The Capt. Ransom Arthur M.D. Award
A NATIONAL award in honor of U.S. Navy Captain Ransom J. Arthur, M.D., who, by his sacrifice, perseverance, and dedication to improving the health of adults through swimming, established the Masters Swimming program in the United States. This top USMS award is given annually to the person who has done the most to further the objectives of U.S. Masters Swimming. PNA’s Ransom J. Arthur awardees include:
2007 – Jeanne Ensign
2006 – Sally Dillon
2002 – Hugh Moore
2002 – Jane Moore
1993 – Kathy Casey
1992 – Walt Reid
USMS Dorothy Donnelly Service Award
Also NATIONAL awards, the first USMS Service Awards were presented in 1997 by then President Mel Goldstein. In 2000 the award was named in honor of the original “voice” of USMS, Dorothy Donnelly. Up to 15 people are selected each year from nominations submitted by LMSCs, clubs and individuals. PNA’s Dot Donnelly awardees include:
2017 – Jim Davidson (PNA Open Water Coordinator)
2015 – Linda Chapman (PNA Meets Coordinator)
2011 – Herb Cook (PNA Secretary)
2009 – Lisa Dahl (PNA VP)
2009 – Paul Freeman (editor, The WetSet)
2008 – Tom Foley (PNA Past President, At-Large Rep, Historian)
2008 – Sarah Welch (PNA Fitness & Clinics Coordinator)
2007 – Arni Litt (PNA Registrar)
2007 – Steve Peterson (PNA President)
2006 – Kathy Casey (PNA Rules)
2006 – Hugh Moore
2006 – Walt Reid
2005 – Lee Carlson (PNA President)
2005 – Jan Kavadas
2002 – Sally Dillon
2002 – Jeanne Ensign
2002 – Sandy McNeel (editor, The WetSet)
1999 – Jane Moore
USMS Kerry O’Brien Coaching Award
This NATIONAL award was first introduced as the Grass Roots Coaching Award in 2008 but renamed to honor Coach Kerry O’Brien of Walnut Creek Masters, who embodies the passion, dedication, and heart that so many of our coaches bring to the pool deck:
2020 – (nominate your coach by July 1!)
2014 – April Cheadle, Bainbridge Aquatic Masters, Bainbridge Island
2010 – Wendy Neely, Federal Way Masters (now Blue Wave Aquatics)
2008 – Cynthia Krass, Columbia Athletic Club, Sammamish
2008 – Marilyn Grindrod, Olympic Aquatic Club Masters, Bremerton
PNA Coach of the Year Award
PNA recognizes a coach annually for outstanding contributions to local Masters swimming programs. To nominate your coach, submit a letter of support addressing any or all of the following selection criteria below to Sally Dillon (salswmr@comcast.net):
– improvement or enhancement of an ongoing program or establishment of a new program
– sustained service over a long period of time
– contributions to PNA
– commitment to PNA
– willingness to share coaching skills and information
– loyalty of team members
– coaching accomplishments
– and/or inspiration to others.
The recipients are:
2023 – [nominate your coach!]
2022 – Wade Praeger, Lake Washington Masters, Juanita
2021 – Chad Hagedorn, Bernardo’s All Stars, Tacoma
2020 – Calvin Milbach, Thunderbird Aquatic Masters, Anacortes
2019 – Brad Hering, Stanwood-Camano YMCA, Stanwood
2018 – Pete Colella, North End Otters, Shoreline
2017 – Wendy Neely, Blue Wave Aquatics, Federal Way
2016 – April Cheadle, Bainbridge Aquatic Masters, Bainbridge Island
2015 – Paul Ikeda, Orca Swim Team, Seattle
2014 – Joel Dodds, Mukilteo YMCA, Mukilteo
2013 – April Cheadle, Bainbridge Aquatic Masters, Bainbridge Island
2012 – Becca Watson, Lake Washington Masters, Juanita
2011 – Ken Rice, West Coast Aquatic Masters, Mill Creek
2010 – Shannon Singer, Skagit Valley Masters, Mount Vernon
2009 – Lynn Wells, Aquatic Fanatics, Poulsbo
2008 – Mel Smith, Briggs Y Masters, Olympia
2007 – Robin O’Leary, North End Otters, Shoreline
2006 – Neil Romney, North Whidbey Masters, Oak Harbor
2005 – Michael McKinlay, Downtown/Bellevue Swim Team
2004 – Wendy and Malcolm Neely, Federal Way Masters (now Blue Wave Aquatics)
PNA Dawn Musselman Inspirational Swimmer Award
PNA has presented the Dawn Musselman Inspirational Swimmer Award annually since 1986, in memory of our “ultimate Masters swimmer,” Dawn Musselman (1913-1986). Dawn inspired others and encouraged them to do their best. Want to know more? Read the article about her on pages 4-5 of the July 1976 issue of The WetSet. Also Dan Levin’s 1978 Sports Illustrated article about Dawn!
| The recipients are: 2023 – nominate! 2022 – Jim Lasersohn 2021 – Tonya Berg 2020 – Steve Freeborn 2019 – Arni Litt 2018 – Lisa Dahl 2017 – Zena Courtney 2016 – Steve Peterson 2015 – Sally Dillon 2014 – Charlotte Davis 2013 – Rick Colella 2012 – Kiko Kimura 2011 – Sarah Welch 2010 – Betsey Kassen 2009 – Steve LaHaie 2008 – June Van Leynseele 2007 – Lee Carlson 2006 – Jeanne Ensign 2005 – Gene Crossett 2004 – Kathy Casey 2003 – Chaya Amiad 2002 – Barb Gundred 2001 – Paul Ikeda 2000 – Joan Davis 1999 – Dan Frost 1998 – Clark Pace 1997 – Suzanne Dills 1996 – Ian Thompson 1995 – Tammi Keeler 1994 – Marion Mueller 1993 – Robin O’Leary 1992 – Jan Kavadas 1991 – Karen Jost 1990 – Tom Foley 1989 – Jim Penfield 1988 – Maxine Carlson 1987 – Marlene Holmes 1986 – Dawn Musselman |
 Photo by Earl Walter (Oregon Masters)
Nominations are open to all PNA members. We’re looking for the candidate who Do you swim with someone who qualifies? Compose a few paragraphs telling us why! (Send to Steve Peterson by the end of March.) The award, consisting of a personal plaque and the perpetual trophy with the recipient’s name added, is presented at the PNA Champs meet in Federal Way at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center. |
PNA Outstanding Service Award
Occasionally PNA has chosen to recognize an individual or individuals whose service to our LMSC is so extraordinary that it goes well beyond expectation. The Board honors these volunteers with a special gift to thank them for their many contributions over an extended period of time.
2013 – Walt Reid
2008 – Jeanne Ensign
2003 – Lee Carlson
1998 – Hugh and Jane Moore