U.S. Masters recently wrapped up the 2016 season with the Illinois State Championships. As a tune up to the championships, Stingrays Mark Schark and Len Lencioni swam in the Naperville Redhawks Sweet 16 in March. Schark took a 1st place in the 200 yard backstroke, 2nd in the 200 yard freestyle, and 3rd place in the 500 yard, which he swam backstroke (unusual). Lencioni took 1st place in the 500 yard, 200 yard, and 200 yard IM races. He finished with 2nd’s in the 50 and 100 yard freestyle.
First, second, third. Len Lencioni (below, above left) and Mark Schark (above right) took home numerous medals at comp. (Photos provided)
The State Championships featured 605 swimmers in over 3,000 individual races. Schark placed 8th in the 50 yard backstroke, 4th in the 200 yard backstroke and 6th in the 500 yard freestyle. Lencioni placed 7th in the 100 yard freestyle, 2nd in both 200 yard backstroke and 200 yard butterfly, and finished 4th in the 100 yard breaststroke. Their finishes garnered 44 meet points placing the Stingrays ahead of 23 other men’s teams in the meet. Also, a shout out for fitness director, Kathy Kent’s club, the Swedish Fish finishing 3rd in the state.
The Sting Rays will be offering swim lessons again this season. If you want to learn to relax in the pool this summer, be sure to sign up at the Prairie Lodge fitness desk. Details will be published in the Lifestyles and around the facilities.
Congratulations to Len Lencioni and Mark Schark, who participated in the ILMSA – Illinois Masters Swimming Association State Meet April 16-17 in Munster, Indiana. Representing the Stingrays Masters Swim Club at Sun City Huntley, both swimmers swam a variety of events. Mark placed fourth in the 200 yard backstroke in 2:45.00. He also swam the 50 yard backstroke, finishing 8th, and 100 yard freestyle events. Len swam and finished second in his age group in the 200 yard backstroke in a time of 3:44.45 and 200 yard fly in a time of 3:35.75. He also swam in the 100 yard breaststroke and 100 freestyle events, placing 4th and 7th, respectively. New Fitness Manager, Kathy Kent, was also at the State Meet to swim and to cheer on both Sun City residents.
“It was a lot of fun seeing not only our swimmers from Sun City, but men and women of all ages and all abilities, swim for the sheer joy of being in the water!” said Kathy.
The Sun City Stingrays encourage swimmers of all levels and abilities to join their club. Practices are informal and focus on improving technique, learning new strokes, increasing endurance and physical fitness, and training for competition (optional). The Stingrays meet Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m., Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5-6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9-11 a.m. at the Prairie Lodge Indoor Pool. This summer, the Stingrays are holding Adult Learn to Swim Classes FREE! Wednesdays from 5-6 p.m. starting June 1st. Questions, please contact Anne Broderick by email at abrode3437@aol.com, or by phone at 224-858-4627.
