A new location, a new pool with spacious facilities, a new host, great weather and an extraordinary volunteer effort, combined to make the 2024 Pacific Masters SCY Championships a resounding success. With almost 800 participants, it was Pacific’s largest competition in many years.

As a veteran of championship meet management, Chris Ottati, Pacific’s Administrator and Registrar, observed what made this meet so successful.

“Our host, Sacramento Masters, was organized, engaged, and energetic. They were determined to make sure that we all had a wonderful experience. They also provided an amazing facility – the North Natomas Aquatic Complex in Sacramento.”

“We had a great group of officials organized to work in shifts with time to recover between shifts. So many amazing volunteers stepped up to keep the 9- 10-hour days moving.”

“Our timing system and computer operator were experienced, efficient and incredibly hard working, making sure swimmer’s times were recorded as accurately as possible and our announcer who kept us informed.”

“The club volunteers who filled the timing chairs, without whom we could never conduct an efficient, accurate meet of this size.”

And of course, the competitors. Races were spirited. Numerous personal best times and records, and for those attending their first meet, a great experience. Pacific Masters Age Group Swimmers of the Year were recognized. Ruth Shaps was honored with the Laura Val Female Swimmer of the Year and Joel Wilson received the Richard Burns Male Swimmer of the Year. The Pacific Masters Coach of the Year was presented to Shari Cruze, head coach of Marin Aquatic Masters.

Our senior members did us proud with 9 USMS National records…Daniela Barnea (80-84) in the 100, 200, 400 IM and 200 fly, Alex Shestakov (75-79) in the 200 and 400 IM and Rich Burns (80-84) in the 50 and 100 back and 50 fly.
https://data.pacificmasters.org/comp/24/2024_Pacific_Masters_SCY_Championships_-_Results__no_Splits.pdf

We owe special thanks to our host, Sacramento Aquatic Masters for an extraordinary inaugural effort. We hope you’ll invite us back next year.

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