Masters Program

Masters workouts are developed and coached by Logan Franks. Coaches remain on the deck while workouts are being conducted and will adjust swimmers techniques in order to improve their stroke. Swimmers of all levels are welcome as participants are divided according to the pace at which they swim. New participants must be able to swim 400 yards straight in order to participate in the workouts.

A typical master's workout includes the warm-up, the main set and the cool-down. A sufficient warm-up is essential and a relaxing cool-down will help to fight fatigue and sore muscles. A typical workout lasts for an hour or more. The main part of most workouts consists of sets of varying distances. Repetitions divide each set into manageable parts, such as "5 x 100," which means that you swim 100 yards (the length of a football field), stop to rest, and then repeat that distance four more times, for a total of five repetitions.

In addition to sets, you may be asked to complete skill drills that challenge you to think about body position, parts of each stroke, and other essentials of swimming. For example, your coach may ask you to swim with your fists clenched, to draw attention to the importance of high elbow and unbroken wrist line.

As a new swimmer, or someone returning after a long absence, you must be prepared for a challenge—especially to your lungs. Breathe often! Do not try to impress yourself or others by holding your breath, or your workout will be over very soon. Swim smart and build up your endurance over time. It can take six months before you can make the workouts as written—even for skilled athletes who have endurance in other sports—swimming is different. Give yourself plenty of time, enjoy your new friends, and communicate any concerns to your coach.

Todd Shillington

imgWe would like to extend a warm welcome to Todd Shillington who has joined the WAC team. Todd will assume the coaching role for our early morning (Tu/Th 5:30-6:30am) masters swim workouts and will also be on deck coaching the Tuesday evening (6-7pm) swim workouts. Todd has been a long time resident of the TO area and is well known as a terrific coach in the masters swim community. Todd’s focus on stroke technique will greatly help members improve their efficiency in the water and his outgoing personality will motivate swimmers to attain new goals in the pool.

Todd began swimming in the mornings of his junior and senior year of high school at WAC (formerly Westlake Swim & Tennis Club) with Ingrid Daland before Westlake High School had a pool on campus. Todd swam in college at the University of Minnesota Mankato and has been coaching Masters swimming for the last 18 years. Todd was the coach of his daughter at Oaks Christian High School for 4 years before she went onto swim for the University of the Pacific on an athletic scholarship. Todd is excited to back at the club where his passion for swimming began and looks forward to igniting that passion for swimming in our members. Todd is a Level 1 & 2 USMS Coach.

Mark Hontas

imgIn Masters Swimming, Hontas is a Level 2 US Masters Swimming Coach. He has achieved national top 10 times in the 200 butterfly (2009-11) and two national top 10 times in the one - hour postal swim (2010-11). He was the 1983 Greek National Champion in the 400 IM and took second place in the 200 fly. In 1984, he was part of the Greek National Championship team for the 400 IM Relay (butterfly leg). He also placed second in the 400 IM and the 200 butterfly. In 1983, he competed at the Balkan Games in Rijeka, Yugoslavia, and placed second in the 400 IM. From 1982-86, he was on a full swimming scholarship at The Ohio State University. He sawm the 200 butterfly and the 400 IM and was a Big Ten finalist in both events all four years. He grew up in Chesterland, Ohio, where he was a four-year high school All-American and senior co-captain at Hawken School. From his childhood years, his 200-meter butterfly age group record from 1977 still stands. Mark and his wife Laura run a corporate meeting and event planning business out of Agoura Hills, their son Cole is attending the University of Wisconsin - Madison and their daughter Elise is attending The Ohio State University.

David Hershman

David Hershman, Masters Coach on Mondays, Wednesdays 12:00-1:00 pm

David is a retired teacher and coach. He taught and coached Swimming and Water Polo at Calabasas High School for 38 years, leading the Boy’s Swimming Team to a CIF Team Championship in 1987 and a CIF Boys Team Runner-up title in 2015.

David enjoys training himself and has competed in the World Triathlon Championship in Kona, Hawaii as a four time finisher. Recently, he competed at the United States Masters Open Water Middle Distance Championships and the Multi Sport Nationals in Omaha, Nebraska in the Open Water Swim, the Aqua Bike, and the Sprint Triathlon Championships.

Masters Swim FAQ

Not sure if Masters Swim is right for you? Check out the FAQ below from U.S. Masters.

"Masters" sounds intimidating... is this really for me?

The word "Masters" was first applied to adults who participated in track and field, and was later adopted in organized adult swimming. In swimming, Masters simply means 18 and older.

Do I have to compete to be a Masters swimmer?

No. When organized adult swimming started to become popular in the 1960s, the intent was that adults would swim to stay in shape. But early organizers knew that some adults would want to compete, so it is offered. About 25% of the nearly 60,000 US Masters Swim members enter pool or open water competitions. The greater percentage of USMS members do not compete.

But I'm not fast enough or in shape enough to be a Masters swimmer?

This is something a lot of Masters Coaches hear. However, most Masters coaches and swimmers don't care how fast you are. In nearly every program, there are others of similar ability, or those who started where you are and have improved. Don't let your percevied ability, or lack thereof, hold you back. Although it's important to have a physical examination before starting any exercise routine, you don't need to be in top shape to start Masters swimming - Masters swimming will help you get there!

I'm a triathlete - why should I join Masters Swimming?

Many triathletes, including the world-class Jarrod Shoemaker, Gwen Jorgensen and Sara McLarty, join USMS programs because training with swimmers is the best way to improve the swim portion of the tri. Masters coaches also provide technique instruction and interval training with a group.

Master Swim Schedule

  • Monday & Wednesday 12-1pm - Coach David Hershman
  • Tuesday through Friday 5:30-6:30am Coach Todd Shillington
  • Tuesday through Thursday 6-7pm Coach Todd Shillington
  • Saturday 7:15-8:30am Coach Mark Hontas