Dozens of swimmers cut through the cool Woodport waters on Saturday as part of the third annual Tom Wear Memorial Swim, which was split into a one- and two-mile race. The swim drew an extra large crowd in part because it served as a practice run for when Lake Hopatcong hosts the U.S. Masters Swimming two-mile nationals next year. It also raised money to honor the K9 teams called to action on Sept. 11, 2001, serving as a fundraiser for the Southern Tier Police Canine Association, 11th Hour Rescue, and the Jefferson Township Municipal Pound. For those who would like to make an online PAWS donation for the charities, go to  https://www.compuscorereg.com//register/default.aspx?event=5478  and follow the link for “charitable donation.”

TWSwim_2011_-_1aEric Nilsson, winner of the two-mile swim with a time of 43:06

TWSwim_2011_-_2

Swimmers (male two-mile) head into the lake.

TWSwim_2011_-_2a

Jemila Najjar-Keith, winner of the women’s mile swim.

TWSwim_2011_-_6

Swimmers heading into the lake discuss the start location.

TWSwim_2011_-_7

Female two-milers wait at the start, including eventual winner, Annie Ferguson.

TWSwim_2011_-_8

Female two-milers in the water.

TWSwim_2011_-_11

The start of the mile swim.

TWSwim_2011_-_14

Swimmers in the lake.

TWSwim_2011_-_18

TWSwim_2011_-_19

TWSwim_2011_-_21

Eric Nilsson touches the dock first at 43:06.

TWSwim_2011_-_25A swimmer rounds the mile marker and heads out for the second leg of the two-mile swim.

TWSwim_2011_-_28Zach Bagnall touches the dock finishing the one-mile swim.

TWSwim_2011_-_29Andrew Richardi, center, makes his way out of the lake.

TWSwim_2011_-_32A swimmer gets a helping hand getting out of the lake.

Leave a Reply

Please enter the word you see in the image below: