Thanks to Maloney and Tillotson for assisting on this legal aspect, so we can add "Inc." after our name. As sponsors for the 3000/6000 yards Postal swim, the officers felt this was important. When the state completes the paper work, we willl be Non-Profit and set up a Maverick
checking account.

JANUARY--We hear that restrictive Masters teams exist in Florida. Unfortunately, teams tell Masters swimmers, "You can't practice with us unless you belong to 'OUR' team," or "Don't listen to other coaches or swimmers; our coach is the best", or "We will keep your registration card." Times have been manipulated on Postal Swims. Excuse me? Who dispensed such power to control the desire and goals of other human beings? In November, 1996, several swimmers met with the idea of forming a Masters team that would offer an alternative and provide a positive atmosphere for individual levels of achievement and the freedom to express ideas. Intimidation and manipulation have no status on our team. Paul readily shares his expertise, no matter the team
affiliation. It doesn't matter what your age or ability level, we are all in the same fraternity--we love swimming! Good physical and mental health, fitness through swimming, having fun with friends that are open-minded and non-judgmental, are worthwhile objectives. This is what
Masters swimming is all about.

APRIL--In contrast to the previous column on restrictive teams, we want to recognize the positive side to the FL LMSC. The results of the Hour Swim point out the support given to a Postal Swim, by almost 100 swimmers from 9 teams. One of the medium teams, Space Coast, thrives under the leadership of Al Rogerson. He encouraged 16 teammates to participate. Although limited in mobility by his hip replacements, he sets an example by participating in many events; inspires and supports Masters swimmers, from other teams; and advocates the enhancement of the FL LMSC program. Three cheers for Al and SPCO!!!

SEPTEMBER--CONGRATULATIONS FLORIDA MAVERICK's. What wonderful news of the great success's you all did at the recent National Championships. You are all true ambassadors to this wonderful sport of Masters Swimming. You truly amaze me and give me great inspiration. (Received via an e-mail card, with sound, from our friend, Dawn Thompson,
Australia. There are Honorary Mavericks all over the World.)

On a damp, cool, drizzly Sun, January 3rd, only Bond, P Hutinger (first two-armed breast stroke after surgery) and Prokopi competed in the SPM Development Meet. Nevertheless, 13 hungry Mavericks and guests showed up at the Hutingers for the first annual Chili Potluck. Chef Maloney
donated a huge pot of chili. Salad, rice breads, and cookies added to the pot luck menu. Masters swimming extends beyond the competition and training, and includes the camaraderie and support of friends and spouses. We had a raffle, and the Hutingers donated two plants. With the $2 donation for lunch (such a deal) and the $.50 donation for a raffle ticket, the Maverick National Relay Fund netted $35.

Thirteen Mavericks celebrated Valentine's Day at the Clearwater Meet. The 200 Masters attending, were indeed grateful for being in an indoor pool, this chilly weekend. On Saturday, nine Mavericks, and guests, ate pizza at a nearby Sport's Bar. High point award winners included:
Prokopi, Tillotson, Troy, MacDonald, M Hutinger, Bond, Olsen and Maloney. Other swimmers participating were Ferradji, Vijil, Paintner, Williams, Luke and P Hutinger. Out of 28 teams, we finished 4th.

At the Gulf Coast Senior Games, in Bradenton, in Feb, ten Mavericks competed--Bond, Fitzgerald, M. Hutinger, Paintner, Prokopi, newcomer Dick Criche, Luke, P. Hutinger, Maloney, and Tillotson. They combined for a total of 40 gold and 13 silver medals.

Bond, M. Hutinger, Maloney, Prokopi, and Troy competed in the March 7 development meet. After the meet, eight Mavericks and guests dined on spaghetti, prepared by Chef Prokopi, and Ass't, Bond. Raw veggies, fruit salad, homemade bread and cherry pie filled the empty tummies.

In March, Fitzgerald and Prokopi, and newcomer, Mary Jane Schafer, traveled to Lakeland to compete in the Polk Senior Games. Their total medal haul included 19 golds and 2 silvers.

At the St. Pete Meet in Apr, Prokopi, Starr, Troy, Luke, Olsen and Williams won High Point Awards. They received a large umbrella for their efforts. M. Hutinger, Vijil, and Maloney also competed. Our team placed 6th. After Sat.'s last event, we relaxed at the Hutingers over
pizza and frosty drinks.

