2013 Season Review
Raymond Terrace – 30th November
The last BPS meet of the year saw our beloved president return from his extensive holidays to lead the Novos at Raymond Terrace.
Even though we were technically still in the race for the Branch Point-score Trophy before the carnival, the presence of 39 swimmers from Ryde meant we didn’t really have a chance! Well done to Ryde who won the Raymond Terrace BPS Carnival with 1067 points with Novos second with 469. (The final heat of the 100m Freestyle had 6 Ryde swimmers and only 1 from Novos!) The final unofficial BPS score for the year is Ryde 8372, Novos 7413, and Warringah 6998 – so at least Gerard the Turkey will be enjoying a nice break in North Sydney over Christmas!
Everyone enjoyed the day – although Barry suffered with some health issues towards the end of the day which lead to an ambulance ride to hospital to get a check-up. Kim and Russell kindly put Barry up for the night with them to make sure he was okay overnight.
Two new club records were established at Raymond Terrace. Michelle Van De Werken in the 200 freestyle (2.42.94) and Paul Murray in the 50 backstroke (38.80).
Novo's – 16th November
GREAT TEAM EFFORT!
Someone in the know helped us out with the weather and we avoided the torrential rain early Saturday morning and late Saturday night.
A top team of 34 members plus families and friends swam, worked and slaved to make our carnival a memorable day.
Many highlights of the day included:
- 1238 points scored in the Branch Pointscore competition leading the other 27 clubs.
- 36.41 points in the average pointscore putting us 4th.
- Our gun 120+ mens relay team of Brad, Ian, Jon and Adam swam a time of 3.50.65 in the 4 x 100m freestyle relay smashing the National record by 15 seconds. (p.s. this record was held by our club)
- New club records were established by Emma (200 I/M 2.52.18), Rhonda (50 free 31.45) and Jon (200 free 2.10.24)
- Our eight relay teams finished with six firsts and two seconds.
- Our first timers Oona, Lesley and Karen gave their all and finished with some great times and our new/old timer Ben also took over where he left off a few years ago.
- Age group winners were Emma, Michelle, Wendy, Kay, Adam, Jon, Ian, Brad and Paul. Runners up were Bronwen, Jeanne and Barry and third places went to Rhonda, Tracey, Oona, Ben, David Bell and Mike Dunn.
- The raffle income was a record and many thanks to all who arranged donations for the raffle prizes.
- The after dinner get together with some of the Warringah members was a success.
- The team leaders for the medals, BBQ, raffle and catering are to be congratulated for the smooth running of their operations.
- Heaps of compliments were received from other clubs about the wonderful announcing work done by Emma. (Word has it there are some TV offers in the making).
- Special thanks to Di and Col Bartley (Emma’s mum and dad) for their assistance and Neil Gordon and Phil Donnan for their work on the BBQ and those brilliant runners Hamish, Joshua and Oscar who never missed a beat all day, got everything right and helped clean out the unwanted cakes and biscuits.
- Delighted to see Jack Welsh return to the fold and take on some timekeeping duties.
That’s it for another twelve months and who knows we might even have our President back for the next one provided he is not called away for another urgent overseas holiday.
Port Macquarie – 2nd November
16 members with nothing else to do headed north to Port Macquarie to fill in the weekend and do a bit of swimming.
Great results for the club. Second in overall point score with 652 points (behind host club Port) and first in average point score.
BPS points now have Ryde in front with 6358 points, Warringah second with 6141 and Novos third with 5706.
Three new club records were established. Jeanne in 50 fly (49.80) and Mike Dunn in 50 breast (48.94) and 200 fly (4.55.25).
Age division winners were Kay, Wendy, Jeanne, Paul and Malcolm. Second places went to Tracey, Maureen, Mike Hickerton and Mike Dunn and third places to Kim, Robin and Carl.
Our three relay teams all had wins as did John, Mike Dunn and Robin in the raffle. One of John’s raffle prizes was a gallon of bubbly which was consumed on the Saturday night. Michael Hickerton’s 50 fly was his first in long course and after his discussion on the big white telephone might mean it will be a little while before he does it again.
The social side of these meets are great with dinner at the West Port bowlo on Friday night, a local Thai haunt on Saturday night and Sunday breakfast on the river. Paul decided it would be a family weekend and settled for the caravan park next to the river.
