Ohio Splash held our 2016 Fall Social & Annual Membership Meeting Sunday, September 11, at noon.
Celebrating Twenty Years
The Social marks the kick-off of Splash’s Twentieth Year Celebration! When reviewing our team archive, we confirmed the earliest mention of Ohio Splash in August of 1996.
Twenty years later, we look back on our history in celebration of the growth and diversity of our team. Throughout the upcoming year, we plan a number of events to commemorate our twentieth anniversary. We welcome you to join us in this celebration!
A Year In Review
As we look to the future, we first close out a remarkable year that was the 2015-2016 season. Splash has grown from our roots 20 years ago with three swimmers to a roster of over 75 registered United States Masters Swimming members. Our membership continue to exemplify our mission: “Ohio Splash is a U.S. Masters Swim team open to all and committed to fostering national and international competition for amateur athletes.” Whether gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, or straight ally, our teammates come together again and again to encourage and support one another through the common love of the sport of swimming.
We celebrate our second year in-a-row as Ohio USMS Local Masters Swimming Committee (LMSC) Short-Course-Yards State Champions! We celebrate our Splashers returning from the IGLA Championship with Twelve Medals!
The Ohio Splash originated as “The Columbus Swim Club” in 1996 with three participating members. Grant Wilson, Ken Griffiths, and Enrique Rosa first joined forces to participate in the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics (IGLA) Championships in Washington, D.C. in August of that year. The three began seriously recruiting for the team in the spring of 1997.
We Need You
As a not-for-profit organization, we still incur very real costs to secure time at various pools where we swim. Our dues structure has not changed in recent memory, however we have expanded our offering signficantly during that time (increasing workouts from 60 to 90 minutes and adding weeknights). After a review of our annual expenditures, our dues do not fully cover our cost. Herein, we need your help! We look to our donors and teammates to help raise funds that go directly to our operating budget. Your willingness to donate to this amazing team is greatly appreciated.
We extend special thanks to our 2015-16 donors who have kept Ohio Splash in the water: Eric D, Aaron Z, Don S, Dan D, Bob E, Andrew P, Joel R, Chad M, Jeff S, David R, & Steve C.
Your Feedback
We have heard the feedback of our membership. You have indicated a strong preference to continue workouts of 90-minutes. The team greatly enjoyed swimming outdoors this summer at Tuttle Park and would like to continue this tradition into the future. You also indicated a willingness to help fund-raise or help offset our shortfall in dues.
Vision 2017
The team begins it’s twentieth season with a focus on continued excellence in the pool and social functions. In the competitive arena, several Splashers are considering the 2017 World Out Games in Miami, Florida, coming up in May 2017. Closer to home, we are excited to compete in the 2017 State Championship at The Ohio State University in April.
Board Members
To kick-off the new season, we welcome our new 2016-17 Board Members: Bob E, Dan D, Don S, Chad M, Marc C, Pat D, and Andrew P. We extend our humble appreciation to the board members who served in the prior season.
Practice Schedule
We are pleased to announce the return to the Columbus Aquatics Centre and return of Weeknight practice on September 21 from 7-8:30pm. We will also resume Sunday morning practices on September 25 from 11-12:30p. Note that our last practice for the summer quarter will be at OSU McCorkle on September 18 from 5-6:30pm.
Acknowledgements
Ohio Splash would not be the organization we are today were it not for the hard work of many dedicated individuals. In particular, we would like to acknowledge the following people:
Our Coaches: These folks put in countless hours to ensure the team has a challenging workout, individually tailored to the needs of our team. They push us to excel and see beyond the limits we set for ourselves. They do this on a completely volunteer basis for the love of the sport and our team. Please join us in heartfelt thanks to: Pat, Rob, Mike G, Kha, Dan D, Don, Willie, Chad, Andrew, and Allie.
Our Board: Special thanks to the folks who volunteer to help ensure our bills get paid, and the team has secured time in the water. Join us in thanking: Andrew B, Pat D, Don S, Andrew P, Dan D, and Bob E.
Our Auxiliary, Splish: We couldn’t spend the hours we do in the water without our partners, spouses, significant others, and family. Please take a moment to thank all those Splash Auxiliary Splishers who make this possible!
Annual Awards
To conclude our celebration, we wrapped up with the presentation of our Annual Awards. Join us in congratulating all those Splashers recognized, and learn more about our Awards recognition in our next post.