Second Alligator swimmer earns shot at Olympic berth

Just last summer, the Arlington Alligators Swim Club drew a representative from USA Swimming to give a weeklong clinic for its swimmers and coaches.

Bob Steele serves as director of athlete and coach development at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. At the time, he said he visits clubs around the country with world-ranked, underclassman high school swimmers.

It turns out, his hunch was right. The Alligators just had their second swimmer, Prospect High School junior Julia Andracki of Arlington Heights, qualify for the Olympic Time Trials, opening June 30 in Omaha.

Andracki, 17, earned a bronze medal at the National Club Swimming Association's Junior Nationals, held in March in Orlando. She placed third in the championship finals of the 100-meter breaststroke, making the Olympic Time Trials cut.

In doing so, she joins Alligator teammate Sam Wilcher of Arlington Heights, who currently is ranked No. 1 in the country in his age group in 100-meter butterfly by USA Swimming.

Wilcher came up through the ranks with the Alligators, while attending Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights.

He now swims at Purdue University, where he is a sophomore, but returns to train with the Alligators during the summer.

Both swimmers train under head Alligator coach Mary Ruffin, who is assisted by Adam Clementi, another age group coach.

"This is a very, very high level of swimming that takes a huge amount of dedication, that extends beyond what they do in the pool," Clementi says. "It's a complete life commitment."

Ruffin says the team support from the Alligators has made a difference for them.

"They credit their success to a lot of team spirit and a lot of team support," Ruffin adds. "They wouldn't be where they are without the team support that they've had."

Sara Zimmermann of Arlington Heights serves as president of the private swim club, which trains at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights during indoor season, and at the Plum Grove Club in Rolling Meadows during the summer.

"We're thrilled to have two swimmers advance," Zimmermann says. "How often does anyone from this area compete in the Olympic Trials?"