was 10yrs old --- at the British Embassy and American base pool in Ankara, Turkey. I swam another year when living in Iran. Swimming then took a 30-year break when I moved to Elizabeth City NC (city without a pool at the time). As for other sports, I was a distance runner with HS records and lots of 10k races plus more than a decade of volleyball and windsurfing competitions and golf. Cycling has been added in the last two years.
· What motivates you to wake up and swim at 5:45am: Let’s see… listening to Kim K chatter, coach Kutzisms and working my way into fast lane 8 one of these days… It’s actually a great way to start off the day and the best way to stay in shape. I even go out of my way to swim with other Masters programs when on business travel 70+ nights a year… From outdoor competition pools in Phoenix and Ft. Lauderdale, open water swims with the Waikiki Swim Club to outstanding HS, collegiate and public pools throughout the US and Canada – and even George Mason University’s pool in Fairfax last week. It’s great being able to swim on the road!
· Outside of the pool, who are you? Married to a wonderful wife (Lynn) with two great kids - Miranda(10) and David(9) who are NOVA swimmers too. I’m also an area vice president of sales for an international telecommunications company --- selling high capacity data services to other telecommunications service providers like AT&T, Verizon, Google and Sprint.
· People might be surprised to know that: I dropped 65lbs over 18 months… starting with lap-swimming at a local health club before NOVA Masters, cutting back on meal portions and cycling on weekends. Getting back into shape last year (’08) allowed me to compete in my first swim meet in over 30 years and finish with respectable times in a 2-mile cable swim and an Olympic distance triathlon.
· Favorite Kutzism: “I don’t care WHO you are – this is FUN!” Followed closely by “Age has its privileges.”
March 25, 2009
MEET RESULTS
WHEREAS, on March 15, Kim Krongaard, Jocelyn Adelman, and Dave Holland attended the 1st Annual “Dreaming of Spring” Meet (SCY) hosted by Warrenton Masters; and
WHEREAS, the meet was the first masters’ competition held at their new 10-lane natatorium; and
WHEREAS, the mayor of Warrenton was on hand signing “Pool Record Proclamation” certificates for anyone winning an event; and
WHEREAS, the NOVA contingent collectively claimed ten first places;
THEREFORE; IN WITNESS WHEREOF, let it be herewith decreed that I don’t care who you are, it’s fun to get a parchment with gold seals and blue ribbons and whereas(ses) all over it. Fu ll meet results can be found here:
Chris Stevenson is currently on “sabbatical” but obviously that term does not apply to his swimming. The only one who has been to more swim meets this month is Mark. Chris and Mark both attended Senior Champs at UVA a few weekends ago and showed the young kids the true meaning of a “senior” champ. Mark was the paceman, and Chris was the raceman. He qualified for finals in the 100 back (50.67 prelims), 200 back (1:52.93 prelims)20and 100 fly (50.85 prelims) and led off NOVA’s 400 medley relay that finished second. NOVA won the team competition in convincing fashion. Results:
Chris’s times in the 100 back, 200 back, 100 fly, and 200 free (1:44.37) were new LMSC records for the 40-44 age group in short course yards.
Chris was coerced into taking an obligatory weekend off but was back in the water at the annual Albatross Open (SCM) in North Bethesda, MD on March 22. Because your age for meets in meter pools is your age as of Dec. 31, Chris competed in the 45-49 age bracket for the first time (he really doesn’t turn 45 until October). Despite the premature aging, he found his way to the right pool, setting two new LMSC, USMS, and WORLD records in the 100 back (58.33) and 200 back (2:09.05). Premature aging has its privileges! CONGRATULATIONS, CHRIS !! Results are here:
UPCOMING MEETS FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Fri-Sun, April 24-26: “Colonies Zone SCY Championship” in Fairfax, VA:
Sun, May 3: “Nanticoke River 3-mile swim and sprint triathlon” in Bivalve, MD:
Saturday, May 16: “First Annual Gator Swim Meet” in Roanoke, VA:
MASTER’S SPOTLIGHT- KIM KRONGAARD
Kim has been a regular devotee of NOVA Masters since 2006. We asked her to share some words about her athletic background, the path that brought her to NOVA Masters, and her life outside of lane 10:
I grew up being a part of a wonderful summer league swimming program in Northern Virginia, but stopped at the age of 11. Swimming came easily for my five siblings and me (especially breaststroke). I just wished I had stayed with it. I ran cross country my senior year in high school and was a walk-on at Radford University.
I became involved in triathlons wh en I lived in San Clemente, CA- my husband Mike was an officer based at Camp Pendleton and I was based in LA as a=2 0flight attendant - plenty of down time to train and get my Masters of Education at Cal.State LB. I swam with a masters’ program in San Onofre- an outside pool with a view of the Pacific Ocean! Oh, how I miss that! I was in lane 10 then, and I am still in lane 10!
I competed in a few Body Building shows, judged purely on muscle development- none of that beauty stuff. Thank goodness Mark & Leigh pegged me as a “sprinter”-now I am learning to capitalize on that quality!
