This is a collection of press releases and feature articles I’ve written as the Communications Director for Southern California Aquatics (SCAQ), an adult swim team. They were published in The Front Page, a local publication in Culver City, and highlighted the stories of team members.
Jerome Smith
After suffering a heart attack six years ago, Jerome Smith’s heart only pumps at 34 percent of a healthy one. But that hasn’t kept the 75-year-old from blasting away at swim workouts. Now, he plans to compete in his first swim meet in 15 years, proving that age and a health condition don’t have to deter an exercise plan.
Clay Evans (second from left) is presented with a silver medal for his butterfly leg in the 4×100 meter relay (’76).
Several SCAQ coaches started out in the water themselves-and at the top of the medals podium. Three of them, Clay Evans (head coach and founder), Rada Owens, and David Walters, even went as far as the Olympics. David Walters, who leads ocean swims for SCAQ, still holds the American Record in the 100-meter freestyle for his performance in Beijing. It is rare to find athletes of this caliber coaching at the local level; it would be like NBA stars hosting a clinic at a nearby park!
Chris Wall dives in
Many recall fond childhood memories of winning a race or scoring a goal. But growing up doesn’t have to mean the end of team sports. In fact, for two adult swimmers, Rossella Pescatori and Chris Wall, competing is a means of relaxation.
No Hamburgers Here- Just Catch-Up
Two swimmers, Bob Beresh and David Walters, are opposites when it comes to skill-level. One is a beginner and the other competed in the 2008 Olympics. But the two share a struggle that anyone trying to exercise can relate to — getting a move during the winter months.
Amateur Marathon Swimmer Reaches 10 Miles 
Stephanie Hopson went from feeling intimidated by the Masters swimmers to competing in open-water swims. The water is now her “happy place,” she said.
Triathletes Lap up Workouts at The Plunge
Jason May crosses the finish line
Jason May and Melanie Webber, two local triathletes, have excelled in competition and both started out in the pool: the Culver City Plunge. One has reached the elite level and the other is a novice swimmer, but they both enjoy the sport and the time they spend swimming laps at Culver City’s pool.
Potential Olympian Who Is a Blur, Newcomer Toomey
In the fall of 2014, SCAQ welcomed Olympic hopeful Derek Toomey to the coaching staff. He boasted a 50 freestyle time of 19 seconds. In the time it takes most people to fill up a glass of water or walk up the stairs, he could swim two laps of the pool.