WESTFIELD-With the clock ticking, swimmers of the Westfield YMCA’s Wave Masters make the most of every workout and it has paid off with four local residents recently winning awards at the YMCA Nationals.
Members of the Westfield YMCA’s Wave Masters who participated in the recent YMCA Nationals, left to right, are: Roz Terry, Tom Lane, Carmel Steger, Dr. Steven Schonholz, and Maureen Hamel. (Submitted photo)
At 6:30 a.m. on May 17, swimmers were eager to jump in the pool and get to their hour-long routine, under the direction of coaches Tom Lane and Steven Schonholz, M.D. The Wave Masters meet for practice on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. and from 7 to 8 a.m. on Saturdays. Saturday sessions include discussions on swimming techniques as well as drills.
“We have beginners up to all levels,” said Schonholz. “Everyone is welcomed and we adjust the practices to everyone’s skill level.”
Schonholz was among the YMCA swimmers who participated in the 2017 YMCA Masters National Meet May 4-7 in Sarasota, Fla. The adult event celebrates the value and benefits of swimming that contributes to a healthy lifestyle, as well as provides swimmers of all levels to compete, celebrate achievements, and build lifelong relationships.
“I have participated in the Nationals previously and had several top 10 times in the U.S. in the breaststroke events,” said Schonholz, adding that three years ago he participated in the FINA Masters World Championships in Montreal and placed 19th. In Sarasota, he won an individual medal for the 50-yard breaststroke and placed seventh. Additionally, he medaled on both relays that placed fifth and seventh.
“This was the first time for everyone else,” said Schonholz. “It was a wonderful experience for everyone.”
Local winners at the Nationals also included Lane by placing fourth in the 100 Butterfly, seventh in the 100 Free, seventh in the 100 IM, eighth in the 50 Fly, fifth in the 200 Mixed Medley Relay, and seventh in the 200 Mixed Free Relay.
Tom Lane, foreground, and Steven Schonholz, M.D., in background, coach the Wave Masters at the Westfield YMCA. They are seen during a practice Wednesday morning.
“Swimming is a great, low-impact exercise for all ages,” said Lane. “We try to keep the workouts motivating by including various strokes and drills, while stressing proper technique and conditioning.”
On Wednesday morning, there were nine swimmers using four lanes and everyone was listening intently as Lane brought out his waterproof mini notebook to review the next set of drills. By the end of the hour, the swimmers completed 1,800 yards in the pool through a series of laps and relays.
“Our swim group is a great bunch of people who swim at all different levels and who share a similar passion of swimming along with the passion of life,” said Maureen “Reenie” Hamel. At the Nationals, Hamel placed fifth in the 200 Mixed Medley Relay (backstroke leg) in the age group 45 to 54. Also, she placed seventh in the same age group for the 200 Mixed Freestyle Relay.
Tom Lane’s waterproof notebook keeps track of the Wave Masters practice sessions at the Westfield YMCA.
Hamel noted that the Wave Masters take the swim part of the workouts “seriously,” and are indebted to Lane and Schonholz for their dedication to the group.
“On any given day you can look into the pool and see a group of happy people, laughing, telling stories, supporting one another and, of course, swimming hard,” said Hamel. “The fun after-swim socials, deck side, celebrating a birthday, holiday, or achievement mustn’t be overlooked. Plus, coaches Lane and Schonholz do a great job planning each swim session.”
A relay race ended the Wave Masters practice Wednesday morning at the Westfield YMCA.
Roz Terry, who placed with the Mixed Relay Team (Lane, Schonholz, and Hamel) for both Medley Relay and Free Relay at the YMCA Nationals, echoed those sentiments.
“I swam as a kid and had not competed for 40 years,” said Terry. “People should consider this sport since swimming is excellent for all ages at any level.”
The Wave Masters “recruiter,” Carmel Steger, also participated in the Nationals and noted she only learned to swim well within the past few years.
“I’m not as fast or accomplished as my compatriots,” said Steger. “I have come to love swimming on its own but also because it is a great exercise that complements the rigors of running and riding bikes.”
Schonholz and Lane started the Masters swim program as coaches and participants several years ago and note that several of the swimmers are triathletes who wanted to improve their swimming times.
“Little did they know that they would one day swim at the Nationals,” said Schonholz.
Hamel noted that Wednesdays are particularly important to members since they designated a theme of Wicked Wednesdays for Wicked Warriors.
“By wearing our camouflage swim caps we acknowledge those warriors we care about,” said Hamel, adding she dons her cap for her son, Army 1st Lt. Matthew Hamel who is serving in Kuwait. “All of us know someone who is a warrior.”
Swimmers don camouflage caps during Wicked Wednesdays for Wicked Warriors at 6:30 a.m. at the Westfield YMCA. (Submitted photo).
For adults who have a passion for swimming, the Wave Masters will welcome you with open arms. Currently, swimmers range in age from 30 to over 60.
“Great friendships have been made in our pool,” said Hamel. “That is why we all keep coming back, even in the dark and cold of winter, to jump into cool water and do what we do – fitness, fun and friends.”
Schonholz agreed.
“Swimming with a group is so much easier than swimming alone,” said Schonholz. “Swimming is a time to be with friends but also a time to relax and not think about anything else. It does not matter how good you are or how fast you swim. We take everyone. We truly become a family.”
