Alligator Aquatics teens compete in national swim meet

Two teens from the Alligator Aquatics Swim Team in Arlington Heights competed in August in the 2017 Speedo Junior National Championships.

Michael Balcerak and Michael Petro, both 17-year-old Arlington Heights residents, competed at the national event in New York City Aug. 8-12.

Petro competed in the 200 meter individual medley and 100 meter butterfly events, placing 71st and 68th, respectively. He also took part in a 400 meter individual medley.

Balcerak competed in the 200 meter butterfly and 100 and 200 meter freestyle, placing 49th, 40th and 71st, respectively.

"The meet was very fast. The guys there were insane," Balcerak said via text message. "I was blown away by them, and I felt like a small fish in a big tank."

The junior national meet is one of the most competitive in the nation, with often less than 100 swimmers from the entire country qualifying for an event.

And, in spite of what both characterized as mediocre performances, it was an unforgettable occasion for the swimmers.

"I didn't do well, but the overall experience was cool," Petro said via text.

The teens are known as formidable competitors in the Northwest suburbs. Petro is a team captain of the Hersey High School swim and dive team and a state silver medalist in the 200 IM and 100 fly. Balcerak is a member of the Saint Viator High School varsity swim team and a first- and third-place state medalist in the 100 and 200 freestyle. Both hold all-American status for their times.

Balcerak and Petro have been Alligator Aquatics swim team members for several years.