It was expected and unexpected at the same time.

On one hand, swimmers from all over the state - from Troy to Billings - lined the pool at Montana State University's Hosaeus Fitness Center on Saturday, chanting and clapping and cheering.

As several Bozeman Barracuda swimmers added their voices, Michelle Sobek's unmistakable pitch rang out: "Go! Go! Go!" every few seconds in a rhythmic beat.

When the action stopped, coach Sobek and her team gave a round of "great job" compliments to their swimmer - who happened to be 28-year-old Jade Sobek, Michelle's husband, the Bozeman club team's head swim coach.

Jade swam next to 21-year-old MSU exchange student Jun Shimada on one side and 51-year-old Missoulian Craig Jourdonnais on the other.

That is where the other hand comes in. The hand of 66-year-old Bozemanite Eric Livers, of 26-year-old MSU student Katie Boyce or 88-year-old Helena resident Charlotte Sanddal.

That hand shakes yours and says initially what Livers says later: "Welcome to the Montana Masters state swimming championships."

It's an annual event, which continues through Sunday, one that brings an eclectic group together. Masters swimming is for ages 18 and up, so it's like voting rights.

Like an election, there is some seriousness to it and people do watch themselves, the clock or competitors.

But like a Super Bowl get-together, it's most about enjoying the company of friends and acquaintances.

"It's a little more sociable than other events. Everybody's here to have a good time," Jade Sobek said. "We get up on the blocks to race and do what we can. Some people are more serious about it, some people are like, ‘Oh, I finished, I'm happy with that.'"

"Absolutely it's all about fun," added 38-year-old Bozeman Masters board of directors member Bryce Scala. "A lot of us swam competitively growing up, maybe through college. Some people haven't. It's a good way to get everybody together, have a meet but really have fun."

Scala started swimming when he was 13, while Sanddal waited a little longer to get into the pool on a regular basis.

She first was introduced to a swim routine in 1992 by a friend, Flora Wong.

"I've been swimming just to keep in condition," she said. "It's wonderful camaraderie."

It's also a road trip waiting to happen: Sanddal has been to Sandpoint, Idaho; Wenatchee, Wash.; and Coeur D'Alene, Idaho in the last year for swim meets.

"My times are not that good," she said, chuckling. "But you know, when you outlive everybody..."

While Sanddal is "amazed" with the abilities of her younger counterparts - no matter how young, she noted - Scala said Sanddal's effort "shows people it is a lifelong sport. Anyone can do it, any level."

It's all about personal gain, Livers noted.

"A new group of friends, a personal exercise regimen, goals to work for and that feeling of accomplishment," he said. "That's what I like about being a part of this."

Livers said three types of people usually join the Masters programs: those seeking general exercise, triathletes who use it as a workout and heavy-duty swimmers who compete on a national level.

"It definitely helps," said Boyce, who participates in triathlons.

"Just getting your cardiovascular system in shape that way will help you, even if you are just doing laps," she added. "You just have to get your lungs and muscles in shape, muscle-memory, you know."

Plus, as an ex-high school swimmer, "I love to compete," she noted.

The company is pretty fun to be around as well.

"Most of them are older and they talk about kids or grandkids and hip replacements," Boyce laughed, "but they're a lot of fun. I really like hanging out with these guys."

Gidal Kaiser can be reached at gkaiser@dailychronicle.com or 582-2670.

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