U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) has concluded its at-large director elections and honored many of its deserving volunteers and coaches during its 2024 annual meeting.<\/p>\n
Board of Directors Elections<\/strong><\/p>\n The following at-large directors were elected or re-elected for their zones:\u00a0Samantha Kraft<\/strong>\u00a0(Breadbasket Zone),\u00a0Guy Davis<\/strong>\u00a0(Colonies Zone),\u00a0C.J. Rushman<\/strong>\u00a0(Great Lakes Zone),\u00a0Rob Heath<\/strong>\u00a0(Northwest Zone),\u00a0Phyllis Quinn<\/strong>\u00a0(Oceana Zone),\u00a0Nicole Christensen<\/strong>\u00a0(South Central Zone),\u00a0Trey Taylor<\/strong>\u00a0(Southeast Zone), and\u00a0Jeff Commings<\/strong>\u00a0(Southwest Zone).<\/p>\n \n Volunteer Awards<\/strong><\/p>\n The Capt. Ransom J. Arthur M.D. Award is given annually to the volunteer who epitomizes the spirit of Ransom J. Arthur, the founding father of U.S. Masters Swimming. In 1970, Arthur envisioned lifelong fitness and lifestyle benefits for adults through aquatic training and competition. Each year, the recipient of the Ransom J. Arthur award has demonstrated top-tier commitment and dedication to the mission of USMS. This year\u2019s recipient is\u00a0Kris Wingenroth<\/strong>\u00a0(Gulf LMSC).<\/p>\n U.S. Masters Swimming honors volunteers whose service stands out in scope and impact with the U.S. Masters Swimming Dorothy Donnelly Service Award. Recipients of this award have made significant contributions on the local, regional, and national level. The award is named after Dorothy Donnelly, one of USMS\u2019s first super-volunteers. This year, the recipients are\u00a0David Benjamin<\/strong>\u00a0(Pacific LMSC),\u00a0Shari Cruse<\/strong>\u00a0(Pacific LMSC),\u00a0Guy Davis<\/strong>\u00a0(New England LMSC),\u00a0Laura Harsh<\/strong>\u00a0(Pacific LMSC),\u00a0Doug Koop<\/strong>\u00a0(Adirondack LMSC),\u00a0Kevin Lunsford<\/strong>\u00a0(Gulf LMSC),\u00a0Nicki Phillips<\/strong>\u00a0(Minnesota LMSC),\u00a0Britta O\u2019Leary<\/strong>\u00a0(Georgia LMSC), and\u00a0Chris Ottati<\/strong>\u00a0(Pacific LMSC).<\/p>\n The U.S. Masters Swimming June Krauser Communications Award is presented annually to an individual or group whose communications efforts have contributed to the growth, improvement, or success of U.S. Masters Swimming. The award is named for June Krauser, the author of USMS\u2019s first official rulebook and a prolific writer and editor of many newsletters and other publications in the Masters swimming world. This year\u2019s recipient is\u00a0Caitlin Gagnon<\/strong>\u00a0(Ohio LMSC).<\/p>\n The Long Distance National Championship Award is presented annually to a USMS-registered individual or group that has made significant contributions to the success and promotion of USMS long distance national championship events. These include the virtual championships and open water events. This year’s recipient is\u00a0Dave Holland<\/strong>\u00a0(Virginia LMSC).<\/p>\n The U.S. Masters Swimming Open Water Service Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting and building excellence in USMS open water swimming by embodying the USMS mission, vision, goals, and objectives through open water swimming. This year\u2019s award goes to\u00a0Bob Kolonkowski<\/strong>\u00a0(Metropolitan LMSC).<\/p>\n The U.S. Masters Swimming Officials Excellence Award is given annually to a certified official in recognition of outstanding and significant contributions to U.S. Masters Swimming at the international, national, zone, and\/or local level, including pool and open water competitions. The recipient isn\u2019t required to be a U.S. Masters Swimming member. An individual may receive this award only once. The recipient may be a currently active official or one who has retired from officiating or is deceased. This year\u2019s award recipient is\u00a0Ed Stranc<\/strong>\u00a0(Illinois LMSC).<\/p>\n The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Award is presented annually to an athlete, coach, volunteer, or club that shows a public commitment to diversity, equity, equality, and inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and ability at the club, LMSC\/Zone, or national level. The award recognizes individuals or clubs that create a diverse and inclusive environment in USMS, thereby making everyone feel empowered to bring their full, authentic, unique selves to the sport. This year\u2019s recipient for the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Award is\u00a0Anna Bass<\/strong>\u00a0(Gulf LMSC).<\/p>\n The National Championship Meets Award is presented annually by the Raleigh Area Masters Swim Team in cooperation with the Championship Committee. The award goes to someone who makes significant contributions to USMS National Championship meets and recognizes efforts to assist USMS and meet hosts in providing excellent competitive conditions for championship racing or otherwise contributing to the success of USMS National Championships or national championship-level competitions (including international meets) held in the U.S. This year\u2019s recipients are\u00a0Michelle Harter\u00a0<\/strong>(Indiana LMSC) and the\u00a0Ascension St. Vincent EMS Services<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The U.S. Masters Swimming Fitness Award goes to a USMS-registered individual or organization that demonstrates outstanding contributions to fitness activities within USMS. This year\u2019s award goes to\u00a0Karlene Denby<\/strong>\u00a0(Gulf LMSC).<\/p>\n The Ted Haartz U.S. Masters Swimming Staff Appreciation Award is named in honor of Ted Haartz, a leader in U.S. Masters Swimming since 1970. Haartz helped establish the foundation for USMS\u2019s evolution into a professionally operated organization. The award celebrates our volunteer roots, as well as our future, specifically by recognizing one volunteer each year who demonstrates excellence in assisting and supporting the National Office staff with its professional duties of serving our members and promoting the organization. This year\u2019s recipient is\u00a0Doug Sayles<\/strong>\u00a0(New England LMSC).<\/p>\n \n