Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 26, 1990 TAG: 9007270321
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB McLELLAND CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"My heart begins beating a little faster this time every year," said the 65-year-old Hurley, who also is the RVAA's treasurer.
"I have seen many of these kids grow up from just little fellows. Many of those who were kids when I first started are now coaching or have kids who are swimmers."
"The RVAA is a great program, and I hope to be around for a long time. Besides I have to be around to see my grandchildren swim. I've got a son [Kevin] who is still swimming for Castle Rock in the 24-35 age group. And he has a daughter [Emma] who is almost 3, and I certainly want to see her competing. Maybe she will have sisters and brothers to join her. No, I sure don't plan any retirement in the near future."
Hurley is just one of more than 200 volunteers who donate their time to help operate the big meet each year. This year's event is expected to have more than 1,200 swimmers, a record, competing. More than 1,600, also a record, registered for summer swimming, said Pat Jones of the North Lakes swim club. She and Sue Blackwood of the Elks Club coordinate the RVAA's summer program.
Twenty teams from the Roanoke Valley will compete in the Whitenack meet, which opens Friday at 8 a.m. The largest delegations for the summer program come from Roanoke Country Club (178), Elks Club (169) and Hidden Valley (147), which has been the overall winner in recent years. The smallest team is from Bush Valley (23).
Friday's events are the back, individual medley and the 50 freestyle. Events set for Saturday, again starting at 8 a.m., are the butterfly, breast and 100 freestyle.
Swimmers in 11 age groups, ranging from 6-and-under to 45-and-older, will compete for male and female titles in 22 divisions.
Swimmers will be divided into varied ability levels. The 6-and-under and three adults groups (25-34, 35-44, 45-and older) are all placed in the bronze classifications. All other groups have gold, silver and bronze classifications, according to times recorded during this past season.
Medals will go to the top three winners in each age group while ribbons will be awarded the fourth through 10th place winners. There also will be four team trophies, based on the points accumulated during the meet.
The Duane Whitenack Medal, which goes to the person or persons who have done the most for the RVAA during the past year, will be awarded Saturday. Pat Jones and Coleen McNulty received the award last year.
Pat Willard of LancerLot and Don Thomas of Hidden Valley are meet directors, and Harry Cheney of Olympic Park, is chief timer for the Whitenack meet.
Other top meet officials include: Ron Lundy of Hidden Valley and Kent Smith of Castle Rock, referees; Joe Seawell of Hidden Valley, chief starter; Les Early of Olympic Park, strokes and turns; Dickie Cochran and Celia Todd of Hidden Valley, clerks of course; Melody Blankenship and Peggy Schmidt of Montclair, awards chiefs; Tom Hubbard, chief announcer; Jerry McNulty and Glen Jones of North Lakes, chiefs of electronic table; Bill and Rosanna Seawell of Hidden Valley, chiefs of computer table.
by CNB