The TOPS YMCA swim team hosted over 800 swimmers from Oak Park, River Forest and the Chicagoland area at the University of Illinois Chicago (Jan. 31-Feb. 2). Featuring several of Illinois’ elite swim clubs and swimmers, this year’s meet was particularly competitive.
For Oak Park-based TOPS, the 12-and-under boys flourished in the pool, sweeping all of the relays. Alex Pedraza, Will Raidt, John Rotatori, Thomas Rotatori, Frank Tirone and Connor Sorg all qualified for 2014 Illinois Age Group States. Alex Gill and Rory Aspin rounded out TOPS’ state qualifiers, where they look to have another strong showing this season.
“TOPS has a great group of younger swimmers,” Head Age Group coach Gunnar Schmidt said. “They encourage and push each other every day at practice. They exemplify TOPS.”
TOPS will look to defend its YMCA Town and Country Championships on March 2.
TOPS, the premier swim club in Oak Park, offers swim instruction for swimmers ages 5-18 of all different skill levels. Practices are held at the West Cook YMCA and Oak Park-River Forest High School. The mission of TOPS is positive youth development through the sport of swimming. For more information, visit www.topswim.org.
(Courtesy of Sue Ryba)
