I tend to view the world through a watery lens. It's a trait I must have inherited from Buck Dawson, the first director of the Swimming Hall of Fame. Like the six degrees of Kevin Bacon, swimming can be connected to just about anything important that has ever happened or is happening in the world. From the Aquatic Ape theory of evolution to a music festival I recently attended.   I have entitled my commentaries: "Connecting Swimming To.....".  The first connects swimming to San Francisco's Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival.

Swimmingly yours,

Bruce Wigo  (President/CEO)

Eight outstanding individuals were inducted at the annual IMSHOF ceremony, Friday evening, September 13th, at the Hyatt Regency, Orange County, in Garden Grove (Anaheim), California.  The ceremony took place in conjunction with the annual United States Aquatic Sports Convention. There were over 150 Masters athletes, friends and family in attendance. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were enjoyed prior to the ceremony and all the Masters delegates got to meet and greet the inductees.

 The prestigious IMSHOF class of 2013 included four swimmers, one diver, one synchronized swimmer, one water polo player and one contributor from four different countries:  the USA, Japan, Australia and Canada.  All were in attendance except for Honor Masters Swimmer, Hiromu Yoshimoto, who is 99 years old and living in Japan.   

The Inductees include (LtR) USA Synchronized Swimmer Holly Kyle, Swimmer Jenny Whiteley (AUS) & Judie Oliver (CAN), USA Diver Felix Grossman, Swimmer Edward Cazalet (USA), contributor Ted Haartz (USA)  and  Honor Water Polo Player, Michael "Mike" Haley of the USA.  USA Contributor F.H. "Ted" Haartz, received a standing ovation from the entire Masters delegation, for all his contributions and years of work dedicated to Masters Swimming.