Thanks to Debra Preitkis-Jones for contributing this story on the Sprinting Turkey Classic.
No turkeys at the Sprinting Turkey Classic swim meet hosted by Nashville Aquatic Club’s Masters swim team—just a lot of fun and fast swimming.
From first-time meet swimmers to those who’ve been swimming for more than four decades, there was no shortage of swimmers or good times.
NAC masters swimmer Rusty Miller started swimming back in the 70’s and says the biggest misconception about masters meets is that it’s all about how fast one swims.
“What’s more important than fast times is having fun and seeing friends.” Miller shared. “At meets you can have conversations with people you see in the pool everyday. You can visit with them a little longer.”
Coach Jeff Ockerman agrees. “Meets are so much fun because you actually get to talk to people compared to the quick intervals of swim workouts.”
About one hundred and fifteen swimmers braved the chilly air outside to take a dive in the prestigious Nashville Sportsplex. From the timing desk, NAC coach Doug Wharam explained it’s all about the facility. “We feel the Sportsplex provides the best opportunity for people across the region to perform and show off their hard work,” Wharam shared. “After years of coaching, I’m still surprised at the enthusiasm on deck. There are people who are here to be serious and race hard but that doesn’t keep them from enjoying themselves.”
One of the serious swimmers is Curtis Lovelace who will be competing in the Olympic Trials next year in Nebraska. He says the masters fun-factor makes it all worthwhile. “I’ve been out of the water for three years and I just recently started swimming a few days as week. “ Lovelace shared before a race.
“I enjoy swimming masters because of the people. It’s a lot more fun than swimming by yourself.”
Motivation is not a problem for Coach Melissa Cooper who was hoping to swim fast, and also enjoy the ride. “Oh, swim meets are the best part of masters swimming,” Cooper shared right before her race. “It’s so much fun. It’s when you find out what you’re capable of doing.”
For Megan Wilson, her first masters swim meet was mellower than she had expected. “ The biggest surprise is how laid back and fun it is,” Wilson said on the pool deck. “My advice is don’t be nervous; it’s a great group of people so have fun.”
For swimmer Maureen Sanderson, it was all about time management—when it came to managing her coffee fix. “I felt like I was going to puke,” she admitted. “It may have been the coffee I’ve been drinking all morning, but you need all the coffee you can get. Timing is the key.”
