By By Ryan Satcher/staff writer
June 23, 2002
The Masters swimming competition of the State Games of Mississippi was highlighted by broken State Games swimming records and a large number of participants.
The number of participants was higher than usual. In the past couple of years the number of competitors has been in the mid-twenties so 33 was an improvement.
In the competition, 43 State Games records were set. People of all ages competed and set records. Catherine Brown was the oldest person to compete. The 89-year-old competed and won a medal.
The oldest person to set a State Games record was Elzena Johnson. The 87-year-old women set the record for the 85-89 age category in the 500 meter freestyle event.
Alice Kopp set five records in the 70-74 year-old age group. She set records in the 200 individual medley, 100 meter freestyle, 50 meter freestyle, 50 fly and 100 individual medley.
Ed Balthrop, J.C. Morris and Matthew Vogt each set four records to lead the men.
Balthrop set the record in his age group in the 50 meter fly, 100 meter breast, 100 meter fly and the 50 meter back.
The 81-year-old Morris set records in the 50 meter breast, 100 meter freestyle, 50 meter free and 50 meter back.
Vogt set records in the 25-29 category. He set the record in the 100 meter freestyle, 50 meter freestyle, 50 meter fly and 100 meter individual medley.
Kathy Zubatuk also set four records. She set the record in the 200 meter individual medley, 200 meter free, 50 meter back and 50 meter fly.
Kent Kirchner set three records in the 55-59 year-old category. 81-year-old Andrew Landry also set three records in the event.
Jay Chance set two records in the 65-69 age category and Terry Lavery set two records in the 45-49 age group. Jimmy McKay also set two records.
Beverly Henson set two records while Barbara Henson set the record in the 50-meter backstroke. Steven Gibbons and Jack Moody each set a record. 80-year-old Jean Loeb set a record.
Laura Uecker set the record in the 50 meter backstroke. Gerald McWhorter and Johnnie Richardson each set records to round out the record setters.
Also people were able to compete in swimming relays. Catfish Masters Aquatics, Aqua Codgers, Flying J's and Meridian Swimming Association were all represented in the event.