Brian Hoepper
In a Masters swimming club, the most jealously-guarded object is the ‘champion club trophy’ awarded at the club’s annual swim meet. Without fail, club members rally around to defend their trophy from raiding parties launched by rival clubs.
At the recent Hervey Bay meet, the Noosa Masters team breached the host team’s defences and returned home with the splendid trophy. Even though outnumbered by Hervey Bay swimmers, Noosa’s fifteen athletes topped the overall points table.
The 15 collected four gold medals, four silver and three bronze. Most notable was the trio of Noosa women who filled all three places on the podium in their age group.
In the face of the Noosa triumph, the Hervey Bay hosts were gracious and generous. The Noosa team was warmly invited to return in 2024, although the invitation perhaps hinted at Hervey Bay’s aim to get square!
For Noosa Masters, the Hervey Bay meet is a perennial favourite. The team stays the weekend, sampling the increasingly impressive attractions of the beachside city.
In late March, a Noosa team will be heading to Mackay for the three-day Masters State Championships. Hervey Bay provided an excellent dress rehearsal for Mackay.
