A History of Oregon Masters Swimming: 1976

Jan 18th and 19th at Shoreline Pool, PNA hosted a meet where the emergence of yet another "earth shaker" took place. Dawn Musselman in the 60-64 group swam the 50 and 100 free (34.5 and 1:20.2) and the 50 and 100 back (43.2 and 1:36.4). Dawn still holds Zone records in SCY and LCM. She and husband Bob were a great tonic to PNA and Masters swimming as a whole. We lost Dawn to cancer a few years ago. You may wonder about Ol' Barn's mention of non-OMS swimmers. As you will see, we have had a few "earth shakers" of our own.

3rd Annual Multnomah Athletic Club Invitational, Jan 31 : Judi Shaw (27) set new OMS record in the 100 free (1:07.10); Sue Snyder (26) set two in the 200 breast (3:04.50) and the 100 fly (1:14.80); Carol Friedly (36) set Oregon records for the 50 and 100 breast (43.50 and 1:39.10); Connie Wilson (41) 50 back (36.3); Jeanne Kennett (41) 50 fly (56.40); Mary Anne Wolfe {was Hansen, a CODY kid -- sorry Mary Anne (49)} 50 free, 100 free, 50 back (34.50, 1:19.20, 41.90); Joyce Bahler (47) 50, 100 and 200 breast (50.60, 1:44.90, and 3:57.40); Virginia Joslin (50) 50 free (43.90); ElfieStevenin (54) 50 and 100 fly (1:15.00 and 3.01.90), 100 and 200 IM (2:32.40 and 5:28.40); Clare Carey (63) 50 free and 100 back (46.10 and 1:58.00); Dawn Musselman (PNA), National Record in the 50 back (43.20); Oregon Records continue: Hazel Bressie (66) 50 breast (1:28.00).

Trond Williams (26) 50 free (23.30); Robert Maestre (25) 200 back (2:27.90); T.Walthers (27) 50 breast (31.10); John Josephson (28)100 breast (1:08.20); Doug Huestis (27) 200 fly (2:23.80); Joe Lanza (32) 200 back and 200 IM (2:56.70 and 2:41.00); Ed Ritz (31) 200 breast (3:15.00); Ron Nakata (36) 50 free (26.10),100 IM (1:08.00); Fred Sprenger (44) 200 free (2:25.40); George Burgess (44) 100 breast, 50 fly and 100 IM (1:23.30, 33.90 and 1:19.10); Emmanuel Sang (45) 200 breast (3:35.60); Jim Holland (51) 100 free (1:10.40); Chuck Harrison (50) 200 free (2:41.60); Earl Walter (54) 50, 100 and 200 breast (38.50, 1:27.50, and 3:09.90); Jim Lambert (59) 200 free (3:48.20), 50 back (53.40), 50 breast (50.90), 100 breast (1:57.70); Don Stevenson (63) 50 and 200 free (32.60 and 3:03.80), 200 breast (3:42.00), 200 IM (3:34.70); Max Strauss (66) 1650 free (39:06.58), 50 back (46.00), 100 breast (1:46.70), 100 IM (2:06.70); Frederick M! ullen (74) 50 free and 50 back (43.30 and 56.100; Le Roy Webster (75) 50 free, 50 breast, 100 breast (54.40, 1:07.60 and 2:35.50).

Collister Wheeler (82) swam in his first Masters meet, setting three National Records in the 50, 100 and 200 free (43.30, 1:39.20 and 3:33.80). Collie came within one year of being the first 100+ Masters swimmer in the world. Hope you understand all the times. Ol' Barn feels that you need, from time to time, records to show what was happening in those bygone years. We had a total of 115 actual swimmers, the largest turnout in the history of Northwest Masters swimming.

January 1976, the "Aqua-Master" made its appearance as the official newsletter of Oregon Masters Swimming. Ol' Barn was working at Mail-Well then, and came up with the new name. Connie Wilson and everyone liked it, so we had the art department come up with artwork, and away we went.

Regional SC Champs were announced for the new pool at the University of Idaho in Moscow, for April 17 and 18th. Entry blanks, et al, were included. It was interesting to note that in those days you were allowed to swim only three individual events per day. Doug Crichton of Multnomah Athletic Club was cited for his handling of the biggest meet ever at MAC, plus stimulating attendance, getting media coverage (newspaper and TV) and for doing an overall bang-up job. We also had some news on Doug's personal life. It appears he got married in Hawaii on Feb 14th. He also brought back a trunk load of information on Masters swimming in the islands.

