Letter from the Chair – Happy Thanksgiving!
This is the time of year that I become reflective. I saw this picture the other day on a social media platform and smiled. At 57 years old – I truly cannot imagine my life without diving. Returning to the diving board at age 52 was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
We all should find a way to give back to our extended diving community. I would encourage you – whether you are actively diving – or not – to reach out to your local club. Ask them how you can help. I have never found a club that did not need assistance duing meets at the scoring table or judging chair. I have rarely found a coach that did not want access to a used TIVO and flat screen TV to set up a video feedback station. YOU can make a difference in the long term health and success of our sport. Please make a resolution to help.
I am certainly grateful for all divers worldwide that enrich my life on a daily basis. You inspire me to be active. You inspire me to be better. Most of all – you inspire me to give back. THANK YOU!
Mary Bennett Invitational Meet – East Coast Masters Diving
Two weeks ago I attended the Mary Bennett Invitational meet sponsored by East Coast Masters Diving. East Coast Masters are a special group – and very special for me. There were over 35 divers that attended this two day event. George McGann and Kathy Diringer knocked our socks off. It was organized, on time and an incredibly fun meet. It is not a surprise that it is the largest Masters Diving event in the United States ouside our National Championships. There were divers from all over the US and Canada. If you have never attended one of their events- put this one on your calander for next year. Thank you George and Kathy. Mary Bennett would be very proud of you both.
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Spring National Championships
I have had lots of calls and e-mails regarding dates for our Spring National Championships that were tentatively scheduled for May 6th, 7th and 8th at the new pool at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. We have not been able to book the dates and confirm – for a variety of reasons. Rest assured that we are in continued contact with the powers that be at SMU – and are diligently working towards getting a confirm on dates and price for the venue. I suspect we may have to move the dates up a weekend or two to make it happen. Stay tuned. The reason not having things confirmed is out of our control. We continue to gently push things forward – but need patience and finesse to make this happen.
We hope to have all of our confirmations complete within the next 3-4 weeks. If we cannot – there is a “Plan B” in place. Hopefully – I will have good news regarding SMU before long. Keep the faith!
2018 Pan-American Masters Championships – Orlando
The 2018 Pan-American Championships this year will be held at the YMCA in Orlando, Florida. The dates are July 22nd, 23rd and 24th for diving – which is a Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. This is not a misprint. The event will start on Sunday and run through Tuesday. Though advised by USA Masters to move the dates up to accommodate a weekend event – UANA decided to proceed as originally scheduled. While this is not the most convenient for most – the organizers are hoping the event will have a strong draw.
The link for registration is http://2018panammasters.com . The site is up and functional. As I get more information regarding the meet and schedule – I will pass it along. The registration site will update information as we get closer to the event.
Summer National Championships – Indianapolis
The Summer National Championships will be held in Indianapolis this year at the beautiful IUPUI pool. This is the site of past Olympic Trials – and is Iconic in the diving world. The dates are August 24th, 25th and 26th – which is the last weekend in August.
We have a lot planned for this meet – and we hope to stray a bit from our normal schedule. We plan on having some special guests – who will be honored – and roasted as part of our Championship weekend. Stay tuned for more details. I am waiting on some final confirmations before I can fully share our plan. Rest assured it will go down in the books as one of our best events ever.
Have news? Send it on to me via e-mail at gerry@mypotomac.com You can always get the latest up to date news and information on our FACEBOOK page: https://www.facebook.com/mastersdiving.org/
Until next time – I look forward to serving the membership! LET’S DIVE!
Gerry Dunn – Chairman
US Masters Diving