Psyche Sheets?

RE: Psyche Sheets?

That Guy — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 10:55:12 GMT

I remember Buffalo's diving well being comparable to Federal Way's, but maybe it's smaller. And Federal Way also has three additional lanes in the kiddie pool... yeah I guess that's it.

RE: Psyche Sheets?

pwolf66 — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 07:46:13 GMT

What about Buffalo? Admittedly I haven't seen the Buffalo pool in years, but it seemed big enough for Masters Nationals. From what I understand, the issue with that facility is warm up/warm down space.

RE: Psyche Sheets?

That Guy — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 05:56:29 GMT

What about Buffalo? Admittedly I haven't seen the Buffalo pool in years, but it seemed big enough for Masters Nationals.

RE: Psyche Sheets?

osterber — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:57:48 GMT

Also, I think we discussed this before, but my impression is that the lack of Northeast nationals has a lot more to do with location requirements than people's unwillingness to put forth effort. I don't think we were able to come up with a pool that had room for two courses and ample warmdown. About the only facility in the northeast that could think about hosting master's nationals would be Long Island, and I don't think that would be sufficiently large enough for a meet like this. We squeeze about 850 swimmers into our masters meet at Harvard, and that's at the breaking point. -Rick

RE: Psyche Sheets?

some_girl — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 03:21:40 GMT

Although that may have been your point, what you wrote was, in my opinion, disrespectful but we'll write it off as miscommunication due to our choice of media for whatever the reason, "pleasant" being the operative word here. My Mama taught me that "if you can't say something nice, shutup". Just kidding...kind of. I'm just thankful there are groups out there (wherever "there" may be) that are willing to host these events. I may go and I may not. I certainly understand others have their reasons as well for going or not and we'll just leave it as that. That's funny, my mom once said if you cried every time someone didn't like where you lived, you wouldn't have much time to do anything else. I think she also had choice words about attempting to cow people with trite sayings.

RE: Psyche Sheets?

Former Member — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 12:10:05 GMT

"strange vegetation", Leslie? I suppose you're referring to Clemmon's moustache...

RE: Psyche Sheets?

some_girl — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 12:04:09 GMT

Frankly, I'm surprised. I've only heard great things about Clovis hosting championship swim events. Perhaps it is the economy more than anything. It does seem that masters are looking for more than a great event host. Honestly, I think location is a lot of it. Imagine if Nationals were in Providence (which is actually a much more pleasant city than Fresno--and easier to drive to from major airports). For East Coasters it is a little out of the way, but not so hard to get to. From Oregon or Arizona? It would be a total b*tch. And so almost no East Coasters want to go -- the only person from my team going is from out there and has a wedding the same weekend.

RE: Psyche Sheets?

Jim Clemmons — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 10:42:59 GMT

Yeah, and that was my point. If you look back, I was saying why I think a lot of fast people (a group in which I don't include myself but does comprise a number of my teammates) decided not to go, you know, personally, individually. And I think, honestly, being far from major airports (and thus requiring a transfer or a long drive) was an even bigger deciding factor. I don't love Seattle either, but we went cause it was easy enough to fly into. And Puerto Rico is a good comparison, as well. What do you think the East/West split on that will be? Does that make the West Coasters who stay home jerks who should put on their very own show? Or only the ones who say out loud they don't want to go because the location is incovenient? Although that may have been your point, what you wrote was, in my opinion, disrespectful but we'll write it off as miscommunication due to our choice of media for whatever the reason, "pleasant" being the operative word here. My Mama taught me that "if you can't say something nice, shutup". Just kidding...kind of. I'm just thankful there are groups out there (wherever "there" may be) that are willing to host these events. I may go and I may not. I certainly understand others have their reasons as well for going or not and we'll just leave it as that.

RE: Psyche Sheets?

Ahelee Sue Osborn — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 10:35:51 GMT

I'll let you know when I get back for sure, but I've heard that the area is really quite nice. Near the giant redwoods and Yosemite as well. How could it be ugly? A very swimming friendly community too. I agree with Jim in the sense that we have to be so grateful for these organizations who step up and host the masters meets - large and small. It is a lot of work. You might say that its all about the money for them, but it isn't. While its true the very large championship meets can be profitable, it takes a team of folks who love and are willing to serve the sport and its athletes to pull off these events. I just crack up every time I read Kevin's "FRESNOID" name here :) Central California is kinda like the mid-west... the people are all so nice! So what? There are going to be nearly 1600 master swimmers swimming fast and having a great time in Clovis. Wish you were all going to be there!

RE: Psyche Sheets?