In late May, Olsen and Williams represented the Mavericks at the Indian River Meet .

At the Sarasota meet in June, M & P Hutinger, Troy, Vijil, Prokopi, Olsen, newcomer Ruth Hoskinson, Williams, Tillotson, swam and can be seen wearing their clever Toe Biter t-shirts. Have you ever been a victim to this nasty bug during a workout? Paul has.

At the St. Pete Meet in July, the Hutingers, Troy and Tullman won high point awards. Brenda Ferradji, Prokopi, DeTore and newcomer, Don Smith also swam. After the meet, the annual pizza party bash at the Hutingers was cut short by an unexpected cloud burst.

At a Sr. Meet in St. Louis, Kenner wore her awards shirt and took her green towel. She reported her All American items got the attention she wanted, and she delighted in telling her former teammates that the Mavericks really look after their team.

At the Orlalndo SCM meet in Oct, high point winners included M & P Hutinger, Tullman, Maloney, Tillotson, Williams and Troy. Other participants included DeTore, Olsen, Schlegel, Smith and Vijil.

In the last Gulf swim this fall, at Clearwater, Maloney placed 1st, and Smith, 2nd in the mile event.

In Nov, Criche, Maloney and Smith swam well at Sanford, in spite of the chilly temps. Smith's picture, wrapped up in his blanket, made the local newspaper.

They also swam in the state meet in Kissimmee, in Dec, joined by Prokopi and Williams.

The Hutingers, A and J Kurtzman, MacDonald, Tullman and Unger, traveled to Coral Springs for the SCM Dixie Zone meet on Dec. 4 and 5. The Mavericks placed 2nd out of 21 teams and won a team plaque for their efforts. Paul broke the National 50 m back record in 38.38, and the 100
m back record in 1: 26:25. MacDonald added to the Christmas spirit, by giving each Maverick a Santa cap, which we wore during our dinner at Carrabbas. MacDonald was the "star" on Sunday, as he posed for many pictures. He will be on the cover of a national dentist's magazine, with an accompanying article featuring him and his swimming accomplishments.

On Dec. 4 & 5, theTBAC club of Tampa, held their first meet, at the Long Center, in Clearwater. The Mavericks placed 5th, out of 22 teams. High point winners included: Prokopi, Olsen, Williams, Troy, Maloney, Lee & Smith.

After the Good Life Games, the organizers total points of all competitors that enter at least three sports. Williams and Fitzgerald took top honors, and M Hutinger and Maloney received Honorable Mention. The Williams' made a significant contribution towards the continuance
of these Games.

President MacDonald, headquarted at the Naples Whitehouse, has planned a fun weekend for us in the Florida Keys. Captain Tommy Tracey will be guide on a fabulous snorkeling and reef adventure in the crystal clear waters off Marathon Key. Cost? two nights in a motel, food, and gas for the Captain's boat. Maverick adventure? Priceless. Let us know if you're interested.
P & M Hutinger, MacDonald & Carol, spent two days fishing and snorkeling in the sparkling clear, off Marathon Key, in March. Captain Tommy led the fearless crew to the shallow coral reefs and a sunken barge in search of tropical fish, and other underwater denizens. Margie caught an 18#, 3 foot long barracuda, that she reeled and reeled, and wouldn't let escape. Bob's may have been bigger, but the Captain released him. Tommy nabbed a lobster off the bottom and speared a red snapper. Dinners were prepared by the Capain. The first main course was surf and turf, with fresh lobster. We didn't think it could get better, but the next night it was pig out on barracuda and snapper. We voted the first annual Maverick Caribbean adventure an overwhelming success.

KEY WEST CHALLENGE--This program recognizes, rewards and encourages your regular participation in swimming, without regard to speed. This is a fun way to provide motivation and incentive. Your challenge is to swim 200 miles in your own pool. Congratulations to Mary Stein for being persistent in her workouts and completing this challenging journey. We presented her with her cool, unique, colorful t-shirt. Cost? None.

