MGM Is On Fire!

On Fire, I tell you! These last few weeks have been outstanding!

In Elgin, MGM men smashed three state relay records, including the 800 yard freestyle relay (7:54.74); the 400-yard Medley (3:54.67); and the 400 Yard Freestyle relay (3:28.02).

Continuing at Fenwick, the team took second place and set an array of personal bests and team records. Among the highlights: In the 100 Yard Freestyle,  Chad Morris (47.5); John Javorski (49.16); Lonny Boeke (56.58); Mark Royko (59.44); Rachel Dickman (1:04).

Morris also posted a very impressive 100 yard Fly (52.64), followed by Javorski (49.16).

MGM swimmers also posted season-high times in the 50 Free: Morris (21.95) ; Javorski (22.19); Dan Campione (23.22); Boeke (26.04); Royko (26.21); Dickman (29.57); Sajn (28.28); Kettleson (39.87); Bik (44.83).

Also notable: In the 500 Yard Freestyle, Campione (5:22) ; Mary Moore (7:48); 200 IM Marilyn Kulak (3:23.95);100 IM - Morris (54.61), Boeke (1:07.31); Georgean Wegrzyn (1:48.11);Mary Moore (1:38.26); Sajn (1:12.05); Emily Koziarski (1:11.60); Cathy Sajn took 1st in the 50 Back (34.29)

PS: In writing this message, I'm trying to include highlights from every swimmer. I'm certain I've missed some, though, so I apologize in advance. In the meantime, please manage your person race results at www.mgmswimteam.org !

Special Note: Now that we've broken all these records, I'm back to updating our team stats, which is both cool, and a tedious pain. Hopefully, you'll be able to help out by keeping track of your own times with our new Online Racing Stats feature that lets you post your own times whenever you want. In fact, if you want to, you could track every race result you've ever posted. (Yes, even the unsanctioned ones.) Click here to see a video about this new feature and give it a shot. I've also put together another instructional video for you if you need help. You can see that one here. This is 'Beta' grade software, so let me know if you run into any bugs. I'll try to address them as soon as possible.

Also...The deadline for registering for State is April 18th. I've posted a direct link the registration page from our site under upcoming meets.

Hi, Everybody: Just a few quick notes about MGM: 

First: Our Latoff meet went really well with some unbelieveable times for such an early part of the season. By some measures, we are posting race results that are about what you'd expect in March, or even at the State meet.

The team is looking strong right now: It's great to see newcomer Dan Campione posting some amazing times, Rachel Dickman and Karen Scobbie (pictured left) posting personal bests; Chad, John Javorski and Lonny hitting on all cylinders, while Mary Moore and Marilyn and John Miller are dominating their age groups. Really fun to see. It's amazing how much this team has evolved over the last few years – from basically a social group to a competitive team that has to be treated seriously at every meet.

Speaking of meets, it's not too late to sign up for the Evanston meet coming up this Sunday. You have until Thursday to register by email for the meet. Details can be found on our web site. (Go to  and download a copy of the Evanston Masters January Meet Detail sheet.)

Finally, a ruling came out today from USMS saying that speed suits will be legal for Short Course Masters Swimming until June 1, 2010. That means that for the rest of this season, you can still wear a full-body suit that make you feel like a seal at Lincoln Park Zoo. After that, they're gone forever.  If you have never worn a suit, but want to feel at least a little bit like Micheal Phelps must feel all the time, you can still pick up a greatly discounted suit -- but HURRY, John Javorski checked with Blue 70 today, and they told him that they were almost completely sold out, and have no plans to redevelop them. Here's a link, if you're interested: http://www.blueseventy.com/store/us/product.php?productid=20&cat=0&bests...

Split Practices Resume Wednesday

Hey, everybody: I hope you had a great summer.

I'm happy to report that MGM will begin its 7th Season at the Ag School starting Wednesday night (September 9th) at 7:00 PM.

That means that we will return to our standard season practice schedule of split 1.5 hour segments: First Shift: MWF 7-8:15; Second Shift: MWF 8:15-9:30. We have a combined practice on Sundays, 11-1. We are incredibly lucky to have this resource, so lets fill up those lanes this year as we get ready for another season of MGM swimmming.

Hey, First shift: Please note that as in the past, our practices technically aren't supposed to start until 7:30. However, lane lines should be installed at 7 PM, and you shouldn't have any trouble getting your workouts in withing the alotted time slot.

Notes: I haven't heard anything from Lincoln-Way about the status of their team, or whether an early-season Green-Way Classic will be scheduled.

Also...For MGM swimmers about to commit to Big Shoulders, the lake temperatures are just fine: (Finally getting up over 65º. It looks like it will stay warm this week, although the early forecast is for rain on Saturday and Sunday.)