Great weekend, great fun and great company.
State Short Course Championships – Canberra – 19th-20th October
5 swimmers. 25 events. 24 medals.
Emma 3 gold and 1 silver; Jeanne 1 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze, Robin 3 gold and 2 silver; Ian 5 gold; Bill 3 gold and 2 silver.
Seven new club records established. Emma 100 free, 200 breast and 100 I/M. Ian 100 and 200 free, 100 and 200 back.
Ian established new state records in 100 freestyle (54.03) and 200 freestyle (1.59.71) and new national records in 100 back (1.00.59) and 200 back (2.12.34).
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL SWIMMERS.
Warringah – 12th October
Fourteen swimmers headed down the highway to the Warringah carnival and enjoyed the spoils of a successful day.
Novos were placed fifth in the points score (out of 24 clubs) behind the four Sydney heavyweights (Warringah, Ryde, Manly and Seaside Pirates) with 560 points and were the clear leaders in the average point score with 40.00 points.
Our three relay teams had wins and age division winners were Wendy and Jeanne. Runners up in their age divisions were Rhonda, Kay, Paul, Malcolm and Bill and third places went to Tracey and Brad.
Ten new club records were established. Rhonda (50 free), Tracey (50 and 100 back), Brad (25 free), David (25 fly), Paul (50 free and 25 fly), Mike Dunn (25 breast and 25 fly) and Carl (25 free).
We have slipped back to third in the Branch Point Score competition with 5082 points behind Warringah (6036) and Ryde (5986) but have three local carnivals coming up to show our wares.
Toronro – 21st September
.Seventeen Novos headed out to Toronto for tke Lake Macquarie Crocs BPS meet.
Novos finished first in the overall point score (out of 19 clubs) with 664 points and third in the average point score.
Tracey, Kay, Jeanne and Bill finished first in their age divisions, Rhonda, Bronwen, Robin and Paul were worthy seconds and Kim, Mike Cockrem, Carl and Barry were third in their respective age groups.
Five new club records were established. Tracey 100m back (1.33.79), Paul 200m I/M (2.57.33 - Not quick!) and Mike Dunn 50m breast (49.28), 100m breast (1.47.22) and 200m fly (4.38.68). Tracey’s time in the 100m back took eight seconds off her previous time set late last year.
Novos moved back to second in the BPS point score 220 points behind Ryde with Warringah third 240 points behind us.
Seaside Pirates – 4th August
Nine Novos swam at the Seaside Pirates carnival held at Knox School Wahroonga and nine new club records were established.
Novos were 5th in the overall point score out of 23 clubs and first in the average point score.
The club welcomed Cherie Walters to her first BPS carnival swim and she responded with a new club record in her 400m swim. Other club records were established by Emma (200 free, 100 back and 50 breast), Michelle (50 fly and 100 free) and Robin (200 free and 400 free).
Not to be left out Wendy recorded a new state record in the 200 breast with a time of 3.34.31. Congratulations Wendy.
Our two relay teams had two first placings.
Novos still lead Division One BPS point score with 3682 points, 106 points in front of Warringah and 368 points in front of Ryde.
Toronto – 29th June: Hunter Festival of Sport (short course)
Twelve of our members participated in this event organized by the Cessnock club on behalf of the Hunter Festival of Sport.
Although the overall numbers were down and the event was not a BPS point scoring meet our club continued to shine and outpointed all other competing clubs.
Novos were ranked first in the overall point score with 453 points (out of 25 competing clubs) and first in the average point score with 37.75 points.
The club records have been kept since 2004 and it never fails to impress how times continue to come down. A further eleven records were established at Toronto with Robin knocking over four of her previous PB’s and Michelle picking up three new records.
New club records were established by Rhonda (25 and 50 back), Michelle (200 free, 25 back and 25 breast), Wendy (200 breast), Robin (50 and 100 free, 50 and 200 back) and Carl (25 back). See our website for the new times.
Age division winners were Rhonda, Michelle, Kay, Wendy, Robin and Carl. Barry was runner up in his division and third places went to Tracey, Michael H, John W and Malcolm.
Manly – 23rd June
Only mad dogs and Englishmen (you know the rest) and people with little else to do on a wet and wintery Sunday get in their cars and drive to Sydney to compete at a carnival.