SC Nationals were announced for Mission Viejo, CA., with an expected turnout of 800 plus swimmers. Poor Connie, begged and pleaded with us to attend a Nationals meet. In the Application for registration, it was noted that for an additional $2.00 (over the registration fee of $2.50), you could obtain insurance covering competition and practices.

Bill Dendurant announced a swim meet at Tigard Swim Center. Bill was an important factor in the growth of OMS for many years. The meet was planned for March 28th. It was our first attempt at having the "Awards, or No Awards" option. Also in those days we had to say "swimmers competing for a regular Senior AAU team, or for a school, were not eligible."

February 22nd saw some from OMS attending a SCY meet at Mercer Island, WA. Lynn Bell (25) of PNA, set a National record for the 100 breast at 1:10.65 and the 200 at 2:32.40, plus the 400 IM at 5:00.00. Juanita Correa (40) set 2 National records in the 100 and 200 free (1:02.5 and 2:19.4). As of this writing, the Zone records are 56.52 and 2:06.88. Connie Wilson (41) swam for 2 USMS Top Ten #1 rankings for the 100 and 200 back (1:18.7 and 2:55.1). Cecil Kribs (34) from Eugene 50, 100, and 200 back (34.0, 1:19.4, and 2:56.8); Fred Eckhardt (49) swam 50 and 100 fly (37.5 and 1:26.5).

Tigard Swim Center-March 28 : A fellow named Cronin really tried to confuse us. Who is Gerard Cronin? Is that who we now know as Jed Cronin? We also saw the debut of Coburn Grabenhorst. Robin Hesse (41) came on line with a 50 free in 27.70.. Donald Stevenson (63) won 5 Golds, with a 200 IM at 3:33.0; Leo Haglund (48) came aboard along with John Stone( 49). We had a memorable three-way battle for the 100 free between Stone (1:22.10) Haglund (1:23.00) and Eckhardt (1:24.00). Max Strauss (66) was our old timer in those days, with a 50 breast in 45.40. Shelley Baker (21) swam the 50, 100, and 200 breast (45.90, 1:44.70, and 3:55.20). Judi Shaw (27) had a 50 free in 30.00; Susy Doolittle (27) swam the 50 breast in 46.50. Betty Mayer (34) swam the 50 back in 50.00, and Clair Carey (60) swam the 50 free in 44.70 and the 50 back in 54.00. PNA Meet April 4 at Pacific Lutheran: Cathy Chichton joined husband Doug in the wet scene. Doug s! howed-off, winning the 25-29 1650 yard freestyle in 25:27.00. Joe Lanza (30-34) won the 400 IM in 6:01.20.

4th Annual Reg XII Championships at the University of Idaho, April 16-18: Sue Snyder won 5 Golds, with the 400 IM in 5:56.10. Alice Zabudsky (3 Golds) won the 100 fly at 1:18.80 in the 30-34. Glass, Crichton, Maestre and Harris clobbered the 25-29. OMS looked at this as a "youngey" meet with Connie Wilson the oldest (40+).

May 1976 Aqua-Master : OMS Board grows with the addition of Doug Crichton. Day page of the Oregonian, ran a feature story on Masters Swimming, the writer thought it was so great, she has started swimming herself. "First" OMS Clinic was scheduled for Mountain Park meet, July 10 and 11. Nationals were in May, but OMS had their SC Championships June 5 & 6 at Lake Oswego High, with Dick Curtis as the Meet Director. OMS SCY Records were announced. Among the swimmers setting records who are still around were: Tom Anderson , Darlene Pohl, Susan Case (Snyder), Karl Von Tagen , Steve Johnson , Alice Zabudsky, Virginia Van Rossen (Arvidson), Ron Nakata, Jim Bigler , Joyce Bahler, Fred Sprenger, Donlan Jones, Fred Eckhardt, Jim Holland, Mary Anne Wolfe, Earl Walter and Elfie Stevenin .

