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 