However the good news is that they all did very well.
Novos were third in the overall point score (out of 31 clubs) with 509 points and fifth in the average point score with 29.94 points.
Wendy set a new State Record in the 100m breaststroke with a time of 1.40.24. Congratulations Wendy.
John Wondergem competed in his first carnival and set some solid times to chase in future meets.
Nine new club records were established. Emma (50 free, 50 fly and 100 I/M), Rhonda (100 back), Wendy (50 and 100 breast), Jon (100 and 200 free) and Michael H (50 free). See the club records section of our website for the details.
Age division winners were Emma, Wendy, Jeanne and Jon. Rhonda and Michael H were runners up and Tracey, Barry and Bill obtained third placings.
Our four medley relays came away with two firsts, one second and one third.
Novos still lead Division 1 of the BPS pointscore with 3387 points, 289 ahead of Warringah and 404 ahead of Ryde. We can expect those clubs to overtake us with their own carnivals coming up shortly but I’m sure we will more than challenge them later in the year when we have Lake Macquarie, Port Macquarie, Raymond Terrace and our own carnival in our backyard.
Its quite a feather in our cap to be leading the BPS pointscore at this stage. Warringah has over 110 members and Ryde are sitting on 80+ members compared to our 46.
NOVO MEMBERS ARE PARTICULARLY ENCOURAGED TO COMPETE AT THE THREE LOCAL CARNIVALS, LAKE MACQUARIE, RAYMOND TERRACE AND OUR CARNIVAL ON 17th NOVEMBER.
Yamba – 8th-9th June
In spite of previous years atrocious weather conditions five Novos with no regard for their own safety headed north for the Yamba weekend.
Yamba delivered same old same old but without the torrential rain and wind. Saturday was a little bit of everything with some light rain and some wind but Sunday was pleasant with a little cloud, no rain and even some sun.
Numbers were generally down but our club managed 344 points and finished third (out of 17) in the point score and was second in the average points score with 68.8. Jeanne and Malcolm were first in their age divisions and Carl was third.
Our 280+ mens relay team had a first and a second placing.
Highlight for our team over the weekend was to celebrate with Michael his 60th birthday on the Saturday. Somehow the announcer even found out about this and informed the gathered throng.
The state of origin relay was held with eight swimmers from each state (4 men and 4 women) and we were all happy that the NSW team beat the Queenslanders by a narrow margin but I’m sure the margin will grow in the years to come. (Editors note: Carl Wallace was the last swimmer for NSW. Read all about it here!)
Our lead in the BPS point score grew a little with both Ryde and Warringah behind us in the point score for the weekend. We now lead the Division 1 point score by 292 points from Ryde and 435 points from Warringah but know full well that their home carnivals are on the horizon and would expect solid turnouts from their respective clubs.
Wett Ones – 25th May
Four of our girls and one nervous male ventured to Sydney to the Wett Ones carnival.
Although small in numbers the five elite swimmers (the “E” team) produced solid results for the club. Tracey W, second in her age group, Jeanne R, first. Robin C, fourth, Wendy G, second and Michael H first. That meant we managed to win the average for the meet and were placed 6th overall from 22 clubs. We still have our heads in front on the overall points score.
Sorry there are no photo's (Oh! Come on it was the Wett Ones) and don't ask about the trip home especially the part about getting a little off course.
Ettalong – 11th May
A strong team of 23 took the road south to the Central Coast and done us proud. Our club was placed first in the overall points (859) out of 35 competing clubs and 4th in the average point score.
Club records took another hammering with 20 new club records established.
Highlight of the day was Craig Clarke’s 2.24.75 for the 200m butterfly smashing the previous state record by over five seconds.
Rhonda, Michelle and Craig each set four new club records.
New club records were established by Caireen (200 fly), Rhonda (25,50, 100 free and 200 back), Michelle (25, 50 free and 100, 200 I/M), Tracey (50 and 200 back), Kay (25 free), Ian (200 free), David at his first carnival (25 and 50 fly), Craig (25, 50, 200 fly and 100 I/M), and Kevin (25 free).
Age division winners were Michelle, Ann, Jeanne, Ian and Craig. Rhonda and Robin were runners up in their age division and third places went to Caireen, Kay and Bill. Our five relays got three first places and two thirds.