FEBRUARY FITNESS CHALLENGE--M. Hutinger was the lone Maverick participant in this year's event. She swim 20,075 yds. If competition in meets isn't your cup of tea, this would give you an incentive to drive to the pool more often, wiggle into your Speedo, adjust your goggles and be cool in the pool. We all need goals and challenges to spur us on.

ONE HOUR POSTAL--Eleven Mavericks began the competitive year by completing this Postal Swim. Out of 87 small teams (13 or fewer swimmers), our team placed 11th, swimming a total of 30,090 yards. The objective, to swim for an hour, can be accomplished in a varity of strokes and methods. For some of us, swimming continuous freestyle without stopping, would not be productive. We've included some of the diverse techniques of our swimmers: M Hutinger, (22 x 100 free @ 2:43), Bond, Prokopi, Olsen, Kenner, (ALL breaststroke); Maloney, (alternated
50 free and 50 breast); MacDonald, Williams, Cleaveland, (a change from his usual sprints); Tillotson, (500 free, the rest back, breaking @ each 500); Malbrough. We entered five relays, and one placed in the top six. In the 75+ age group, Tillotson, Cleaveland, and Malbrough placed 1st. Think about how YOU could swim for an hour, and get a jump start on the Millenium.

3000/6000 YARDS--Our team is sponsoring this event, and is looking for your positive support and encourage your participation as team members, according to your abilities and interests. Many of you will have the endurance to swim one or both of the events, and be included on a relay. If you cannot physically participate in this event, be a part of the Maverick team effort by donating the $10 entry fee, or more.

STUFFING PARTY--Following the August 1, Development Meet, the Hutingers hosted a deli sandwich potluck. We stuffed 250 envelopes with entries. With many willing and able hands, we accomplished this monumental task in little over an hour. The Hutingers greatly applaud and compliment our super work crew--DeTore, MacDonald & Carol, Prokopi, June Reynolds,
Smith and Mary Stein.

2ND PLACE IN 3000 YARDS--Our team of twelve Mavericks placed 2nd to Michigan, by only 2 points. Our five relays were winners, with four of them National record breakers: 55+ Women--Tullman, Lee, Bond; 65+ Men--MacDonald, Maloney, Schlegel; 55+ Mixed -- Maloney, Schlegel, Tullman, Bond; 65+ Mixed--Malbrough, MacDonald, Hoskinson, Kenner.
Other swimmers included M Hutinger, Olsen, Paintner. Prokopi, our only 6000 yards swimmer and placed 2nd. As sponsors, we were pleased with the record number of entries, 290. Although we faced awesome challenges, with entering data, final results, awards, t-shirts and the final mailing, stuffing everyone's packet correctly, the payoff was satisfying. The Mavericks made a major contribution to Masters swimming at the National level, and profited $2000. Our board members have initially decided to invest our money, and use the interest for a Maverick prize. We have so much to be thankful for, we want to share our good fortunes and promote and encourage swimming, beyond the confines of our own team. These gracious volunteers pitched in at one or both of our stuffing parties: C & R MacDonald, Smith, DeTore, Stein, Prokopi, Tullman, Tillotson, plus, D Prokopi brought her husband, Bill, and friends, Reynolds & Alex. We had $214 in donations, contributed by: Luke, Tillotson, Paintner, Olsen, Eliason, Schlegel, &MacDonald.

YMCA; BROWN DEER, WI; APRIL--Malbrough and MacDonald represented their local YMCAs at the Schroeder Y. MacDonald broke YMCA records in the 100 & 200 breast, and also in the 200 IM. Malbrough won all five of his events.

