Masters Weekly Announcements Monday, January 12, 2025
Masters Weekly Announcements
Monday, January 12, 2025
Hello Team, Happy Monday
Let’s Celebrate Progress!
This week is all about commitment, community, and showing up for one another. From incredible consistency in the Polar Bear Club Workout Challenge to opportunities to race, give back, and grow stronger through swimming, this team continues to lead with heart. Whether you crushed all 27 days, jumped in when you could, volunteered, or simply kept moving forward, every effort matters and every swimmer belongs. Take a moment to be proud of what we’re building together.
“Success isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about showing up, staying consistent, and supporting one another along the way.”
Polar Bear Club Challenge Results

Congratulations to all the swimmers who participated in this year’s Polar Bear Club Challenge!
The following swimmers MADE ALL 27 DAYS!
Gold Plus Members
Rykk Bracamonte
Kathy Olivares
Tara Olivieri
Tobias Probeus
Lisa Zawistoski
Gold Members (20+ Workouts)
Shunsuke Sumitani
Stephen Freitas
Cynthia Jansen
Kevin Moody
Pia Pellegrini
Steve Ripic
Larissa Chiari-Keith
Mark Seretan
Cailyn Bugbee
Christine Valenzona
Gwen Uthus
Silver Members (14-19 Workouts)
Ian Stuart
Aaron Ampula
Frank Lanak
Ray Borzone
Bronze Members (12-13 Workouts)
Margaret Stuart
Joshua Guyer
Jan Levinrad
Matthew Mester
Additional Members who joined the club were:
Monica Giraldo-Riposo
Kristin Crandall
Thomas Dowdle
Mike Lee
Sally Packard
James Felker
Val Trowbridge
Ankur Guha Roy
Duncan Houldsworth
Lorna Ladd
John Campbell
Kelli Cavaliero
Kate Schreiber
Jen Lyman
All Team members are welcome to attend the party to help celebrate with the Polar Bear Club swimmers.
Cost $10.00 per person. Gold, Silver, and Bronze members get free pizza, Polar Bear Shirts, and special awards!
Party Date: Saturday, January 24
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Margaret and Ian Stuart
27046 Pacific Terrace Dr., Mission Viejo, CA 92692
RSVP HERE to attend
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Upcoming Team Events
• Fabulous Las Vegas Masters SCY – Team Travel Meet
Saturday, January 17 – Registration now open
• Polar Bear Party
Saturday, January 24 | 4:00 PM
• OC Riptide Masters SCY Meet
Sunday, February 1, 2026 – Registration open
• Backstroke & Freestyle Clinic
Sunday, February 22 – Registration open
• Mission SCY Meet
Sunday, March 8, 2026 – Mission Viejo (MAC)
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Viva Las Vegas – Team Trip (Friday–Sunday)
Sign Up Now
Join Coach Mark next weekend for a fun team getaway to Las Vegas!
Hotel: Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino
(Fremont Experience – approx. 15 minutes from the pool)
206 N 3rd St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 719-5100
www.downtowngrand.com
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OSO FIT FAIR
City of Mission Viejo presents its annual Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair!
Saturday, February 28, 2026. Pre-register by February 20. Choose “Mission Viejo Nadadores” in the drop-down.
100% Proceeds from your registration fees come back to MVN!
Registration is NOW OPEN and you can save $10 with pre-registration prior to 2/20/26.
If you plan to join us, wear your BLUE MVN shirt!
Register: OsoFit5K.org
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HYDROFIT CROSS TRAINING/FITNESS GROUP – HELP US GROW!
REFERRAL PROGRAM: Refer a new member and receive $50 credit to your account. Maximum $100 credit. See flyer for details.
MVN is excited to be offering a non-competitive swim fitness group for youth ages 6-18. Ideal cross-training opportunity for multi-sport athletes whose primary sport is not swim (ie, triathlon, baseball, volleyball, track, etc.).
This program offers athletes a full-body, non-weight-bearing cross-training experience to strengthen their bodies and improve cardiovascular health. Athletes can join weekly 75-minute sessions with quality coaching.
Required USA Swimming membership and be able to complete a freestyle lap.
Space is limited! www.mvnswim.org
See flyer for more details on fees, schedule, and referral program.
Call the office (949-380-2552) with any questions or to discuss your needs!
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MAKE A SPLASH. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The MVN Swim School is excited to relaunch a Special Olympics swim team in Southern Orange County, hosted at the Mission Viejo Nadadores facilities—and we need you to make it happen.
We are seeking high school or older volunteer in-water coaches to help instruct and encourage Special Olympics athletes during practices. This is a unique opportunity to use your swimming expertise to positively impact athletes and families in our community.
Season Details:
- Season: April–June
- Practice Time: Saturdays, approximately 1:00–3:00 PM
- Role: In-water instruction and athlete support
Volunteering at the Special Olympics is truly one of the most rewarding and meaningful service experiences, and as Nadadores swimmers, we bring skills, leadership, and heart that can truly change lives.
✘ No TEAM Support hours for this opportunity
Interested in being part of something bigger than yourself?
Email [email protected] to get involved.
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TEAM SUPPORT SERVICE POLICY REMINDERS
Each Masters member has been assigned 6 hours of TEAM Support hours for Session 1 (Sept 2025 – March 2026).
6 hrs. Session 1 - Sept. 1 - March 31, 2026
Nadadores Home Meets: Sunday, March 6 – SCY Meet
Earn all your hours by serving on the Nadadores Masters Leadership Committee.
positions include: Workout Captains and Committee Members:
- Chair – Drive fundraising and fuel our future.
- Vice Chair – Take charge of meet management and make every event a success.
- Secretary – Be the heartbeat of our social activities and keep the fun flowing.
- Membership Development – Spread the word, grow our family, and shine on social media
- Workout Captains.
Contact Coach Mark for more details.
Want to see your service hour balance and history? Check out:
https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/scmvn/page/home
Questions? Email [email protected]
See dates and more info at MVN TEAM SERVICE HOURS SUPPORT PROGRAM
COACH MARK’S SWIM TIP
Streamlines: The Fastest Way to Swim Without Swimming
A perfect streamline is the swimmer’s secret weapon. It’s the body’s most hydrodynamic position—arms extended, head tucked, core engaged—and it’s crucial for maximizing speed and conserving energy off every wall and start.
“Streamlining is the only time you’re moving fast without effort—don’t waste it!” Streamline position is the most important technique you need to learn if you are trying to get better at swimming. It is the foundation of the sport. The benefits of learning proper streamlining are endless.
Here are the four key reasons a streamlined position is so important:
Why Streamline Matters
1. Minimizes Drag: It’s the most hydrodynamic position, helping you slice through the water with ease.
2. Builds Stroke Awareness: Teaches proper body alignment that carries into freestyle, backstroke, and beyond.
3. Connects Kick to Core: Encourages full-body engagement, not just isolated leg movement.
4. Reveals Mobility Limits: Highlights areas where flexibility or strength may need improvement.
| 7 Key Points for the Perfect Streamline
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Mission Viejo Nadadores Masters
…a lifetime of…
Challenge... Achievement...Recognition!