So, now that we are on the countdown to May 09 - who is coming and what do you plan to swim?
This will be my first US Master's National meet, and it happens to be happening in my back yard (at least very close to where I grew up and swam USA club). Over is San Luis Obispo now, but it's a short hop, skip, and jump over the foothills to Clovis!
Considering that I have not seen anyone on this DF east of the Adirondaks (east of the Colorado River?) say that they will attend, it would probably be safe to presume that the California LMSCs will be heavily represented, as well as Oregon and Washington, bringing one club each. I will predict attendance of over 2200, and will not be surprised to see a new record set.
I find it amusing that some people who have never been to the pool or area will not go because of (insert lame reason/excuse here). Go or don't. Whoever shows up will have a great time and (probably) swim fast. It is nationals, after all. If it were held in North Dakota, I would go. In fact, I did.
Those searching the results for the last two nationals, I wasn't at either one, even though I wanted to go. Lame reason: I'm at the top of my age group. Real excuse: I was broken, torn shoulder tendon. I will be in Clovis, apparently not seeing most of this DF group, unless I break something else.
Michael, I may or may not attend depending on a number of factors...none of them being a wussy and at the top of any age group. Injury on the other hand is 100% a part of masters and requires a note from your doctor plus you buy drinks at the next nationals you attend.
The whole point of this discussion I believe is....as Mark points out...what if anything can USMS do to try and build more interest in nationals?
As I think has been made clear, more of a "reach out" vs wait for it to come approach is needed...something that was debated for hours years ago at the last convention I attended and apparently still being considered by the committee(s).
We would like to see the following:
A) An equitable spread between east/west coast
B) Somewhat desirable locations
C) Decent facilities
D) Something not yet discussed here but that I am aware of...an open water event attached as was the case in Hawaii.
So...as I said before I challenge each and everyone of the posters on this thread to contact a pool in their area and try and get them to submit a bid for an upcoming nationals....Geek your first up (but behind me as usual as I'm on it already).
Considering that I have not seen anyone on this DF east of the Adirondaks (east of the Colorado River?) say that they will attend, it would probably be safe to presume that the California LMSCs will be heavily represented, as well as Oregon and Washington, bringing one club each. I will predict attendance of over 2200, and will not be surprised to see a new record set.
I find it amusing that some people who have never been to the pool or area will not go because of (insert lame reason/excuse here). Go or don't. Whoever shows up will have a great time and (probably) swim fast. It is nationals, after all. If it were held in North Dakota, I would go. In fact, I did.
Those searching the results for the last two nationals, I wasn't at either one, even though I wanted to go. Lame reason: I'm at the top of my age group. Real excuse: I was broken, torn shoulder tendon. I will be in Clovis, apparently not seeing most of this DF group, unless I break something else.
Michael, I may or may not attend depending on a number of factors...none of them being a wussy and at the top of any age group. Injury on the other hand is 100% a part of masters and requires a note from your doctor plus you buy drinks at the next nationals you attend.
The whole point of this discussion I believe is....as Mark points out...what if anything can USMS do to try and build more interest in nationals?
As I think has been made clear, more of a "reach out" vs wait for it to come approach is needed...something that was debated for hours years ago at the last convention I attended and apparently still being considered by the committee(s).
We would like to see the following:
A) An equitable spread between east/west coast
B) Somewhat desirable locations
C) Decent facilities
D) Something not yet discussed here but that I am aware of...an open water event attached as was the case in Hawaii.
So...as I said before I challenge each and everyone of the posters on this thread to contact a pool in their area and try and get them to submit a bid for an upcoming nationals....Geek your first up (but behind me as usual as I'm on it already).