OMS Assn Champs, Lake Oswego, June5 & 6: Jackey Gould (21) swam the 1650 in 31:16.48; Judi Shaw (27) 50 free (29.26), 50 fly (34.66); Jayne Chastain (30) made her debut. Jeanne Kennett (41) shared honors with Connie Wilson (four Golds each). Nicki Powers (68) won three events over Hazel Bressie . Doug Adams (26) won the 200 breast in 2:38.00. Howard Moore (31) showed us the 100 and 200 back in 1:03.2 and 2:19.71. Eric Guest (46) started out with the 50 free in 28.42. Don Van Rossen (47) joined the group, 50, 100 and 200 breast (36.55, 1:18.48, 2:54.41) -- "Coach" won five golds. John Runckel swam his first Masters meet. Earl Walter (55) tied the National record for the 50 back in 32.93. Tom Shrewsbury (55) joined us, as did Robert Schmidt (60). Dana Thomas (69) started his Masters career with the 50 free in 33.77. Bob Hunter (65) appeared on stage. Collie Wheeler (82) set 2 National records in the 50 free (45.10) and the 5! 0 breast (55.16). Jon Stout , Louis Budge, Gary Leach and Ernie Glass swam the 25+ 200 free relay in 1:34.79!

Aqua-Master, June 1976: OMS now had 135 registered swimmers. Roy Webster, Hazel Bressie, Joe Lanza, Ernie Glass, Doug Huestis, Tom Anderson, Randy Harris, Connie Wilson, Judi Shaw, Darlene Pohl and Sue Snyder made the SC Nationals at Mission Viejo. Roy Webster, Hazel Bressie, Darlene Pohl and Connie brought home the medals. Mountain Park LC, July 10 and 11: Beth Boehmer (22), lit up the skies in the 1500 (24:31.60) and the 200 breast (3:34.50). Liz Gebe (21) swam the 200 IM in 3:10.60. Sandi Baker (21) handled the 50 fly in 33.40. Clair Mohr (29) swam the 50 and 100 breast in 50.20 and 1:52.10. Jayne Chastain (30) swept the back (45.80, 1:42.80, 3:53.40). Alice Zabudsky (31) swam 200 fly (3:31.80) and 400 IM (7:03.10). Mary Anne Wolfe (50) picked up five golds, as did Elfie Stevenin (54). Hazel Bressie (67) won four golds. Jan Simonsen (22) 50, 100 and 200 fly (28.00, 1:06.80, 2:39.00) -- the 50 time was a record into 1992! K! im Lintner (26) did the 50 free in 26.90. Jerry Lucas (26) and David Levinson (26) from the Bay Area, swam with us. David is still very active in Masters. Stuart Morris (32) showed up as a freestyler. Ralph Mohr swam the fly and the 400 IM. David Eng (38) swam for the first time. Jim Bigler (40) cleaned up in the freestyle (note a 1:15.10 for the 100). Fred Sprenger (45) swept five freestyles, with Eric Guest (46) runner up in the 50 and 100. Lee Miesen (49) bowed in with the 50 and 100 breast (45.40 and 1:45.00). John Runckel (53), who founded the Barracuda Goggle company, initially with only Goggles, is now getting into a full array of swim gear. At the meet, he won the 200 and 400 free (3:12.70 and 6:58.50). John swam hard that year, working out at Mountain Park. Ol' Barn swam next to him many an early morning.

Fred Eckhardt (50), with a 3:31.20 for the 200 fly, was instrumental in the setting of our 4th National record. Earl Walter (55), with Fred's leading him on, set a new National record in the 200 fly at 3:35.70. At this writing, the National record was 2:48.05. Neil Farnham (59), a fine MAC swimmer, won the 100 breast in 2:08.10. Neil was in Masters for four to five years. We had missed him, and still miss him now. Don Stevenson (64), Robert Schmidt (61), Syd Hendy( 63) and Kelly Bagby (62) were big winners for OMS. This was Syd Hendy's first meet He swam for years and made All-American. He has dropped out within the past two years and we miss him. Fred Wiggin (60) and Karl Frederick (62) both of PNA, swam in the meet. Wiggin handled the backstroke, with Frederick taking the breast and fly. Karl did the 100 breast in 1:41.50, while Wiggin swam the 100 back in 1:37.40. John Hoey (66), later known as Jack, made his debut in this! meet. Hoey, an early-on freestyler, turned over and became an All-American backstroker. He and Herb Eisenschmidt had many a great race. Dana Thomas (69) won the 50 and 100 free in 39.20 and 1:39.40.

July '76 Aqua-Master told us of the upcoming Region XII LC Champs at Coleman Pool in Seattle. It was also announced that OMS would host 1977 SCY Regionals. Doug Crichton got right busy and secured the Multnomah Athletic Club to host that meet. Doug Crichton was a worker. We have missed him greatly over the past years. The entry for Coleman showed that we cut off in those days at 80+. If you wanted awards your entry was $1.25. Without awards you paid 50 cents. The surcharge per swimmer was $ 2.00. The Columbia River Swim at Hood River was announced for September 3rd. The distance was 1 Mile. This still is an annual event. The early day godfather was Roy Webster of Hood River.

