“...I have just returned from the Inaugural 25K Open Water Nationals held at the Morse Reservoir outside of Indianapolis this past Saturday. It was an absolutely superbly organized and unforgettable event. The race director, Dick Sidner, went to extremes to make sure that every detail of the experience was just perfect, and he was ably assisted by members of his family, English Channel swimmer and author Marcia Cleveland, and others. The event was held on a well protected part of a very scenic reservoir/lake. Every swimmer who did not come with a kayaker, was provided with one (or more).”
“The 5 x 5K loop was measured with the finest of precision. When a fellow swimmer and I arrived a couple of days early, Dick invited us to his home and took us for a tour of the course in his pontoon boat. For the entire four days we were in town, Dick, his wife Lisa, his mother-in-law, and the other organizers treated us like family. The race was very safe. The field was incredibly strong. The kayakers did a great job.
When I finished the race I hugged Marcia Cleveland, I hugged my kayaker Chris who provided me with so much encouragement, and I wanted to hug everyone else who made this event so memorable – thanks to all of you,” wrote Jon Lenchner (shown on left).
Race Director Dick Sidner (shown on left) looks forward to another great turnout and competition.
Upper photo of Marcia Cleveland, long-time US Masters Swimming Long-distance Swimming Committee chairperson.
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.