Shelly Calonge heard about MTSC Masters about a year before she
mustered up the courage to give it a try. Making a 5:30 a.m. workout
was going to be tough enough, but she was also a little nervous
about swimming with a “MASTERS” group because she didn’t have
much experience in the competitive strokes.
That was 5 years ago and she’s still swimming.
With a background in gymnastics and running, Shelly sought a
new challenge.
“I wanted to be competitive at something; I just did not know
what. After working up the courage to get up before the sun rose
and getting to the pool for my first masters workout, needless
to say, I was hooked!” says Shelly.
It’s her competitive nature that keeps her swimming.
“At workout, Ron always pushes me to go faster, swim harder,
and be a better swimmer than I ever thought I could. He makes
the workouts so enjoyable, fun, and harder than you could imagine!
I always leave with a sense of accomplishment,” she said.
Accomplishment is right; in her first meet, Shelly won 6 events.
She currently holds team records in the 50 and 100 breaststroke
events.
“Coach Ron (Chlasta) prepares us well to swim competitively and
the whole team encourages one another to be the best we can,”
says Shelly.
“Not only have I learned a great new skill that I can use for
a lifetime, but I have also made many new friends that I will
keep forever.”
Shelly and her husband have a two year old son, Greyson, who
is enrolled a “Toddlers in Transition” class at Sea Star Swim
School. They are optimistic that Greyson will follow in her footsteps.
“I think he’ll be a swimmer too!” declares his proud mom.
