As team coordinator for the Nashua workout group of the Granite State Penguins, Chris Landry knows his way around a team and a pool deck. Landry, who helped found the GPS workout group at the Nashua Boys and Girls Club more than 20 years ago, has been instrumental in keeping the team running ever since. With steadfast dedication, Landry provides affordable access to Masters Swimming in Nashua.
The laundry list of tasks Landry cheerfully completes to keep the group in fine fettle is nearly endless:
He handles all of the financial and membership logistics to keep the group in good stead at the Boys and Girls Club.
He fields new swimmer inquiries and manages team communications regarding pool closures and inclement weather.
He coordinates 1-Hour swim events in January, including securing pool time, arranging counters, and sending results to USMS.
He raised money for new starting blocks and installed them himself!
He fixes the lane lines and arrives early before each practice to put them in. He stays after each workout to tidy and lock up the facility.
After a long COVID-19 closure, Landry worked closely with the administration at the Boys and Girls Club to develop safe back-to-swimming protocols for the team.
He writes workouts and pulls guard duty when there’s no other coach available. He’s also developed an online sign-up system to share that duty across members to fulfill the group’s requirement to have a guard on deck during each workout.
He organizes the GSP annual holiday breakfast.
Most importantly, he’s a positive, consistent presence at workouts and a staple of Lane 3.
Landry does all of this quietly, without seeking the spotlight. While he may not be well known outside of the GSP workout group, he’s absolutely critical to the program’s survival. Quite simply, without Landry, there would be no GSP workout group in Nashua and hundreds of swimmers who have been able to swim and train would have missed out, including all-star swimmers like Beth Estel Hillman.
Although Chris doesn't typically compete, he enjoys a good workout and worked hard to make the cutoff times for the Masters World Championship in Montreal in 2014. His commitment, drive, and determination encouraged other GSP swimmers to attend that and many other high-level competitions; he consistently pushes his teammates to become the best swimmers they can be.
One teammate notes that “Chris is supportive of every swimmer he sees at practice. He creates a positive environment and makes everyone feel welcome. He basically holds the whole group together. Personally, I am thankful for all of his efforts and support to make sure we have continued access to this pool.”