Connecticut Swimming's Senior Open Championship was held July 8-11, 2004 at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. Over 500 swimmers attended, from Connecticut and surrounding states, resulting in fast swims and many qualifiers for the Speedo Super Sectional meet to be held July 22-25th in Buffalo, NY.
Missing from the Senior Open Championship were the five Connecticut athletes competing in the USA Swimming 2004 Olympic Trials. This was the second Trials meet for Ben Michaelson, the third-fastest American in the 100M Butterfly and joining Ben were 4 other first-time Connecticut qualifiers. Listed are the athletes and their place finish at the Olympic Trials: Meredith Bryarly (OMNI) 38th in the 50M Freestyle; Daniel Madwed (SHKS) 30th in the 200M Butterfly; Ben Michaelson (SNCO) third in the 100M Butterfly; Geoff Rathgeber (SNCO) 36th in the 200M Individual Medley and Tammie Repass (SNCO) 30th in the 200M Butterfly. Congratulations to these outstanding athletes!!
Special appreciation and thanks go to the Senior Open meet management. The meet ran flawlessly due to the huge volunteer efforts of the Jeff Allen, Senior Committee Chair; Sara Roberts, Meet Director and Ed Doernberger, Meet Referee. The coaches and officials especially enjoyed the scrumptious meals and snacks prepared by Mary Smith and Eileen McHale. Thank you to all the many volunteers who made the Senior Open a success!