October '76 Aqua-Master. Dates were listed for the 18 scheduled swim meets in Region XII for the coming year. LC Nationals were in St Louis, Missouri, with Bob Hunter, Roy Webster and Earl Walter representing us. There were 550 swimmers. Walter (55) picked off our third and fourth National Championship in two years. Ol' Barn (55) swam the 100 and 200 back in 1:25 and 3:10, and he suggests, nowadays, both times would not make the Top Ten. In Eugene, with Don Van Rossen, as chairman, announced they would host a SCY Meet in early November. Iit was to be a two day event, which was a first for a regular meet. Multnomah Athletic Club announced their Masters team was growing and was up to 49 swimmers on the mailing list. An in-house meet hosted 25 MAC Masters. Doug Crichton and Trond Williams were the guiding lights.

Eugene, November 5 & 6: Linda Pollock (29) shows here with five Golds including the 50 free, 50 back and 50 breast (32.35, 34.46, 37.84) She was a great paddler, but we lost her somewhere. Virginia Van Rossen (43) ,appears, guess Virginia Arvidson and Don Van Rossen tied the knot! Diane Williams (48) swam the 200 breast in 4:28.67. Eileen Biglin (48) and Hazel Bressie (67)dominated their age groups. The Meet Director, Van Rossen, got his son Dan (22) into the act. The breaststroke rubbed off and Dan swam the 100 breast in 1:12.79. Mike Greco (25) won the 50 free at 23.96 -- then he and Doug Huestis combined to give Steve Johnson some competition in the free. Doug Chricton had a 1:17.89 for the 100 breast. Cecil Kribs (34) took all the backstroke.Walt Miller (32) looked like a backstroker. Tom Emerson (31) looked good. Chuck Schaumburg (38) later to be OMS Vice President, moved to Oregon and swam well. Leo Haglund (48) of ! MAC was dominant. Lee Miesen (49) gave Dr. Van Rossen some competition in the breast. Chuck Shattuck (53) won 2 events. He, like many other names, where did they go? Ol' Barn (55) trying to recapture some prep school glow, went the 200 free in 2:42.88. Harry Koppel (63) from California swam the 100 fly in 1:39.58. Robert Schmidt (61) negotiated the 100 breast in 1:44.53. Max Strauss (67) won four events in (65-69). Roy Webster (75), the apple man from Hood River, took five golds -- the 75-79 age group was all his. Ol' Barn remembers that during the 1650 (60.38.80), we subbed lap counters at the half hour. Ol' Barn also hastens to remind, that in those days Roy was a Top Ten swimmer. Nowadays the 10th time on the Top Ten list is 30:39.91.

Portland Community College, Dec 18, 1976: Lynn Zak (22) picked off four golds including the100 IM (1:14.40). Jayne Chastain took three backstroke events, including the 200 (3:12.00). Jan Shaw (38) won two including the 50 free (37.10). Lavelle Stoinoff (43), who was slated to become one of the finest freestylers in United States Masters history, won the 50, 100 and 200 free (33.60, 1:14.20 and 2:48.60) At 63, her 200 was 2:29.16! Wilson and Stoinoff paired off in the 50 back, with Connie winning 40.00 vs 40.60. Dianne Williams (48) won four events. Marquita Redstone (51) won the 200 and 500 free. Dawn Musselman (63-PNA) won five events. It is interesting to note that none of her times would make today's Top Ten. Hazel Bressie (67) won five events. Sam Booth (24) won the 50, 100 and 200 free (24.10, 55.00 and 2:10.94); Dan Armstrong (21) won the 500 in 6:16.40. Jan Simonsen handled the 50/100 fly plus the 100 IM (25.40, 59.50 ! and 1:04.90). Steve Barrett (29) made his appearance with a 2:11.60 for the 200 free. Also, Doug Adams (27) 100 and 200 breast (1:10.90 and 2:35.80). Pat Joseph (30) won the 100 free in 55.20; Doug Atterbury (30) won the 100 breast in 1:20.90. Karl Von Tagen (33) did the 50 fly in 27.30. Jere Marrs and Joe Santry made their debuts. Joe (36) won the 100 free (1:04.90). P.Tutmark (44) won 200 and 500 free. Eric Guest (47) and Donlan Jones (46) were big winners here. George Burgess (45) held off Lee Miesen (49) in the100 breast (1:24.10 vs.1:25.90). Fred Eckhardt (50) powered his way into this age group. Jim Snow (50) won the 100 IM in 1:29.00. Jim McGregor (55) wwon the 500 free in 9:00.20. Earl Walter (55) won the 200 fly in 3:09.30 (the 10th Top Ten is now faster than 2:52). George Eagon (60) swam the freestyle, doing the 500 in 9:01.20. John Hoey (67) was still swimming freestyle. Dana Thomas (70) 50 free (35 flat) -- 10 Top Ten! time is now 31.33. Roy Webster (75) had this group all to himself. Out of five relays, MAC fielded four and Tualatin Hills fielded one. The Mixed 20+ MAC relay (Pollock, Zak, Gilbert, Simonsen) spun a 1:57.10. The Mixed 35+ MAC relay (Stoinoff, Wolfe, Snow, Stevenson) pulled off a 2:11.80.

