For most Masters swimmers in New England over the past 20-plus years, the name “Big Al” Prescott is synonymous with service. The long-time volunteer and ardent swimmer joined the New England LMSC Board of Directors as Fitness Chair in 2002, a new role he designed to encourage fitness swimmers and those new to swimming to engage with their local Masters groups. In 2007, he was elected Board Chair and in 2011, he became Treasurer, a position he held until 2021.

Prescott made big improvements to the NELMSC during his tenure. In 2009, he created the NELMSC Hall of Fame and added an accompanying board seat in 2011. He also helped revamp the NELMSC website and bylaws and created the Immediate Past Chair board seat. He worked closely with Ed Gendreau to develop the NELMSC records database and helped establish an annual NELMSC SCM Championship meet at Boston University. His promotional efforts helped grow the NELMSC SCY Championship at Harvard University into one of the biggest Masters meets in the country.

At the local level, Prescott has long been involved with New England Masters Swim Club (NEM), serving on the board for eight years and several as VP of Communications. He was also an important player in Minuteman Masters (NEM-MAMA), one of the largest workout groups in New England in the early 2000s and into the 2010s.

At the national level, Prescott has been a member since at least 2000 and attended the USMS House of Delegates 2003 to 2005 and 2008 to 2011.

A delightful writer with a keen eye for wit, Prescott has also contributed many articles and insights to NEM News, the club’s widely read newsletter. In particular his relatable, monthly column “The Non-Elite Swimmer” offered laughs, tips, and motivation for readers all across New England for several years.