Capt. Ransom J. Arthur M.D. Award
| Recipient: | Kris Wingenroth |
| Year: | 2024 |
| LMSC: | Gulf |
Kris joined USMS in 1979 at the age of 25. A mere three years later her volunteer contributions began when she became the primary author of the GULF LMSC Bylaws in 1982. This initial involvement led to 40+ years of service and contributions to USMS on many levels.
In her LMSC, Kris held the Gulf LMSC’s Secretary, Registrar, Treasurer, Sanctions Vice Chair, and Chair positions. She began coaching masters swimmers in 1987, eventually reaching USMS Level 3. Her coaching led to her serving as the Director for numerous pool and open water events, including South Central Zone championship meets and Texas Senior Games. Kris also became a certified official to help at local meets. She was elected the South Central’s Zone Chair in 1988 and a few years later wrote the first South Central Zone Championship Meet Handbook. She created the Gulf LMSC Policies in 2002 and initiated funding for the professional development of Gulf coaches and officials. She also initiated the creation of the Gulf Code of Conduct declaration. In 2023 Kris received her Adult Learn to Swim (ALTS) certification and played an integral role in the implementation of the Gulf LMSC’s “team incentive program”.
Amazingly, Kris found time to volunteer on the national level as well. Since 1985, she served on numerous USMS committees including Finance, Marketing, Zone, and Legislation. Her longest tenure of service was on the USMS Rules committee where she joined the committee in 1994 and served in the Vice Chair and Secretary positions. Additionally, Kris was a member of national Task Forces including the Ad Hoc Professional Management Committee (1999-2000) and most recently the Elections Modernization Task Force. She was still a member when she received this award. She was elected to her zone’s At-Large Director position on the USMS Board of Directors in 2021 and served for four years.
Active in all facets of Masters Swimming as a competitor, coach, official, and volunteer on the LMSC, Zone, and National level, Kris showed no signs of slowing down. Her decades of expertise and service were essential to her LMSC, and they continued to heavily rely on her for guidance.