Summer Nationals 2026
How was your week?
Additional Highlights are Persons that keep getting faster with age:
Chip Pettibone broke his own 100 Breaststroke record from 3 years ago for Men 60-64.
Marcela Rueda dropping a 200 butterfly time from 4 years ago, (by opting for a strong frog kick!) for Women 40-44.
Mark Evans making and breaking 4 team records, two of which were his previous bests – including dropping his Pacific Master Record in the 100 butterfly by nearly 2 seconds! Astounding! The other records are for Men 65-69 200 IM, 50 Freestyle and 200 Freestyle.
Persons that inspire us to keep swimming:
Dave Rust made a new 50 butterfly record for Men 80-84.
Jim Stewart made new records for all 3 backstroke swims;
in the 50, 100 & 200 LCM for Men 85-89.
Person that broke the oldest team record:
Nikkolas Kemp broke the Men’s 40-44 100 free record left by Warren 24 years ago.
Santa Rosa Masters were busy throughout Northern California during the first week of August. The USMS Summer National Championships were held for five days in Sacramento this year. We all enjoyed cheering for teammates, and seeing old friends.
Every single Santa Rosa swimmer scored points by finishing in the top ten. Our highly competitive participants were Robin Bulman, Mark Evans, Jessie Hickel, Sara Jones, Nikkolas Kemp, Carol McHale, John Morales, Chip Pettibone, Ericka Richards, Marcela Rueda, the mysterious David Rust, Jim Stewart, and Merrie Walts. Finishing first in an event earns the title of National Champion of which we have four.
Who's 65-69? Mark Evans, Merrie Walts, John Morales
Our list of 2026 National Champions:
Mark Evans in the 200 freestyle, 100 Butterfly, and 200 IM
Merrie Walts in the 100 Breaststroke, 50 Backstroke
Dave Rust in the 800 Free
Jim Stewart in the 200 Backstroke.
National Champion Dave Rust
Nick and Chip are up to something good.