The 1949 season was marked by demonstration competitions and guest events. During that summer, a promotional swimming meet was held at the improvised swimming area in Novi Bečej, featuring swimmers from Zrenjanin, Stari Bečej, and Novi Bečej. The results were not officially recorded—the events were purely exhibition, focused on winning individual disciplines and announcing the best competitors.
Unofficially, Laza Stojšić from Stari Bečej was recognized as the most successful participant, marking the beginning of his accomplished water polo career. Drugarica Drobnjak from Zrenjanin was named the most beautiful swimmer of the event. The audience turnout was excellent.
Visit to Stari Bečej (1950)
In 1950, our team visited Stari Bečej, where a 50-meter swimming course was set up along the canal. To us, it felt “as big as the sea.” Unaccustomed to long distances, we struggled in every discipline and failed to secure a single victory. This year marked the beginning of the Stojšić brothers’ era in our swimming and water polo development.
The Rematch with “Proleter” (1951)
In late summer 1951, Braša organized a rematch with “Proleter,” originally planned for the previous year. The trip to Zrenjanin was reminiscent of the 1949 journey to Senta, only this time it was by land.
Transportation was arranged using a trophy Russian truck—ZIS. The road was nearly nonexistent, yet the ZIS pushed forward persistently. The weather was extremely hot, causing the truck to overheat twice. Fortunately, the driver knew his “steed” well and had two buckets of water ready. The problem was quickly resolved.
The truck had another flaw—its tires were extremely old, “as if they had come straight from Stalingrad.” Near Elemir, the right rear tire burst. There was no spare, but Braša suggested using a pokrovac (horse blanket) as a replacement for the inner tube. The driver agreed, and thanks to this improvisation, we finally reached Zrenjanin.
About the Pokrovac
A pokrovac is a traditional horse blanket made by rope-makers from hemp fibers. After being repeatedly washed in the Tisa River and sun-dried throughout the summer, it becomes white as linen and soft as cotton. The blanket in question was woven by my grandfather and bleached by my mother. In our household, it served as a blanket for people.
Unfortunately, after the trip, only the hemp fibers remained. According to my brother, the pokrovac stayed in Zrenjanin, used by mechanics to wipe grease from their hands. I felt deeply hurt by this loss, and I carried that sentiment throughout my life.
A Great Victory in Zrenjanin
We arrived in Zrenjanin with a slight delay. While we played water polo, the driver managed to find a proper inner tube, allowing us to return home safely.
The scheduled match resulted in a triumphant victory for “Jedinstvo” over “Proleter.” Novi Bečej’s players were superior in all aspects of play, reflected in the final score: 11:2 for „Jedinstvo“. The best player of the match was S. Ivanić, who scored an impressive seven goals.
Although “Proleter” played with its best lineup, the match likely appeared to the untrained eye as a scrimmage between fathers and their children. The victory was received in Zrenjanin with melancholy and disappointment, without congratulating the winners, while in Novi Bečej it was accepted with indifference—people had already grown accustomed to our frequent victories that summer, both at home and away.
Development of New Swimming Clubs in Banat
As part of major national efforts to popularize physical culture, the Zrenjanin Swimming Sub-Association began forming new swimming clubs across Banat. That year, new clubs were founded in:
- Kikinda
- Novi Kneževac
- Novi Bečej
- Zrenjanin
- Klek
- Banatski Despotovac
- Bela Crkva
- Pančevo
- Kovin
These clubs belonged to the lowest tier of national competitions and were organizationally linked to the Zrenjanin Sub-Association, which formed the Banat Sub-League, divided into northern and southern groups.
Northern Group:
- “Radnički” (Kikinda)
- “Tehnika” (Novi Kneževac)
- “Polet” (Novi Bečej)
- “Kristal” (Zrenjanin)
- “Student” (Zrenjanin)
- STV “Partizan” (Klek)
Southern Group:
- STV “Partizan” (Banatski Despotovac)
- “Jezero” (Bela Crkva)
- “Dinamo” (Pančevo)
- “Radnički” (Kovin)
Absolute Dominance (1951–1953)
Competitions in the northern part of the league began in 1951. Although six clubs were registered, only three participated: “Radnički” (Kikinda), “Tehnika” (Kneževac), and “Polet” (Novi Bečej).
Though official reports were not preserved, it is known that in 1951, 1952, and 1953 we were absolute champions of the northern league.
We held records in:
- 200 m breaststroke – S. Ivanić
- 100 m butterfly – S. Ivanić
- 50 m freestyle (women) – N. Vukčević
- 4 × 50 m medley relay – B. Vojnov, A. Marčić, S. Ivanić, Z. Tolmačev
We were also undefeated champions in water polo.
Sub-Association Championships (1952 & 1953)
1952 – Kikinda
- “Dinamo” (Pančevo)
- “Radnički” (Kovin)
- “Proleter 2” (Zrenjanin)
- “Polet” (Novi Bečej)
- “Kristal” (Zrenjanin)
- “Radnički” (Kikinda)
1953 – Kikinda
- “Kristal” (Zrenjanin)
- “Jedinstvo” (Novi Bečej)
- “Radnički” (Kikinda)
- “Tehnika” (Novi Kneževac)
Team Changes and the Rise of a New Generation (1953–1955)
After the summer of 1953, the team began to lose players due to mandatory military service. B. Vojnov left first, followed by M. Marić and V. Davidović, and in autumn 1955 also S. Ivanić.
This marked a turning point and the arrival of a new generation. It was also the period when organized swimming development ceased, while water polo continued to be practiced, with the exception of 1977 and 1978. During this period, a significant decision was made to move water polo activities to “Banja.”
Competitions During Military Service (1955)
During their time in the Yugoslav Navy and Army, the mentioned athletes continued to train as much as possible.
- B. Vojnov trained and competed in Meljine.
- S. Ivanić continued his training in Pula.
At the 1955 Yugoslav Navy Championship in Herceg Novi, both participated, though for different teams.
- Vojnov finished 2nd in 100 m backstroke, and his water polo team also placed second.
- Ivanić, whose specialty was butterfly stroke, was forced to compete in 200 m breaststroke due to the lack of a butterfly event. He placed 2nd, while his water polo team—coached and led by him—won 1st place.
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