The Branch Point Score has Novos on top with 2373 points followed by Ryde and Warringah.
We have strong information one of our senior distinguished male members was observed checking out the ladies dressing rooms early in the day. No reports of cross dressing have yet been received.
Kevin was handed the job of taking a few extra photos for the mugs gallery but unfortunately the job and technology got too much for him and his attempts were lost.
SOPAC National Long Course Championships – 17th to 20th April
Our strongest ever contingent of swimmers for a National Carnival (18) together with families, friends and club members for support ventured to the Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre for this year’s Aussi National Championships.
First the good news. Our team came away with 22 gold medals, 21 silver medals and 21 bronze medals. Also two gold and two bronze medals were won by our relay teams.
Now some more good news. 51 new individual club records were established and 6 new relay records were also established.
The competition was fierce with nearly 700 competitors coming from all states of Australia. Many of our members swan PB’s with wonderful times, set new club records and did not hit the winning circle. An example would have to be Michael Hickerton in the 50m freestyle event. Michael swam 34+ (not bad for a 60+) and was placed 24th in his age group.
Individual medals were won by Emma (4G, 3S, 2B), Caireen (1S), Michelle (1S, 4B), Jeanne (1G, 1S, 5B), Adam (5G, 2S), James (2G, 3S, 1B), Jon (6G, 3S, 1B). Brad (3S, 3B), Craig (1G, 1S, 1B), and Bill (3G, 4S, 3B). Relay medal winners were:- Adam (2G, 1B), James (1G), Brad (2G), Paul (1G), Jon (2G, 1B), Emma (2B), Rhonda (2B), Caireen (1B), Michelle (1B).
New club records were established by the following:- Emma (100, 200, 400, 800 free, 50 back, 50 breast, 50 fly and 200 I/M); Caireen (100 and 200 back); Rhonda (100, 200, 400, 800 free, 50 and 100 back); Michelle (50 and 100 free, 50 and 100 breast, 50 fly); Tracey (50, 100 and 200 back); Jeanne (50 free, 50 back and 400 I/M); Robin (50 free); James (100 free); Adam (100 and 200 back and 50 breast); Jon (200, 400 and 800 free, 50, 100 and 200 back, 50 fly and 200 I/M); Brad (400 free), Craig (800 free, 100 and 200 fly); Paul 50, 100 and 200 free and 50 breast); Carl (100 free and 200 back). (See here for details of these records.)
All of our team swam exceptional times but watch out for new records to be set in the future by Tracey. Her time in the 50 back (41.17) was 8 seconds faster that her time at our carnival last November and her time in the 100 back (1.34.61) was 16 seconds faster.
The two gun men’s relay teams took out gold in the 4 x 50 freestyle event and 4 x 50 medley event. Their time of 1.42.39 in the freestyle relay had the crowd on their toes and it was likened to an Olympic relay final.
Special thanks must go to Super Coach Adam for his drive and encouragement to get our members to this carnival and have them in top condition to achieve these results.
We must also recognize the support of the families, friends and our non swimming club members for their attendance at the carnival and for their loud encouragement and cheer leading capabilities.
Men's (120+) 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay:
Men's (120+) 4 x 50m Medley Relay:
Blacktown (Sate Long Distance Championships) – 24th March
Seventeen likely contenders chose to have a lovely day out at Blacktown instead of taking to the beach and came home with top results.
Our club was 7th in the overall point score (out of 39 clubs) with 496 points and 5th in the average point score out of 19 qualifying clubs.
There were 53 medals available to our swimmers (3 events per swimmer plus 2 relay teams) and we came away with 46 medals. 25 gold, 16 silver and 5 bronze.
Medals were won by Emma (2G,1S), Caireen (2S, 1B), Michelle (2G,1S), Tracey (1S), Kay (3G), Wendy (3G), Jeanne (3G), Robin (3S), Adam (3G), Jon (2G,1S), Zac (1G), Brad (1G,2S), Craig (2G,1S), Michael H (2B), Russell (2S), Carl (2S) and Malcolm (2G,1S).