CANADIAN; NEPEAN,ONT; MAY-14-17-We first talked about competing at the SCM Meet in Canada, because Paul would be 75 there, and only 74 at the US SCY Meet, the same time. Twelve Mavericks, P & M Hutinger, McCullough, MacDonald, Malbrough, Tillotson, Kenner, Maloney, J Kurtzman, Starr, Olsen, Doris Prokopi, traveled to Nepean (suburb of Ottawa). We accounted for 40 individual gold medals, plus 6 more in relays. Since they have no divisions for team size, we competed against the biggest teams, with 70+ swimmers. Our men's team placed 2nd, and our combined team, 4th. Regan Kenner, 76, broke the US record in the 100 back in 1:49.68 and the 200 breast in 4:25.09. Frank Starr, at 89, was the senior swimmer in the meet. It didn't take long for the natives to notice the Florida Mavericks, sporting our orange swim caps, and several trades transpired. All competitors received a beret with the Meet logo, in our packets. Awards were pins, which we attached to our berets. Kurtzman, MacDonald and M. Hutinger, planned the impromtu early dinners, each day. They received positive responses when calling local restaurants and asking, "Can we have a table for 16 in a half hour?" We welcomed Steve Heck, from Baton Rouge, LA and John Bauman, from W. Allis, WI to our festivities.
The Rideau Heights Motor Inn, a small, friendly, quiet motel, only five minutes from the pool, served as Maverick headquarters. Five cars were available to drive to the pool and restaurant of the day. We made numerous new friends across the border, and have enduring, gratifying
memories of Maverick gatherings and the Canadian Nationals.

LCM NATIONALS; MINNEAPOLIS, MN; AUGUST--In last year's newsletter, we mentioned the possibility of a THREEPEAT. It's a reality!!! For the third year in a row, the Maverick men's team are National Champions. This year, the 10 men were were with the Medium Teams, 10-16 swimmers. From day one, David never relinquished the advantage on the Goliaths in the battle for 1st place, winning by 38 points. Our Combined Team, 14, crushed all other Small Teams to clinch their first National Championship, by 144 points. This year, everyone on the winning teams received a personal share in the victory, an impressive individual engraved silver medal. The Mavericks accounted for four individual and two US Relay Records. Malbrough, 86, broke the 50 m back in 52.48 and the 100 m back in 2:04.83. MacDonald broke the 200 m breast in 3:29.06. Kenner broke the 100 m breast time in 2:04.25. The 320+ Men's Medley Relay, with Malbrough, McCullough, A. Kurtzman, and Cleaveland swam a 3:13.89 and the 280+ Mixed Medley Relay with Kenner, A. Kurtzman, J. Kurtzman, and
Troy swam 2:53.93, although they placed 2nd. Every swimmer earned a medal in every event he/she swam. Individually, we accounted for 16 gold, 23 silvers and 6 bronze medals. Our relays
earned 2 gold and 2 silver medals. Ten swimmers earned the National Championship patch, for their 1st place swims. Other swimmers not mentioned previously, include M and P Hutinger, Prokopi, Luke, Maloney and Tillotson. We made a splash in the pool, debuting our custom
Maverick blue and orange suits. MESSAGE SEEN ON BACK OF T-SHIRTS AT NATIONALS--"80 and above is the only age group that matters" (Worn by Cleaveland, Malbrough, McCullough, Tillotson) NOTE--This meet marked the beginning of the Hutinger/Volckening relationship, with J Kurtzman's introduction. Margie traded an orange
Maverick cap for a yellow Barracuda cap from Bill. She later saw a swimmer in one of the younger heats, and wondered........who is that? You guessed it. That was Bill's debut as an Honorary Maverick.

COACH'S CORNER--Belonging to a team is more than going to a meet, swimming your events and going home. When the Mavericks swam at their first Nationals in Orlando, in 1997 and again at Ft. Lauderdale in 1998, we had several team dinners. In Minneapolis, we missed out on the
established tradition. Since we neglected this aspect, I will comment on what I felt were important contributions to our two National Championships: Cleaveland and his unending enthusiasm and boundless energy; Margie scampering across the deck and searching the balconies for the 80+ men needed for their 320+ relay (they won and earned 22 precious points to maintain our lead); Kenner, MacDonald and Malbrough for their superb efforts in setting US records; A. Kurtzman swimming the 200 fly, and asking how many points he made for the team; J. Kurtzman retaining his 8 yr. old world record in the 200 fly; Luke's outstanding efforts in exerting his body to the max, in spite of declining health; Tillotson, Malbrough, Luke and Maloney who hung around the last morning to swim the 1500 and earn points for the team, especially Maloney, who barely finished in time to catch his plane; McCullough; scoring well, despite problems with his fly; Prokopi swimming her events with leg cramps from 2 days of working her son's fossil show; Troy battling for points with world record holders Krauser & Roper. I bettered several of my times since surgery and missed the 50 back record by 4 tenths of a sec. I am very proud of all of you and the effort you made to compete in this meet and every point you scored, whether it was first or tenth.

