US Master Swimmers implemented at Team Aviano

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ryan Conroy
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Standing confidently with instructions written on a kickboard, the woman barks orders at the approximately 20 swimmers breathing heavy in the water.

"This next round, 100 meters fast! We're going at the top! I want to see you push," she yells.

Jessica Sanchez, 31st Force Support Squadron pool manager, implemented a new swimming program this summer called the U.S. Master Swimmers program, designed to reignite a love for the aquatic sport and give Team Aviano members a different outlet for exercise.

"I've been around the water all my life and swimming is natural to me," said Sanchez, who swam at a collegiate level and started a similar program in California. "This started as an idea between some of the more serious swimmers here and it has blossomed into the starting stages of an organization and quickly too."

USMS is a national membership-operated nonprofit organization that gives adult swimmers an opportunity to swim in a controlled program with other adult swimmers.

While most stateside programs compete against each other, the current goal is for people to participate regularly and create a social environment where people can exercise and enjoy swimming, said Sanchez.

"I'm looking at the long-term for this program," said Sanchez. "Right now, we want to get participants in the water three times a week and have this extend through the winter months at an indoor location. If the long-term plan works and the other overseas programs wish to compete, we're looking to set up meets. "

In addition to a social setting, the program brings a serious and different workout to former swimmers, Olympic qualifiers and beginner swimmers alike.

"Study after study has proven that regular exercise can significantly contribute to good physical and mental health. Swimming has continually been identified as one of the best ways to exercise," said Sanchez. "Stress reduction, weight control, cardiovascular fitness, reduced cholesterol, increased muscle tone and endurance are all benefits of swimming regularly."

First Lieutenant John Lamonaca, 31st Operations Support Squadron and USMS participant, recently joined the program to find his love for the water again. At the age of five, he was thrown into a summer camp pool as a trial by fire; a sink or swim scenario. Not only did he succeed that day, but it grew into life-long passion.

"I swam for 22 years and swam Division 1 at Princeton University, NJ, all the way through college," said Lamonaca. "Day in and day out I was swimming constantly and after college I needed a break. But now, that break is over and this program is helping me get back into swimming shape again."

While the word master in the title might sound intimidating, the only requirement is participants must be 18 or older. From a former Division 1 swimmer practicing to remain competitive, to the spouse who is looking for a new and different way to get back into shape, USMS is available to anyone with a love for the water and looking for extra motivation, said Sanchez.

"The best thing about swimming with a group of people instead of by yourself is there are people pushing you," said Lamonaca. "I used to swim countless hours racing the clock, never improving and ultimately hitting a wall. Here, you have another person driving you to get better, pushing you and helping you stride toward success."

If interested in participating, the team practices Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 6 to 7 a.m. at the base pool in Area 1. For more information, call 632-5048.