Olympic swimmers coming soon
Olympic greats like Gabe Woodward, Brendan Hansen, Rachel Komisarz and more than 20 other professionals can be seen swimming in OCCC’s Aquatic Center.
The swimmers will gather for the 15th annual Kerr-McGee Elite Pro-Am meet Dec. 14 through 17.
The event will feature 630 athletes and will include swimming events including distance, mile, sprint and relays.
Aquatics and Safety Training Specialist Stephanie Scott said the event has taken place every year in the seven years she has worked here.
She said this is not the only meet involving Olympians, but it is one where they are highlighted.
“It’s the only meet that has professional swimmers competing,” Scott said. “It’s one of our favorite events to work.”
Along with the Olympic gold medalists, national record holders also will participate.
Scott said some of the swimmers have won gold medals in the past and others will participate in the 2008 Olympics. Other swimmers also will be in attendance to compete in the meet.
“In addition to [pro swimmers competing], there are local groups competing too. It’s a qualifying meet and it’s elite, meaning they have to be exceptionally fast to qualify,” Scott said.
She said high school swimmers who have been competing year ‘round would be able to swim against some of the professional swimmers.
“Its pretty exciting ... to watch 16-,17- and 18-year-olds compete right next to an Olympian. In any sport that’s going to be cool. The whole goal in swimming is to get your times faster,” Scott said.
Kerr-McGee runs the event, while OCCC hosts it.
College and staff members do a lot of work setting up the event but it is mainly Kerr-McGee’s swim meet, Scott said.
This event also awards cash prizes, but only to the professional athletes.
The college and high school athletes are not allowed to accept cash prizes due to NCAA rules and regulations.
“Only the professionals can compete for cash prizes,” Scott said.
Scott said this type of event is one where college scouts can be found watching some of the high school swimmers, so this is an important meet that attracts a lot of attention.
The top eight finishers receive awards. For more information, contact Scott at 405-682-1611 ext., 7662 or visit www.rcs.occc.edu.
Staff Writer John Savage can be reached at StaffWriter2@occc.edu.
