By TONY FROST
NOOSA Masters Swim Club fielded 18 swimmers at the State and National Masters Swimming Championships held at Rockhampton over five days, from 23 to 27 April.
There were a lot of unknown expectations for the team, coming up against the might of Melbourne’s Power Points and Malvern clubs, as well as the best of Sydney’s clubs.
In the Noosa team were Stephanie Jones, Julia Dunstall, Jan Croft, Grindle Rudder, Dyanna Benny, Bardie Gruber, Wendy Twidale, Jacky Shields, Eulah Varty, Helen Malar, Adele Tucker, Brian Hoepper, Ian Tucker, Adrian Wilson, Bob Morse, Geoff Lander, Rob Lucas and Rob Jolly.
After four days of pool swimming Noosa had amassed 45 national and 98 state medals.
Competition then moved on to Yeppoon for the open water swim in the ocean, with Grindle, Julia and Bardie claiming national gold medals.
Overall, Noosa Masters finished a creditable fifth nationally, behind Power Points, Malvern, Miami and Sutherland.
“Being the recipient of the Max Gillespie Trophy for the highest average pointscore for clubs in Queensland must be the highlight for our swimmers,” club coach Jan Croft said.
“An incredible performance, buoying our club for its annual Masters Swim Carnival to be held at the Noosa Aquatic Centre on 17 May,” club president Stephanie Jones said.
