As you know, last month we changed the date of the Montana State Championships from March to April, and the location from Butte to Missoula.

We thought the change to local (for the meet directors) rather than at a distance and a new date (not spring break) would facilitate getting officials, computer and electronic timing operators, a venue and caterer for the social, etc. It didn’t.

Our co-meet directors Mark Comfort and Donn Livoni have worked tirelessly since December to make this happen. Mark, Donn, Glenn DeHekker (BSMT Club president) and the BSMT board have all been involved.

We received a commitment from Northwestern Energy to sponsor the meet, had two officials committed for a day and a half day, the entry form ready to go live with Club Assistant and for that we’re grateful.

I know many of you were first counting on the meet to swim qualifying times for Spring Nationals in Phoenix, and then on the new date as another meet experience. To those of you going to Spring Nationals times from the last two years can be used.

Other Northwest Zone SCY meets this spring are in Oregon City, OR and Port Angeles, WA the weekend of March 9-10 (registration for both closes Monday, March 4), Moscow ID April 6 (registration coming soon), PNA Champs April 12-14 in Federal Way, WA and Oregon Champs May 17-19 in Tualatin Hills, OR.

Our annual LMSC membership meeting takes place each year the weekend of the state championships. We set goals for the year and, speaking for myself, get renewed energy for our activities, plus this year is an election year. We will be inviting you to join the annual meeting via conference call, date to be decided. Stay tuned for details and information. Our bylaws allow us to vote electronically if we cannot meet in person.

It is with regret that I find it necessary to inform you of this. We have successfully hosted this meet for 33 years – since 1986 – and will be back on track for next year.

Thank you to Glenn and the BSMT board: Peggy Stringer, Mandy Barnings, Elaina Summers and Nancy Schuber; Amy Mack for her work on the social and, especially, Mark and Donn.

Jeanne Ensign

MT LMSC Chair