1970
Master swimming officially started May 2, 1970. Capt. Ransom J. Arthur, M.D. San Diego Navy after corresponding with John Spannuth , President of the Coaches Association to hold the first National Masters Swimming Championships in his Club Pool Amarillo Aquatic Club. (8 lane 25 yd. pool) Ransom felt that if the incentive was appealing, it would give older swimmers (ex-competitors and beginners) a goal for keeping physically fit.
As early as the 30's there had been fun competition for parents in Y's, club pools, and country clubs, such as short races and relays with small tokens, medals, or small trophies as awards, but it was all in fun. This was happening in various vicinities in the U.S., but there were no records kept. Many older swimmers continued to swim in Senior competition for lack of any other program.
In '65 the medical world was giving out messages that ill health and under exercise were closely linked. The Navy supported Dr. Arthur with funds and research. In the first two Master Meets held in Amarillo TX. Dr. Arthur brought in a team of doctors and equipment to conduct tests on the participants before and after they would swim.
Swimming was found to be the best exercise for health, aging, lower cholesterol, and coronary desease. Many adults enter the program to control weight, heart irregularities, asthma, ulcers, blood pressure, arthritis, and back problems.
They decided to start with the age divisions 25 yrs+, 35+, and 45+. The 25 year division is younger than the Master Track and Field. They felt at 25 yrs. most top swimmers are usually finished with competition when they graduate from college.
There were 49 contestants (35 men & 14 women) with 11 teams represented in the First National Master Swimming Meet in Amarillo, sanctioned by the AAU. All contestants were required to hold an AAU card and present a doctors certificate of their health. The incentive to entice adults to enter was awarding 8 plaques in all events plus individual high point and team plaques.
The meet was sponsored by The Coaches Association and The Amarillo Aquatic Club. A number of doctors and their wives entered.
John Spannuth mailed out entry forms two months before the meet to Coaches, and many ex-National swimmers. The meet recieved exellent news and TV coverage.
A social hosted by the Amarillo Club members was held at one of the doctors
homes. Some who have continued to be active, who swam in the first meets
are: Ham and
Mildred Anderson
,
Ransom Arthur
, Dennis Britain,
Gus Clemens
,
Sam Jones
, Jim Montrella, Richard Rahe, Robert Rubin, John Spannuth, Bill
Williams, and Leonard Zir.
The events were 50-100-200- 400yd. Freestyle 100-200 yd. Back, 100 Breaststroke, and Butterfly, 100 yd. Individual Medley, and relays. In this meet the flier had to use the dolphin kick.
