Patriot Masters
By Anita Callahan
Patriot Masters is a newly formed Masters swim team with workouts at George Mason University Aquatic Center in Fairfax, Virginia. The team formed in February 1999 with five people and since has grown to a workout group of 25 to 30. George Mason Aquatic Center opened in October 1998, and is a first class swimming facility with a 50-meter competition pool and a 25-yard recreational pool. There have already been several U.S.A. Swimming meets held at the facility as well as the annual D.C. Masters Long Course Championships held in August 1999.
Patriot Masters: (back row) Rosalyn Schanzer, Ruth Bennett, Anita Callahan, Cindy Eckert, Cheryl Ward and (front row) John Houston, Bob Bennett, Larry Sloan and Mitchell Luck
The team is coached by Peter Ward, a Canadian Olympian who placed seventh in the 200 butterfly at the 1984 Olympics. When not coaching Masters, Peter's real job is head coach for the George Mason University Men's and Women's Collegiate Swim Team, which is in its inaugural year. Masters workouts are held four times a week with daily yardage between 4000 and 5000 yards. On Saturday mornings the team often swims long course alongside Peter's college swimmers.
The team consists of all levels of experience and ability with competitive and non-competitive members. Peter is committed to his swimmers excelling in the sport and thus the workouts are challenging. He also is ready and willing to work individually with his swimmers to improve stroke technique. In addition, Peter is enthusiastic about attending meets with the team to offer last minute tips and encouragement.
Future plans for Patriot Masters are to host a fall and/or spring swim meet. The team also hopes to expand the members of Patriot Masters to become a premier competitive team in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. For additional information on Patriot Masters, contact Peter Ward at (703) 993-3930, or e-mail pward2@gmu.edu. Patriot Masters Web Page is www.patriotmasters.org.