SENIOR NATIONALS, ORLANDO, OCTOBER--Eight Mavericks competed in this national event. Troy had 3 gold medals, two silvers and a bronze; Cleaveland, three golds, two silvers and a bronze; Tullman, five silvers; DeTore, one silver; and Prokopi a bronze, among their total
medal count. Criche and Williams also competed. Fitzgerald qualified in swimming, but chose to participate in other events: 3rd-Table Tennis, doubles; Badminton; and Track & Field. CONGRATULATIONS to all our Senior athletes.

MUNICH, 2000--It's not too early to be thinking about the Worlds. How about a Millennium trip? We will be swimming at The Olympic Park Pool, site of the 1972 Olympics, July 29-August 4. Since they both speak German, fluently, Prokopi and Maloney have begun searching for rooms in the Munich area. Even if you tentatively plan on this adventure, let us know, so they can reserve an adequate number of room. The Hutingers and several others are planning on taking advantage of the Ponte Vedre Travel Agency. They have arranged other World Meets for Masters swimmers, are reasonable and competent in scheduling for the needs of the swimmers.

Malbrough was recognized in the May/June Swim Magazine as an All Star for his age group. After the All Americans were listed for all three courses, All Stars are selected for each age group, by achieving the most first places in each age group. Dave had 15 first place times in 1998.

We try to include everyone in relays that would like to participate. One of the team goals, is to help as many members, as so desire, to achieve a Top Ten time. Relays give more swimmers the opportunity to be successful, especially in the 400's and 800's. We would like to be able to afford to have the club pay for all relays. However, as of now, we do not have sufficient funds in our Treasury. Our present policy is:

1. NATIONAL MEETS--club pays for relays, best combinations. Funds made available by donations.
2. OTHER MEETS--swimmers pay for their share of relay expenses--about $1.00 per swim.

Tillotson and J Kurtzman placed 2nd for the visiting team high point, at a meet in Greenville, SC, in July, and won the very first Maverick team trophy. Way to go, guys!!

During the LCM season, numerous Maverick team records were broken or established--39 women's; 38 men's and 7 relay. As our team increases in age groups, Margie is filling in more and more of the empty rectangles on the record page.

At Minneapolis, one topic of conversation, was the desire for a real banner. With a three peat under our belts, we felt the team was ready to upgrade from our present small banner, hand made, by Paul, and displayed at Nepean, Canada, and Minneapolis The cost is approximately
$300. The color will be blue and orange to match our suits, including the green frog. MacDonald donated the first $100. We would appreciate any amount you would like to contribute to our banner fund.

As you know, team suits are in the works. In talking to members this past year, considerable interest has been expressed in having a unique Maverick suit to coincide with our distinctive and outstanding characteristics, befitting the National Champs. We choose the Turbo Co, with their Dye Method, which will never crack or peel, because it is internal to the fibers. We still have to sign the contract and finalize the order, with sizes, and they have to dye and make our suits. The team order will arrive in time for Nationals, in August. Our sincere thanks to the 10 women and 12 men who supported the Maverick team effort by ordering suits--blue with orange logo & Mavericks on the front and a green frog on the butt.

Who was the first to wear our new team suit?
1. Meet--LCM Nationals, Minneapolis, MN, August 19, 1999.
2. Swimmer & Male--Brud Cleaveland
3. Woman--Regan Kenner
4. Winner--Regan Kenner
5. Male winner--Dave Malbrough
6. Record breaker--Dave Malbrough
7. Woman record breaker--Regan Kenner
8. Male to win the 100 fly from Lane 6--Joe Kurtzman

In the 1999, SCM season, the Mavericks broke 46 women's; 26 men's & 14 relay team records.