I returned to Northern Virginia to begin family life and start a business with the Golds Gym Family. We currently own three Golds Gyms in the Richmond area, and I teach a few classes in my spare time. Once my three kids were in school, I started training with my husband for the sprint triathlons, and began training with the NOVA studs! I comp eted in my first Masters Swim Meet last year and it keeps me training hard. I learn something new every time I swim with these dedicated athletes! I love to bug the coaches with my questions. Just like I tell my kids, “hard work DOES pay off, and being uncomfortable is part of the process. So stop complaining and make something happen!” My biggest obstacle to date (besides the 200 test sets!) is teaching my three kids to follow the above advice!
February 20, 2009
MASTERS’ MEET AT NOVA HAS COME AND GONE
The annual David Gregg III Memorial Meet at NOVA was another successful event hosted by VMST. Some highlights from the two day adventure in our home pool:
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Watching Lucy Carrig tear up the pool as her mom sat in the stands thinking “after all these years, here I am again.”
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Quad’s (aka Mr. Ed Bush) annual brush with the one minute barrier in the 100 free. Will it happen before he hits 40 ?
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Mark breaking his own LMSC record in the 200 fly without having to mount and dismount the blocks multiple times like last year.
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Jocelyn’s pre-concert 500 free with Mark yelling “hurry up, you’re going to be late!”
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George’s sprint performance in the 50 fly, i.e. sprinting to get to the blocks after walking in the door about 30 seconds earlier.
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Amanda Kutz stopping mid-stroke in the 50 breast to gawk sideways at all 9 lanes of her competition. Who is her coach anyway?
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Dan Doherty claiming his gold medal like a kid in a candy story.
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Team Krongaard yelling “ GO MOM !”
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Marie Kelleher setting national records in the 50 free and 50 breast at age 96. As our coach would say: Age has its privileges !
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Dave and Chris swimming a 200 medley relay together (Chris-Dave-Chris-Dave) and the DQ judge raising his arm after saying “wait a second…”.
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Mark as Elvis. I don’t care WHO you are, this was fun.
The team photo can be found here:
Full results can be found here:
New LMSC records:
Men 50-54, 200 fly:& nbsp; 2:45.26 by Mark Kutz
Women 18-24, 50 fly: 27.60 by Lucy Carrig
If you didn’t get your Elvis t-shirt with the Kutzisms on the back, it’s not too late. I have 1 XL, 2 L, and 1 M remaining. They are $ 12.00, first come, first serve.
UPCOMING MEETS FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Sun, March 15: “1st Annual Dreaming of Spring” SCY meet in Warrenton, VA: a new meet in a beautiful new natatorium. The walls, water, and windows are immaculate… and so are the records ! Al l event winners will receive an official proclamation from the Warrenton mayor for owning a pool record. Info can be found here:
Sat, March 21: “Albatross Open” SCM meet in North Bethesda, MD:
Fri-Sun, April 24-26: “Colonies Zone SCY Championship” in Fairfax, VA:
MASTER’S SPOTLIGHT
 Dan Doherty joined NOVA Masters in January 2009 and competed in his first-ever swim meet last weekend at NOVA. He placed first in the men’s 18-24 50 breast (novice) and 100 breast. Here is what Dan shared with us:
I am currently a junior at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. I am majoring in International Studies with an Asian Studies minor. I am also in my second full year of Japanese language study. Next fall, if all goes according to plan, I will spend the semester in Japan. I was in Tokyo last January and greatly enjoyed the experience. I play tennis for Randolph-Macon and enjoy every minute of it. As for swimming, I swam when I was much younger, but never in real competition or in high school. My junior year of high school I was diagnosed with cancer; Synovial Cell Sarcoma, and underwent treatment at Georgetown University Hospital and the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. I missed the latter half of my junior year, but was able to return and g raduate in 2005. I was a manager for the Potomac Falls High School swim team my senior year and had a blast. I’ve always enjoyed the water and was a summer lifeguard at pools in my community. Out of the pool and off the courts I enjoy watching movies, spending time with friends, and have a passion for automobiles. I see both Swimming and Tennis as lifelong endeavors and wish to pursue both with vigor. My goal is to become better than yesterday and faster tomorrow.