Jim Clemmons — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 09:46:33 GMT

Honestly, I think location is a lot of it. Imagine if Nationals were in Providence (which is actually a much more pleasant city than Fresno--and easier to drive to from major airports). For East Coasters it is a little out of the way, but not so hard to get to. From Oregon or Arizona? It would be a total b*tch. And so almost no East Coasters want to go -- the only person from my team going is from out there and has a wedding the same weekend. So, get your Providence sh*t together and place a bid to host the event. It takes that and some work to put the entire package together. At least the Fresno folks are willing to put out the real effort and host. Maybe just some (not all) of the east coasters are a little lazy and would rather sit at their computer and dis far off lands?

RE: Psyche Sheets?

Former Member — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:37:46 GMT

I suppose the fact that I've attended USMasters Nats in Grand Forks, North Dakota and Canadian Nats in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (a good while ago) speaks to my willingness to venture on the swimming path less travelled on occasion. I think the casual slanging of some host cities who are prepared to put out the very large effort to host a Nats is a result of today's consumerist attitude in reacting strongly against the inconvenient rather than acknowledging membership in a community of swimmers and clubs that spans a very large geographic area and cannot always (especially in one-bid situations) please all of the people all of the time.

RE: Psyche Sheets?

The Fortress — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 06:31:42 GMT

"Wish you were all going to be there!" I know for myself, on a coaches salary, I can't go to every nationals. But I am a bit of a swim meet geek... And I would always go if possible, just because its' our USMS National Championships. You know... in support of my sport. In theory, I'd like to go to every nationals to compete and support my sport too!! In reality, like Patrick, it is difficult for me to get away for 4-5 days. Once a year or every other year is about it for me for awhile. So I attend mostly local meets or do quickie getaways. I'm sure Clovis will host a fabulous meet with loads of fast swimming. Does anyone really expect to be pleased about meet locations all the time? I wouldn't think so ... And deciding which meet(s) to attend is just dependent on so many individual factors. (Like my own inability to tolerate the pollen and strange vegetation on the west coast ... :D)

RE: Psyche Sheets?

Former Member — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 05:37:10 GMT

RE: Psyche Sheets?

Patrick W. Brundage — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 03:46:31 GMT

... I also think some people (like me) just don't go to Nats every year because of scheduling/kids conflicts or because they only attend one Nats (SCY or LC). ... Right on. My absolute favorite pool in the world is Indianapolis, but I just can't swing the schedule to make it there this summer. Honestly, I think location is a lot of it. Imagine if Nationals were in Providence (which is actually a much more pleasant city than Fresno--and easier to drive to from major airports). ... Very true, but the host of reasons are so numerous that you're never going to get consensus. For some, it's travel distance/cost; for others, it's the city itself; for others, the pool. And on and on. As an example, Atlanta should be packed because it's easy to get to from most places with a direct flight and has a great pool. That might be enough for me to overcome my dislike of the city. :) ...And Puerto Rico is a good comparison, as well. ... I don't think this will be a fair comparison because of Worlds in Sweden right beforehand. I doubt many people can/will do both, but I would imagine Sweden would be more attractive (not more affordable, for sure). I'm a travel junky and really want to go to Sweden, but, again, that conflicts with my daughters' big summer meets. So, unless our kids' school starts before Puerto Rico nationals are over, I'll be there. Otherwise, I'll go another summer swimming few if any LCM meets.

RE: Psyche Sheets?

Ahelee Sue Osborn — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 02:52:00 GMT

RE: Psyche Sheets?

some_girl — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 01:45:44 GMT

Isn't that a decision that every swimmer needs to make for themselves regardless of the location? There has been a lot of discussion about Nationals being held in less than desirable locations. I've made a couple of comments along that line in jest myself. But the fact is that when only ONE group submits a bid, then what are the options? Case in point is 2010 LCM Nats. Some folks have already express attitudes of 'you couldn't pay me to go to PR and swim', hey it's a personal choice. But if folks are unhappy about the locations of Nationals, then step the heck up and help to put together a bid at a location that you do consider desirable. Yeah, and that was my point. If you look back, I was saying why I think a lot of fast people (a group in which I don't include myself but does comprise a number of my teammates) decided not to go, you know, personally, individually. And I think, honestly, being far from major airports (and thus requiring a transfer or a long drive) was an even bigger deciding factor. I don't love Seattle either, but we went cause it was easy enough to fly into. And Puerto Rico is a good comparison, as well. What do you think the East/West split on that will be? Does that make the West Coasters who stay home jerks who should put on their very own show? Or only the ones who say out loud they don't want to go because the location is incovenient?