Seventeen new club records were established. Emma (200 back, 200 I/M), Caireen (200 fly), Michelle (200 I/M), Tracey (100 back), Wendy (50, 100 & 200 breast), Jeanne (50 free), Craig (100 & 200 fly) and Carl (100 free & 50 back).
Wendy set new State Record times in the 100 breast and 200 breast. Congratulations Wendy.
Our two relay teams done us proud. The mens 120+ (Jon, Brad, Craig and Adam) won their event in a thrilling finish and not o be outdone the mixed 120+ (Emma, Michelle, Jon and Adam) came within a whisper of winning their event.
Age group winners were Michelle, Kay, Wendy, Jeanne and Adam. Third places went to Emma, Jon, Brad, Craig and Malcolm.
At the end of the day we had slipped back to third in the BPS point score behind Warringah and Ryde but that was to be expected with the Sydney big guns sending large and strong teams to this carnival.
Cessnock – 23rd February
The Cessnock people must be out of favour with the weather gods because they did it again. This time instead of heat, thunder and lightning we only got rain and plenty of it.
Nineteen of our members braved the weather and performed admirably for the long distance carnival.
Our club was first in the point score with 617 points and also first in the average point score with 31.37 points. Our four relay teams gained four first places.
Wendy broke the State Womens 60-64 1500m breaststroke record with a time of 30.33.90 breaking the previous record of 31.35.59 by 62 seconds. This record had stood since August 2001. Congratulations Wendy.
New clubs records were set by Emma (400 free and 800 free), Rhonda (400 free and 800 free), Michelle (400 free and 100 back), Wendy (400 breast, 800 breast and 1500 breast), Mike Cockrem (100 breast) and Mike Hickerton (400m breast).
Age division winners were Emma, Caireen, Kay, Maureen, Jeanne, Brad, Mike Cockrem, Malcolm and Bill. Runners up were Rhonda, Wendy and Nick and third places went to Michelle, Robin, Mike Hickerton and Carl.
At the end of the day Novos were back at the top of the Division 1 BPS point score 270 points ahead of Warringah.
North Sydney – 16th February
After the poor weather experienced at the previous 2 events at North Sydney, it was a relief to arrive to perfect conditions on the harbour for the annual sprint meet.
Wendy, Michael, Paul, Jon, Jeanne, Bill, and Tracy enjoyed a warm evening of sprinting in a relaxed atmosphere with other Masters swimmers from Sydney. Although the young revelers enjoying Luna Park and Sydney's night life were very bemused to observe so many mature swimmers lining up in front of the windows along Olympic Drive.
New club records for our people were: Wendy, 50m breaststroke (46.75); Jon, 50m backstroke (31.04) and 50m fly (29.22); Paul, 50m free (27.94); and Michael Hickerton, 50m free (34.12).
Congratulations to Michael Hickerton on his first club record.
Club came 9th (out of 27 clubs) with 156 points and 5th (out of 15 clubs) in average point score with 22.29 points.
Gosford – 19th January
In spite of Friday’s 45d egree temperature 23 of our members made it to Gosford for the first carnival of the year. 2013 has got off to a great start for our club. We were first in the points score out of 34 clubs with 668 points and were 5th (out of 20 clubs) in the average point score with 29.04 points. Due to an oversight our entries for the final relay of the day were missed and with these points we probably would have won the average points also. Big welcome for our new members Craig Clarke and Zac Dillon to their first masters carnival.
Big news of the day was the two National 4 x 100m freestyle relay records. Our mens 160+ team of Craig Clarke, Ian Jeffery, Brad Levey and Paul Murray recorded a time of 3.59.05 to break the old record of 4.04.85. Not to be outdone our FIRST EVER 320+ mens team consisting of Barry Barker, Bill Walker, Malcolm Harrison and Alan Moore recorded a time of 8.44.31 smashing the old record by 22 seconds. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL.
Seven new club records were established. Emma (100m freestyle and 200m freestyle), Wendy (50m breast and 100m breast), Jeanne (110m fly), Jon (200m free), Paul (100m free) and new member Craig Clarke (200m free and 100m fly).
Age division winners were Emma, Kay, Wendy, Jon and Ian and runners up were Jeanne, Zac, Brad, Paul and Bill.
Gerald the Golden Turkey was won by Warringah but due to the extreme heat on the Friday was unable to travel and consequently still abides in Newcastle.
