Masters Swimmer Betsy Owens: A Remembrance
(Last week Masters swimmer Betsy Owens passed away. This is a remembrance of Betsy by a close friend.)
By Mary Lou Schulz
IT has for me, been a privilege and honor to have known Betsy Owens. She was a dear friend. Our relationship spanned nearly 2 decades and in that time we worked together on ever so many Adirondack Masters Swimming (ADMS) details and spent hours organizing LMSC affairs. She was my supporter and advisor, roommate at countless meets and conventions and an inspiration to the sport we both loved.
What she did for Adirondack and Masters Swimming in general can hardly be given justice in limited time and space. To her credit were the annual team banquets and the accompanying awards presentations, our annual renewal registration application which was used for years, a membership directory, places-to-swim listings, a team Market Place directory, lending library and Peak Performer trophies given to high point achievers.
In addition, Betsy was instrumental in the Lake Placid Open Water Swims, in arranging clinics, in coordinating volunteers for ADMS duties and in selecting, ordering and distributing ADMS T-shirts, merchandise and equipment.
She was ADMS Treasurer, Registrar and Chair, By-laws Committee Chair, and banquet organizer for the New York State Championships. She served on the Board for the New York Masters Empire State Games, chaired the Local and National Fitness Committees and was a delegate to nine US Aquatic Sports Conventions.
Betsy’s tireless ambition to the cause of Masters Swimming was truly remarkable. She was special and I will always remember her.