One aspect of Masters swimming that has always been important to Paul, is to recognize swimmers for their achievements. This year, the officers selected a blue denim shirt, monogrammed with Florida Maverick Masters and either All American or Top Ten, 1998, above the pocket, to present to the swimmers, at the second annual awards dinners. We had two awards ceremonies. Awards #1, was held at the Hutinger residence, with grilled pork tenderloin, as the main course, accompanied with other dishes, brought by the guests. Award recipients
included the Hutingers, Luke, Maloney, Prokopi, and Tillotson. Luke received the Coach's Award, a swim bag, for his outstanding swims at SCY Nationals in May, and further improvements at LCM Nationals in August. All in spite of the challenges of myositis, a progressive muscle weakening disease. Awards #2, was held at our hotel in Canada, after dinner at the House of Lasagne. Additional recipients included Kenner, J. Kurtzman, MacDonald, Malbrough, Olsen and Starr. Kenner and Malbrough, world and national record setters, received framed pictures depicting their achievements. Tillotson, presented the Hutingers with Big Bird, his
annual award for their numerous contributions to the Mavericks. Frank originally won Bird in a walk/race while visiting friends in Romania, and was honored as the oldest winner. Other winners, not attending included: the Havliceks, Ferradji and Olufs. New members, Cleaveland, A. Kurtzman, McCullough and Troy, were recognized as honorary achievers. We felt that having 16 out of 27 members earning a Top Ten time, was a significant accomplishment in our 2nd year of existence. Everyone received certificates which included all their top ten times.

In the three years since the Mavericks emerged as a Masters team, we have been blessed by the generosity of its members. 1999 was a continuation of the good will built up during the early years of our existence. Three members donated gifts to promote our Threepeat National Champs status. Whether you competed, swam at Nationals or are a fitness swimmers, this is their expression of thanks for your 1999 participation and support of the Mavericks. Joe Kurtzman donated the orange and blue key rings, with our popular green frog; Aaron Kurtzman, the white caps; and Malbrough the inside pages and idea for the Masters swimming log. J Kurtzman felt we should have a photo album to record our Maverick history. He contributed the funds for that purchase. Tillotson helped the Hutingers staple a recent newsletter. The following week, he delivered an electric stapler, to replace the antique. Last month, we mentioned purchasing a BANNER to promote our team. Funds arrived, from $10>$100, to the tune of $320, from: Troy,
MacDonald, Luke, Kenner, Eliason, J Kurtzman & Tillotson. Prokopi collects aluminum cans from members, turns them in at recycling and adds the cash to our specific relay fund. Other members, Hutingers, Luke, Olsen, MacDonald, Starr, Tillotson, Troy, Williams and Honorary Mavericks, send us checks or cash, $5>$50, with instructions to use where needed. Hutingers (pork tenderloins), Maloney (chili) and Prokopi (spaghetti) provided main courses for our development meets and awards dinner. Newsletter sponsors have been acknowledged with each issue, and more are on the waiting list for future issues. We appreciate all the support and contributions that have enhanced the Maverick club, to make it the success it has become. In
addition, all Masters clubs should look beyond their immediate goals to a broader perspective of the swimming community. J Kurtzman donated a box of unused goggles to needy swimmers on a local age group team; the Hutingers contributed extra suits and goggles. Malbrough supplied
swimming logs to a high school team.

At the Masters convention in September, USMS selected Paul Hutinger as their male Masters nominee to be inducted into the ISHOF, in Ft. Lauderdale, for 2000. His numerous and amazing accomplishments include 257 National Records, 95 World Records, 134 National Championships, 13 International Championships, and All American for 28 years. This is a
prestigious honor, as only one male and one female Masters swimmer is inducted, each year.

For the second year in a row, the Maverick Lane Lines has received an Honorable Mention (Top Ten) in the annual USMS Newsletter Contest. Thanks for your sponsorhip contributions, which permits us to circulate our publication.

President, Bob MacDonald gave Carol Hone an engagement ring on Christmas Eve. On New Year's Eve, wedding bells rang, hours before the 2000 Millennium fireworks.

Out of your $30 dues, only $7 stays with our club. This, and generous donations, from $5 to $100, constitute our entire means of support. Part of the cost of printing the newsletters comes from specified donations. The relay fund is the club's contribution (donated) for those competing in National Relays. In order to provide the Top Ten and All American awards, which cost over $200, we solicited donations to cover that amount. Overall, we received almost $1100 in donations. Our checkbook balance at the end of the year was $2,470, most of which is
profit from the 3000/6000 yards postal event.

In 1999, we had 37 members, ranging in age from 29 to 89.