RE: Psyche Sheets?

some_girl — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 01:38:34 GMT

So, get your Providence sh*t together and place a bid to host the event. It takes that and some work to put the entire package together. At least the Fresno folks are willing to put out the real effort and host. Maybe just some (not all) of the east coasters are a little lazy and would rather sit at their computer and dis far off lands? Also, I think we discussed this before, but my impression is that the lack of Northeast nationals has a lot more to do with location requirements than people's unwillingness to put forth effort. I don't think we were able to come up with a pool that had room for two courses and ample warmdown.

RE: Psyche Sheets?

pwolf66 — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 01:35:09 GMT

The point is I think a lot of people from the East Coast found the effort to get there not worth the return. Isn't that a decision that every swimmer needs to make for themselves regardless of the location? There has been a lot of discussion about Nationals being held in less than desirable locations. I've made a couple of comments along that line in jest myself. But the fact is that when only ONE group submits a bid, then what are the options? Case in point is 2010 LCM Nats. Some folks have already express attitudes of 'you couldn't pay me to go to PR and swim', hey it's a personal choice. But if folks are unhappy about the locations of Nationals, then step the heck up and help to put together a bid at a location that you do consider desirable.

RE: Psyche Sheets?

some_girl — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 01:22:47 GMT

RE: Psyche Sheets?

knelson — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:37:27 GMT

Dave Rollins is in my age group, and he's massively sandbagging everything. Not even in the top heat of the 50 free. Oh yeah, I saw Rollins mention on collegeswimming.com that he was training. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't go a 24 in the 50 ***. Seems like from Fortress and some girl's posts that the meet might be weaker on the women's side this year. Question for Jim Matysek: what's the total number of men registered for the meet versus women? Are there typically more men?

RE: Psyche Sheets?

Former Member — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:03:26 GMT

Dave Rollins is in my age group, and he's massively sandbagging everything. Not even in the top heat of the 50 free. Well that sucks!!!

RE: Psyche Sheets?

The Fortress — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 09:58:55 GMT

Definitely not as deep -but many of the faster west coast women are missing as well. So, the Top Ten rankings will have to finally tell the US Masters Swimming story... guess its ok since the we're the only ones watching short course yards anyway! I've heard mainly these reasons for passing on USMS Nationals: #1 - $$ for travel #2 - Outdoor pool for championships is undesireable #3 - Location - chose Y Nats over Clovis Frankly, I'm surprised. I've only heard great things about Clovis hosting championship swim events. Perhaps it is the economy more than anything. It does seem that masters are looking for more than a great event host. Aren't we fortunate to have so many different regional championship meets? Lots of options to finally taper and race at the end of the season. We are very fortunate to have many well run regional meets in good facilities! :) I also think some people (like me) just don't go to Nats every year because of scheduling/kids conflicts or because they only attend one Nats (SCY or LC). Frankly, SCY Nats is less of a draw for me in general because there are so many SCY meets. Not so many, in fact very few, SCM and LCM meets, at least in my region. Allen, go get him and enjoy your new age group!

RE: Psyche Sheets?

Allen Stark — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 09:51:45 GMT

Bob Strand told me in Dec. he thought he'd miss Nats this year,but curses:censor::censor:,he's entered.At least I know I'll have someone to pull me along.Seriously it is fun to swim against the best.:banana:

RE: Psyche Sheets?

Ahelee Sue Osborn — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 09:45:49 GMT

It looks pretty west coast on the women's side at Clovis. They're fast, don't get me wrong, the field is just not as deep or fast as Austin. Definitely not as deep -but many of the faster west coast women are missing as well. So, the Top Ten rankings will have to finally tell the US Masters Swimming story... guess its ok since the we're the only ones watching short course yards anyway! I've heard mainly these reasons for passing on USMS Nationals: #1 - $$ for travel #2 - Outdoor pool for championships is undesireable #3 - Location - chose Y Nats over Clovis Frankly, I'm surprised. I've only heard great things about Clovis hosting championship swim events. Perhaps it is the economy more than anything. It does seem that masters are looking for more than a great event host. Aren't we fortunate to have so many different regional championship meets? Lots of options to finally taper and race at the end of the season.

RE: Psyche Sheets?

The Fortress — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 08:03:59 GMT

Oh yeah, I saw Rollins mention on collegeswimming.com that he was training. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't go a 24 in the 50 ***. Seems like from Fortress and some girl's posts that the meet might be weaker on the women's side this year. Question for Jim Matysek: what's the total number of men registered for the meet versus women? Are there typically more men? Seems like many of the faster women (east coast, midwest), including speedsters from some girl's team, are at Y Nats or CZ. It looks pretty west coast on the women's side at Clovis. They're fast, don't get me wrong, the field is just not as deep or fast as Austin.