Here's a nice writeup on the masters team in Beaufort, SC: www.beaufortgazette.com/.../5955112p-5242196c.html
I imagine Skip Thompson will remember Coach Fetters.
Anyway, I don't see too many write-ups about masters swimming in the paper, or adult sports in general, so this is good to see!
It would be my guess that most programs (especially those outside of swimming hotbeds like California) cannot afford to turn the revenue away contributed by swimmers who want to be on a Masters swim team, but do not want to compete in Masters swimming competition.
I know that in our club we are comprised of approximately 25 swimmers that roughly break down as follows:
Compete in Masters swim meets (including open water) only: 10
Compete in Triathlons only: 7
Compete in Both: 1
Do not compete at all: 7
As it is, we have to share our 8 lane, 25 yd. pool with local high school teams, water exercise and/or lap swimmers to remain afloat financially.
We try to subtly influence those swimmers who do not want to compete, by letting them know how much fun the meets and post meet get togethers can be. We are slowly winning them over. There are plenty of other options for swimmers who do not want to compete, but rather than chasing them away with ultimatums, we choose to do what we can to grow the sport 1 swimmer at a time. I doubt that Mr. Fetter's policy brings in alot of new swimmers, but probably somewhat enhances the experience of existing competitive swimmers by increasing the importance of the competition itself.
Whatever...it sounds like it works for them and as long as the area has other options for those who do not want to compete then who can gripe?
It would be my guess that most programs (especially those outside of swimming hotbeds like California) cannot afford to turn the revenue away contributed by swimmers who want to be on a Masters swim team, but do not want to compete in Masters swimming competition.
I know that in our club we are comprised of approximately 25 swimmers that roughly break down as follows:
Compete in Masters swim meets (including open water) only: 10
Compete in Triathlons only: 7
Compete in Both: 1
Do not compete at all: 7
As it is, we have to share our 8 lane, 25 yd. pool with local high school teams, water exercise and/or lap swimmers to remain afloat financially.
We try to subtly influence those swimmers who do not want to compete, by letting them know how much fun the meets and post meet get togethers can be. We are slowly winning them over. There are plenty of other options for swimmers who do not want to compete, but rather than chasing them away with ultimatums, we choose to do what we can to grow the sport 1 swimmer at a time. I doubt that Mr. Fetter's policy brings in alot of new swimmers, but probably somewhat enhances the experience of existing competitive swimmers by increasing the importance of the competition itself.
Whatever...it sounds like it works for them and as long as the area has other options for those who do not want to compete then who can gripe?
