MINNEAPOLIS — The Orcas Masters Swim Team competed at the 2011 Minnesota Ice Breaker Meet at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center on Jan. 30. With 10 swimmers in the meet, the team produced tremendous results, with many best times and a total of seven state records.
Leading the way for the Orcas was Nancy Kryka, who set four state records in the 100 breaststroke, 100 backstroke, 500 freestyle, and 1,000 freestyle, with the end result being ownership of every state record in the Women’s 55-59 age division.
Dave Arlander set two state records in the 100 and 50 breaststroke events in the Men’s 70-74 age division.
Babs Larsen also broke her own state record in the Women’s 60-64 200 butterfly with a time of 3:27.09.
Participating in their first competition of the season for the Orcas were Brian Bachman, Becky Britton, Sallie Perkins, and Lorilie Langman. All had very strong showings and are looking strong for their next meet, according to Steve Varney of the Orcas coaching staff.
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Rookie Orcas included Annette Irhke, Dave Linden, and Tom Walsh. New to the world of Masters Swimming, they quickly got into the swing of things and the Orcas are looking forward to their next competition to see their progress.
The Orca Masters also swam two relays with the help of Carew Halleck, a Winona swimmer that will be joining the program in the coming weeks.
Next up for the Orca Masters Squad will be the annual February Fitness Challenge – an annual tradition in which they were the number one team in the country last year.
The Orcas are coached by Tom Walsh and practice Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 7 a.m. at the Rochester Recreation Center. Participation information is available at www.swimorcas.com.
