A History of Oregon Masters Swimming: 1972

In 1972 the Short Course Nationals were held at San Mateo, CA, under the direction of John Spannuth , and the Long Course Nationals were at Bloomington, IN, under the direction of Dr. James Councilman.

Oregon and the Northwest join the program. Research shows that Karl Von Tagen actually was the "start up guy" for Masters swimming in Oregon. He had read of Ransom Arthur 's efforts and thought he would begin here with a meet in Oregon. He approached Olive Mucha (MAC Aquatic Director), and asked if she would help put on the first Oregon Masters Swimming meet. Karl then sent out the announcements to many Northwest pools and received 25 entries. The meet was held at the MAC, under the sponsorship of the David Douglas Swim Club and MAC, on April 22, 1972.

*Author's Note: The Records Chair was Olive Mucha of the MAC. The author will not bore you further with all records, as they came along, but it is felt that to get a feel of what it was like in 1972 and 1973, you had best see the records. Also, we will not get into full scale meet results anymore. If any memorabilia over and above what is given in this writing is wanted, it may be requested from the Historian. Continuing with Karl's account of that first meet...After the meet they all adjourned to the Elephant Castle and celebrated with beer and fish and chips. Karl remembers Connie Wilson coming to the first meet, she was very interested in the program, she was very enthusiastic and put an enormous amount of energy into the fledgling movement. Karl's recollection of Connie was of a very excited person, asking all kinds of questions, and wanting to get involved right in Olive's office, down at the MAC, and as they say the res! t is history. Karl's involvement in the program continued, putting on meets. He did not want to get involved at the Board Level. He was a pioneer for OMS, a very important one. He lit the fire, and was responsible for the program getting started. This first meet was followed by a Long Course meet on July 2, 1972 at David Douglas. Donlan Jones made his first appearance in our program at this meet, swimming a 37.2 for the 50m Back. This was followed by a SCY meet at Tualatin Hills. Steve Engel, who became PNA's first chairman, made his debut at this meet. Dick Slawson was also a pioneer, swimming at Tualatin, winning the Men's 50 yd Free in 27.4. The final meet of 1972, our fledgling year, was held at Reynolds High on December 31, 1972. Alice Zabudsky (25-29) made her initial swim for OMS at this meet, doing the 100 IM in 1:31.29.

NW Regional AAU Masters Swimming Championships - 1972
Oregon LMSC History - 1972-73 SCY Records

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