~ news compiled by Dave Holland
December 2008
Zones SCM Holiday Classic at Rutgers
On Dec. 5-6, five swimmers braved the D.C. traffic and snow flurries to attend the Colonies Zone championship at Rutgers. The competition was superb, but the Kutz-trained athletes were well-prepared and well-suited in their black NOVA caps and sleek, supple fabrics. Four forty-something males (Evan Davis, Dave Holland, Chris Stevenson, and Bill Winters) and one brave twenty-something female (Allison Czapracki) collectively set 10 new LMSC records:
Age Group Gender Course Event Time Name
40-44 Men SCM 1500 free 17:53.15 Dave Holland
40-44 Men SCM 50 back 26.56 WR Chris Stevenson
40-44 Men SCM 100 back 55.90 Chris Stevenson
40-44 Men SCM 200 back 2:04.96 WR Chris Stevenson
40-44 Men SCM 100 breast 1:10.64 Evan Davis
40-44 Men SCM 100 fly 56.99 Chris Stevenson
40-44 Men SCM 200 fly 2:10.99 Chris Stevenson
40-44 Men SCM 200 IM 2:24.26 Dave Holland
160-199Men SCM 400 medley 4:10.47 Stevenson, Davis, Holland, Winters
200-239Mixed SCM 200 med 2:36.56 Czapracki, Brundage, Stevenson, Durrant
Special congratulations are in order for Evan Davis and Allison Czapracki, who each etched a name in the masters’ record books for the first time. And yes, it almost goes without saying that Chris Stevenson broke some more world records, this time his own ! Chris lowered his own world records in the 50 and 200 backstrokes, and dropped 1.5 sec from his previous WR in the 100 back while finishing second in an epic battle with wunder-whippersnapper Mike Ross (54.85 and 55.90). Chris also missed the 100 fly WR by less than one second. Not bad for a guy who ages up in a few months.
Full results can be found here:
http://www1.recreation.rutgers.edu/Content/Masters_SCM_Colonies_Zone_Championship.asp
VMST Winter Meet at NOVA - Feb. 14-15
You have two months to prepare for this premiere event. Entry is here:
http://www.vaswim.org/meets/2009/VMST%20Winter%20Meet%20Entry%202009.pdf
Are you registered with USMS?
If you are swimming with NOVA Masters, it is required !! You can register online at:
http://www.usms.org/reg/
If you’re interested in doing relays at the Feb. 14-15 meet, you should register with VMST. If you don’t plan to do relays or compete in 2009, your best bet is UNAT.
New Member Spotlight
Michelle Kitt is new to our group. I asked her to send us a little swimming bio and she was nice enough to do so. Here is what she shared:
After a 15 year break, I’ve come back to the pool to get in shape and train for a triathlon (TBD) this summer. Swimming was my first sport and where I’m most comfortable. I’m known as "determined" and "committed" rather than "fast." (I swam for the JCC Dolphin Club and my best performance was a B-time in backstroke at age 13). I believe life is for trying things and I’ve enjoyed some unique experiences simply because I am willing to sign up for them! The best way to explain my day job is that I lead the design of middle and high school science courses for K12, Inc. - an education company located in Northern VA. I also coach at a lifestyle and wellness center for kids, teach the occasional indoor cycling and strength conditioning classes at Gold’s Gym, and volunteer at the Positive Vibe Cafe - a restaurant that trains people with disabilities to work in food service. I live in the West End near Innsbrook and have a cat named Penny. I look forward to meeting everyone!
~Michele
Summer of 2008
In May, Jeff Wyatt competed in the Brazil iron distance triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run), finishing in a remarkable 11:22:20, good enough for 52nd out of 201 in his age group. Detailed results can be found here:
In July, most of us worked and trained. Who has time to compete ? Ok, there is always Chris Stevenson. He went to the Virginia Long Course Senior Champs (in North Carolina, of course) with the strong young contingent from NOVA and held his own just fine. He finished 13th in the 100 back and was a part of two NOVA relays that finished in the top 8. Not bad for a 43-year old, unshaved and without naps.
In August, Chris Stevenson, Bill Winters, and Dave Holland made the trip to Gresham, Oregon for the USMS Long Course National Championship. Chris won three events (50 back, 100 back, and 200 back), setting a world record in the 100 back with his 1:00.56. He was also second in the 100 fly and 3rd in the 400 free. Dave and Bill each had top 3 finishes (Bill in the 50 back, 100 back and 200 breast, Dave in the 200 fly). The highlight of the meet occurred on August 16. While Michael Phelps was making history with his 8th gold medal in Beijing, in Oregon all eyes were on the showdown between Dave and Bill in the 200 IM. After months of trash talking, the two 41-year olds decided that bragging rights and global history would be on the line for 3 important race details: reaction time, breaststroke split, and final time. Swimming in the same heat, Dave finished in 5th and Bill in 6th. Point to Holland. Running back to the coaches on deck, the duo discovered that reaction time battle had gone to Bill, .69 to .74. Then there was the matter of that pesky breaststroke split. Bill had clearly been the stronger breaststroker in college, but those knees are ancient history. Examining the handwritten stopwatch splits on the clipboard, it became evident that it was too close to call. The final deciding point would come down to a careful look at the official pad splits: In the end, it was Holland with the slight edge, winning the breaststroke split and Trash Talk Title (for at least at year) from his nemesis, 42.90 to 42.98. According to the reports the next day in the New York Times and Washington Post, it was “an epic performance.”
Putting all kidding aside, the threesome got down to serious business in the relays. Representing Virginia Masters and the NOVA senior grays with pride, they placed third in the 200 medley relay (Chris Stevenson, David Malsbury, Dave Holland, and Bill Winters, 1:55.46) to claim a bronze medal.
Full results from USMS Nationals can be found here:
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