The United States Aquatic Sports Convention largely centers around USA Swimming, their rules changes, and their awards.
But true to its name, this is not the USA Swimming convention, it’s the Aquatic Sports convention, and United States Masters Swimming also gave out some awards, where Whitney Hedgepeth of Longhorn Aquatics was named the 2013 USMS Coach of the Year.
Longhorn Aquatics had big success at both the 2013 Pan Am Masters Championships and the 2013 Summer National Masters Championships: the two major events for American Masters swimmers this year.
At the Pan Am Championships, Andy Rasmussen won 5 events in the men’s 50-54 age group, ranging from the 50 free (26.29) to the 400 IM (5:07.51).
Then at Nationals, where TXLA had a much bigger contingent, the hardware rolled in. Among their National champions included Kendal Jacobson in the women’s 45-49 50 breaststroke (39.67), who also medaled in the 100 and 200 breaststrokes.
David Guthrie picked up wins in both the 50 and 100 breaststrokes (30.48 and 1:07.16), and broke men’s 50-54 World Records in both in the process. He also was on pace to crush his own World Record in the 200 breast, but was DQ’ed in that race.
Rasmussen added a National title in the 50 fly (27.04) to go with his previous Pan Am championship, but the big winner at Nationals was Jim Sauer in the men’s 55-59 age group.
He won the 200 back, 200 fly, 200 IM, and 400 IM at Nationals, and those three combined with Dale Huggins to win the men’s 200-239 200 Medley Relay.
Hedgepeth won three Olympic medals at the 1996 Games: silvers in the 100 and 200 backstrokes, and gold as part of the American 400 medley relay.
Whitney – You have been an inspiration to those around you from the time that you 8 years old. Congratulations to you and to your team.
Couldn’t happen to a nicer person. Every time I see her around pool timing or coaching (well mostly smiling) her little son swimming 100 IM, I think about how must her kids feel when every time they take a breath they can see a huge poster of their Mom hanging on the wall of Texas Swim Center. Must be a great inspiration for them. Her daughter is a raising star (freestyle) who I expect to follow steps of Quinn Carrozza very soon.
Congratulations to Whitney — well-deserved!
But let’s also congratulate Seth Huston, Head Coach at Rice Aquatics Masters (and Rice University) in Houston, who actually trains David Guthrie. David just uses the TXLA club affiliation to be part of their terrific relays. In fact, Guthrie’s annihilation of the breaststroke world records this past year coincides with him joining Seth’s masters’ group. David is a real inspiration to our group.
Congratulations on being recognized !. Keep up the great job & keeping folks engaged & fit. Yes, I guess Dudley would be happy to see you doing what you Love !!
Tim Hill
Whitney congratulations I am sure Dudley is proud! Way to go we been friends for so long very happy for you
Jay Fitzgerald