Aqua-Master, November 1976 : LC Nationals for 1977 were announced for Spokane. First World Meet announced for Ecuador in October 1977. The Registration slogan for 1977 was "Doesn't Matter if You Can Only Dog Paddle." Ol' Barn comment: This still holds true today ! FINA announced support for world wide Masters organizations. 1976 Top Ten was announced. In those days, it took four #1 placings to make All-American. Collie Wheeler was the only swimmer from Oregon Masters to make it.. OMS had 20 Top Ten swimmers, which was more than twice the number we had in 1975. Collie would still make it in the 200 free and 50 breast. Collie was also the second All American from Oregon Masters. Top Ten swimmers included: Wolfe (8 placings), Zabudsky (6), Wilson (6) Bressie (5), Pohl (4), Stevenin (4), Snyder (3), Friedly (2), Carey (2), Powers (2) Wheeler (4 #1s), Walter (13, including 3 #1s and 2 #2s), Webster (12), Von Tagen (5), Eckhardt (3)! , Strauss (3), Moore (2), Sprenger (2), Jones (1) and Hunter (1) Ol' Barn comment: "I cannot believe that Stoinoff and Stevensen did not make it!"

USMS Rules were announced: 25 was still the minimum age. We did not have a 1000 free or a Mixed Medley Relay. There was no 800 Free, and again, no Mixed Medley. The rotation for hosting Nationals was instituted. A maximum of five individual events during either a three day or four day Championship could be swum. No team trophies were allowed, although team points could be announced. The All-American requirement was to either win four Championship events or gain four # 1's in the Top Ten. Age was determined as the first day of a championship meet (not the last day as it is now). 80 plus was our senior age group (now it is 100+).

Portland Community College was announced as host for a Dec 18th meet.

1976 Region XII Top Ten team was announced, along with Regional Records. OMS people who were # 1: SCY WOMEN 25-29: Pohl- 1650,100/200 fly; Snyder- 50/100/200 back, 50 breast, 100 IM; 30-34: Zabudsky- 100,200 fly; 40-44: Wilson- 50 back; 45-49: Wolfe- 50 free; 50-54: Wolfe- 50/100/1650 free, 50 back; Stevenin- 50/100/200 fly/400 IM; 55-59: Biglin- 100/200 free; 65-69: Powers- 50 free, 50 back, 50 breast; Bressie- 100 free, 100 back, 100 breast; MEN 20-24 Anderson- 200-1650 free; Johnson- 100 fly; 25-29: Lintner- 50 fr/50 fly; Maestre- 100/200 free; Anderson- 1650; Walthers- 50 breast; Josephson- 100/200 breast; Huestis- 200 fly; Glass- 400 IM; 30-34: Von Tagen- 50/100 free, 50 breast, 100 IM; Moore- 100/200 back; 40-44: Hess- 50 free; Sprenger- 200/500/1650; 45-49: Sprenger- 1650; Van Rossen- 200 breast, 200 IM; Eckhardt- 200 fly; 50-54: Holland- 50/100 free; Harrison- 200/500; Walter- 1650 free, 50/100/200 breast, 50/100/200 ! fly, 100/200 IM; 55-59: Shrewsbury- 50 free, 50 breast; Farnham-100 free,100 breast; Lambert- 200 free; Walter: 50 back, 200 fly, 100/200/400 IM; 65-69: Strauss- 500/1650, 50 back; 70-74: Mullen- 50 free, 50 back; 75-79: Webster- 50/100/1650 free, 50/100 breast; 80-84:Wheeler- 50/100/200 free, 50 breast.

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