Hometown: Rockford, IL Current Residence: Fayetteville Family and Occupation: My husband is the UU minister in Fayetteville. I work for the Fay Jones School of Architecture + Design as an administrative supervisor. I have had two former careers: 20 years in advertising and 12 years as a psychotherapist. Swimming Background: I grew up swimming in the... Continue Reading →
From a speech given by Marvin Schwartz April 28, 2018: “It’s my pleasure to identify Trip Strauss as the 2017 Masters Swimmer of the year. Unfortunately Trip has a medical issue and can’t be with us tonight. But since he’s not here, I can say what I like about him and he won’t have any... Continue Reading →
Hometown: Montville, NJ Current residence: Webb City, MO Family and occupation: My husband Mark, 10 year old daughter Mae and 8 year old daughter Molly. I am the coach for our COMP group, the head coach of our Tri-State summer league team, and also our adult Masters coach. Swimming background?: I started swimming at 4 and my first race... Continue Reading →
Hometown: Belleville, Arkansas Family and occupation: I am married, have two daughters 2 and 4, and am the Head Swim Coach for the University of the Ozarks. Swimming background?: I started competing at the age of 3 and have swam all through college. I swam for the University of Nevada in Las Vegas for 2 years... Continue Reading →
From a speech given by Carie O'Banion honoring Dotty Burke at the 2017 Swimmer of the Year banquet: My 85 year old mother takes great pleasure in telling people that her daughter is a “master swimmer.” While I hate to burst her proud motherly bubble, I am always quick to point out that masters swimmer simply... Continue Reading →
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo. Current residence: Bentonville, AR Family: Married to Diane (30 years), daughter Emily 26, son Andrew 24. I’m a Supplier to Walmart. Swimming background: I started swimming when I was 7 years old. I was an All American swimmer in high school in St. Louis and in college at Missouri. I was ranked first in the... Continue Reading →
Hometown: Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Current living in Texarkana, AR Nichole has been married for 10 years and has two children, a boy, 7, and a girl, 4. She currently homeschools her children, and previously worked as a health coach and personal trainer. Nichole started swimming when she was 3 years old, then year round when she... Continue Reading →
Francisco Mata grew up in Jonesboro, Arkansas and is married and has two children. He's been swimming since he was a kid, but returned to the sport about four years ago. Favorite event: Chattanooga Open Water Swim hero: Michael Phelps Future goals: Improving his personal records. Advice for newcomers to Masters swimming: It is not about speed,... Continue Reading →
Arkansas Masters Swimming 