AGUA Masters – A Source of Open
Water Inspiration
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I have a fear of open water swimming. Oddly, I am fine on a surfboard or diving – but swimming to reach a far off destination through open water? That is something you do if your boat is in trouble. I am comfortable in a pool and understand racing in a pool; I can see everything underwater. My sport belongs in a pool. At least that was how I felt before this past summer with AGUA Masters.
I have been inspired by many of you this summer. Nate Freeman, Bob Kolonkowski, Ross Paterson, Sharon Snyder, Fleur Sohtz, and Kevin Yao are just a few of the people that have made me want to push through my comfort zone. I am not ready to swim the English Chanel like Ross or take on the 20 bridges swim like Fleur, however, they have inspired me to take an open water baby-step.
On Sunday, September 26 I am competing in back-to-back open water races in northern Virginia. By the time you read this, I will have completed my first four-mile open water swim. Note that “completed” is my goal. Just doing this event is accomplishment enough for me.
I would love to know who and what inspires you to take a risk. Share your story to be featured your story in a future newsletter.
If you have any questions, my door is always open. Please feel free to email me at [email protected].
See you at the pool,
–Coach John
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Dr. Bill Ross Memorial Masters Swim Meet, Sunday, November 21
AGUA Masters swimmer Robert Kolonkowski and Metropolitan Masters Swimming are putting together a rare opportunity to compete in a 25-meter swim meet at Nassau County Aquatics Center (Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY). The meet is on Sunday, November 21, at 12pm.
Come out and support our teammates, New York metropolitan-area Masters swimming, and our sport in general. We can shoot for records as a team in relays and individual events. After the meet, we can go out as a team, share a meal, and the post-competition glow that never leaves a swim meet. I am swimming in the meet myself and I hope that you will join me! Learn more and register to compete.
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Reminder: Vaccine Mandate In Effect
All members ages 12+ are required to have at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and the second dose by October 18, 2021 to visit
our facilities.
To make vaccine verification easier for members, we are introducing the Asphalt Green Pass, a sticker that will be added to your member ID when you complete our one-time verification process. If you have not already, complete this form. When you arrive at Asphalt Green, present your member ID alongside your proof of vaccination to staff members located in the lobby. Acceptable forms of proof include your vaccine card, a photo of your vaccine card, Excelsior, or NYC COVID Safe app. You will receive a sticker on the back of your member ID.
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Support Asphalt Green's Angel Macias at the New York City Marathon
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Asphalt Green’s Angel Macias, Waterproofing Supervisor and Swim School Administrator, will be running this year’s New York City Marathon. He runs to raise money and build awareness for Asphalt Green's mission, providing access to sports and fitness opportunities for all New Yorkers, with Waterproofing particularly close to his heart.
We will share Angel’s bib number closer to the event, so you can track
his run.
Good luck to Angel and thank you for representing Asphalt Green Aquatics at the marathon this year. Support Angel's efforts and visit his
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Remembering 20 years of 9/11 and Swim for the Future
The Swim for the Future scholarship was created in honor of two Masters swim team members—Andrew Fisher and Doug Irgang— who tragically lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Since its inception, over 400 scholarships approaching $1 million dollars have been awarded for talented athletes to compete on our AGUA Swim Team. In memory of 20 years, we are creating a book to remember Andrew Fisher, Doug Irgang, and to honor the athletes who have received the scholarship.
There are two ways to give: donate or place a journal ad in the commemorative book. With these donations, Swim for the Future scholarships will be given to qualified AGUA Swim Team athletes as well as Asphalt Green swim school and swim league participants, which are feeder AGUA programs.
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Lane and Practice Etiquette
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Full capacity and no reservations: We ask for patience and cooperation in maintaining proper spacing at practice, especially now that we are operating at full capacity. Please note that you might not always be in the same lane each practice.
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Welcome new swimmers: Please be welcoming and courteous to all new Masters swimmers.
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Workouts: Please participate in the assigned workouts during practice.
Team Unify Account Access – If you are having trouble accessing your TeamUnify account, please reach out to Coach John directly at [email protected].
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REMINDER: Masks are required for all visitors in all common areas at Asphalt Green, including lobbies, stairways, elevators, and locker rooms. Thank you for your cooperation.
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Asphalt Green has helped thousands of children stay active through free programs in schoolyards, gymnasiums, and pools across New York City. Today, the organization is focused on providing a critical mental and physical outlet for kids in a socially distant world.
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